English Language Test is an assessment that measures your English proficiency and is a required component in the Canadian  citizenship application process. The purpose is to make sure you have adequate knowledge and fluency in English to communicate and integrate into Canadian society.

The most common English Language test used for citizenship in Canada, is the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program or CELPIP, which tests your listening, speaking, reading, and writing ability in  everyday situations and topics to assess your communication skills in practical contexts.

Types of English Language Tests

Popular English language tests accepted for citizenship in Canada are the CELPIP-General test and the IELTS General Training test.

IELTS – International English Language Testing System

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is recognized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the IELTS is accepted as proof of English language abilities for individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada.

There are two options for the IELTS test: Academic and General Training. The Academic option is for individuals going to university or entering a profession, and the General Training option is accepted for Express Entry.  More about the different types of citizenship programs

Note that only the General Training option of the IELTS is accepted for Express Entry. The Academic option and the One Skill Retake version of the IELTS General Training test are not accepted.

IELTS General Contents

The IELTS General Training test consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

1. Listening:

– This section includes four recorded conversations or monologues.

– The recordings cover various topics, including everyday situations, social interactions, and workplace discussions.

– There are 40 questions relating to each of the recordings, which you must answer while listening to the recordings.

2. Reading:

– The Reading section has three passages taken from books, magazines, advertisements, or newspapers.

– The passage topics are general.

– There are 40 questions in multiple-choice, matching, and True/False formats.

3. Writing:

– The Writing section has two tasks.

– Task 1 is writing a letter in response to a given situation or request. This task assesses the ability to provide general information and express needs, opinions, or complaints.

– Task 2 is an essay to present and justify an argument or discuss a given topic. This task evaluates the ability to provide logical arguments, organize ideas, and use appropriate language.

4. Speaking:

– The Speaking section is a three-part, face-to-face interview with an examiner.

– Part 1 is general questions about yourself, family, interests, and hobbies.

– Part 2 is speaking on a given topic for 1-2 minutes after one-minute preparation.

– Part 3 is a discussion related to the topic in Part 2, where you provide more detailed answers and express opinions.

CELPIP – Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program

The CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It assesses the English language abilities of test takers in everyday situations, such as conversations, travel journals, and work-related tasks.

The CELPIP test has two versions: CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS (Listening and Speaking). The General test evaluates reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities, while the General LS test assesses only listening and speaking skills. Both versions are fully computerized tests.

One advantage of CELPIP is its recognition of Canadian accents. d and communicate effectively in different accents. This makes CELPIP a reliable and relevant measure of language proficiency for those wishing to become Canadian citizens or immigrate to Canada.

Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)

The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) system is used to assess English language abilities.  For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, a CLB level of 7 in all four language abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) is needed, while the Canadian Experience Class requires CLB level 5.

Alternatively, you can include proof of completion of a Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) course or a provincially-funded language training course at CLB level 4 or higher in their application. This demonstrates language abilities and helps fulfill the language requirements for citizenship.

CELPIP and CLB

The scores on the CELPIP and the CLB as follows:

1. CLB 4: A CELPIP score of 4 in each of the four components (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing).

2. CLB 5: A CELPIP score of 5 in each of the four components.

3. CLB 6: A CELPIP score of 6 in each of the four components.

4. CLB 7: A CELPIP score of 7 in each of the four components.

5. CLB 8: A CELPIP score of 8 in each of the four components.

6. CLB 9: A CELPIP score of 9 in each of the four components.

7. CLB 10: A CELPIP score of 10 in each of the four components.

CELPIP Practice

IELTS and the CLB

The IELTS scores and the CLB are not directly equivalent.

IELTS scores are measured from 1 to 9, with 9 the highest. CLB scores are from 1 to 12, with 12 being the highest.

There is no direct conversion between the two, but they can be used as a general indication of CLB levels. For example, an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 is often considered equivalent to a CLB level 7.

These equivalencies vary and it is recommended that you consult the official guidelines for accurate and up to date information. More about the IELTS Test

Acceptable Proofs of Ability to Speak, Read, Write and Listen in English or French

Acceptable proof includes test results from a third-party language test, equivalent to at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 4.

Other forms of proof include, transcripts or certificates from an English or French secondary or post-secondary school program or completion of a speaking and listening course at level CLB/NCLC 4 is also acceptable.