Complete CELPIP Preparation Guide: A Detailed Overview of the CELPIP: IELTS Confidence, #2

Introduction

What is CELPIP

In this book, you will find a complete and detailed description of the CELPIP test. CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is an English language proficiency examination developed and administered by the government of Canada. It is equivalent to international exams such as IELTS and TOEFL and is suitable for applications for Canadian Permanent Residence, student and immigration visas, as well as licenses for certain professions.

Like other tests, CELPIP consists of four main modules that assess various aspects of language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. There are two types of CELPIP: General CELPIP, which includes all four modules, and CELPIP - General LS, which is suitable for citizenship applications and consists of only two modules, Listening and Speaking. Each module is scored on a scale from 1 to 12, while the final results are presented as levels of language proficiency (Level 1 - Beginner, Level 12 - Advanced). This scale is called CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks), which is the Canadian language standard. The minimum test level required for various programs is 4. If you score 3 or below (M - Minimal, which means from 0 to 2), you typically do not pass the test and need to retake it. The CELPIP certificate is valid for 2 years.

Distinctive Features of CELPIP

In general, CELPIP is similar to other international tests, however, it has several distinctive features:

•  The exam is exclusively computer-based, including the Speaking section. It does not have breaks and takes three hours.

•  CELPIP is a purely Canadian exam. It can only be taken if you are already in Canada. The test uses only the Canadian variant of the English language, Canadian accents, vocabulary, and Canadian everyday realities. All described situations are directly related to life in Canada.

•  The Writing module provides word count and spelling checks.

•  The test contains does not contain academic texts and vocabulary; the majority of topics are every day and informal.

•  In the Speaking module, you need to play roles according to the tasks.

•  There are few resources available for preparation, such as collections of practice tests.

The last point is the reason why I decided to write this CELPIP preparation guide. I hope it will help my students and all test takers.

What you will learn when you read this book:

•  The structure of each test module, question types, and answers with examples.

•  Optimal test-taking strategies for different levels of English proficiency.

•  Effective preparation strategies.

•  Where to find practice materials and how to use them.

•  How to manage stress and achieve the best results on the exam.

The book is divided into five chapters. Four of them correspond to the exam modules – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each chapter provides a general overview of the module, an analysis of all question types, preparation and test-taking strategies. Additionally, in the fifth chapter, you will find appendices with useful vocabulary for Writing and Speaking.

CELPIP Scores – How Many Points You Need for Each Level

Each CELPIP point represents a correct answer to a question. A certain number of points determines your CLB level. The table below will help you understand how many questions you need to answer correctly in Listening and Reading sections to achieve the required number of points. M means minimum, which corresponds to a score of 0 to 2.

The scores for the Listening and Reading modules are automatically calculated by the computer, while the Writing and Speaking modules are assessed by an examiner. Therefore, there is no single objective scale for them; only specific assessment criteria, which I will explain in the relevant chapters.

CELPIP Listening Score

CELPIP Reading Score

If you need to score 5 points in each section, in the Listening module, you should answer 17-23 questions correctly, and in the Reading module, you should answer 15-20 out of 38 questions correctly.

No points are awarded for unanswered questions, so even if you don't know the correct answer, it's worth trying to guess and select