CELPIP or IELTS– Help! How Do I Choose?

Will you be studying, working or migrating to Canada in the near future? If so, one of the basic requisites is an English language proficiency test. Most tests of this nature follow a standard pattern, wherein they assess the person’s acumen in four primary faculties: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.

You will have to spend a couple of hours at your designated test centre to complete them. If you score a high average on the test, this strengthens your migration/academic portfolio.

IELTS vs CELPIP

To prove how good a command you have on the English language, the government acknowledges the results from two types of tests; IELTS and CELPIP. Briefly, IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System while  CELPIP is Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. International English vs Canadian.

If you’re still trying to decide between a CELPIP or IELTS preparation, we can help clear things up. Below, we break down the essentials of each and recommend which works best for you.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

IELTS is primarily intended to meet work, study and migration requirements. Available in over 135 countries, the test incorporates both US and British vocabulary, spelling, and phrases. There are two types of tests that you can choose from – Academic IELTS and General Training IELTS. This internationally standardized scoring method doesn’t focus on passing or failing – i.e. there isn’t any minimum scoring threshold that you have to meet. However, the higher your score, the stronger your portfolio.

You can score anywhere between “band 1” which indicates that you are a novice at English to “band 9” which indicates that you have a high level of English proficiency. “Band 0” is reserved for those who did not attempt the questions on the exam.

The Government of Canada does not accept test results that are older than one year.

Academic IELTS

Test takers opt for this when they are applying to an academic institution for higher education in a country that predominantly speaks English. It assesses your ability to train or study at an institution in which the curriculum and instructional material is in English. It has immense popularity and is acknowledged by a wide range of institutions across Canada.

General Training IELTS

This test is intended for test takers who will be immigrating to an English-speaking country or for training programs, work or secondary education. It is used primarily for immigration purposes to the United Kingdom, America, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Different aspects of the test cover English knowledge required in professional and social environments.

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)

Much like IELTS, CELPIP also measures your English proficiency. The test results of which are recognized by certain educational institutions, organizations, governments, and the likes.

It assesses important language skills that are needed to acquire a citizenship status or a permanent resident status. Like its predecessor, it uses the US and British lexicon, syntax, and spelling.

Unlike IELTS, CELPIP scores test takers anywhere between 1 to 12 for each section. Also, it isn’t as widely available as IELTS and is only offered in Canada and a few other countries. It is also much a bit less expensive than IELTS.

There are two variants to the test.

CELPIP General Training

This is accepted by the Canadian government and is intended for those seeking a permanent residence card. CELPIP tests your functional English ability in Listening, Writing, Reading and Speaking.

CELPIP General LS

Accepted by the IRCC, it is intended for those who are seeking citizenship in Canada. It only has two aspects to it – Speaking and Listening.

We Help You Prepare for Your IELTS and CELPIP!

We use structured strategies to tutor you in English. Our staff incorporates the latest material that will appear on the actual test! Based on your learning profile, we provide help in those areas where you need it the most.