IELTS or CELPIP: Which test is best for study, work and migration?

Overview
IELTS vs CELPIP: Know the Difference
Key Test Components: CELPIP vs IELTS
CELPIP vs IELTS: How Each Section is Different?
CELPIP vs IELTS Score Chart
Is CELPIP Easier than IELTS?
Conclusion
FAQs

Overview

Are you also planning to take an English Proficiency Test but need to know which is the most appropriate according to your objectives? Then, this blog might be useful for you.

You must be aware that clearing the competitive exam with a good score is vital because it is a significant part of the application process if you are planning to study abroad. To study in Canada, there are two mandatory tests, i.e., the CELPIP full form is the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, and the IELTS full form is the International English Language Testing System.

However, the critical distinction between IELTS and CELPIP is that IELTS is a global-level exam, whereas CELPIP is explicitly designed to work or study and get permanent residence in Canada. In this regard, the blog will clearly distinguish between IELTS vs CELPIP, its advantages and disadvantages, and other related information.

IELTS vs CELPIP: Know the Difference

CELPIP vs IELTS: Both tests are approved and accepted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). The final score is compared to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), which outlines national language requirements for recognising a second language.

Here is a comparison shown between both tests in the table below:

IELTS	CELPIP
Four categories of linguistic skills are analysed here, i.e., listening, speaking, reading and writing sections.	The General LS version of this test solely examines listening and speaking abilities.
IELTS can be utilised for various visa applications, including study, work, and permanent residency visas.	CELPIP is only meant for permanent residency and citizenship visas.
There are two variations. The first is IELTS General Training, while the second is IELTS Academic.	There are two variations available: CELPIP General and CELPIP General LS.
Score Breakdown: Listening – 30 minutes; 4 components, a total of 40 questions Reading: 60 minutes; 3 components, 40 questions Speaking – 11-14 minutes; 3 components: Introduction, Individual Speech and Two-Way Discussion Writing – 60 minutes; 2 components: Writing a Letter and Responding to a Point of View, Argument or Problem	Score Breakdown: Listening -47-55 minutes; 7 components, a total of 40-46 questions (40 scored) Reading – 55-60 minutes; 4 components, 38-45 questions (38 scored) Speaking – 15-20 minutes; 8 components, a total of 8 short-answer questions Writing – 53-60 minutes; 2 components: Writing an Email and Responding to Survey Questions

Key Test Components: CELPIP vs IELTS

The table below shows the critical distinction between the test components. Look carefully down the table to know the difference.

	CELPIP	IELTS
Score breakdown	A score of 1 to 12 for each section, calibrated against the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels	A score of 1 to 9 for each section; can score whole (e.g., 6.0, 7.0) or half (e.g., 6.5, 7.5) bands
Listening	47-55 minutes; 7 components, a total of 40-46 questions (40 scored)	30 minutes; 4 components, a total of 40 questions
Reading	55-60 minutes; 4 components, 38-45 questions (38 scored)	60 minutes; 3 components, 40 questions
Writing	53-60 minutes; 2 components: Writing an Email and Responding to Survey Questions	60 minutes; 2 components: Writing a Letter and Responding to a Point of View, Argument or Problem
Speaking	15-20 minutes; 8 components, a total of 8 short-answer questions	11-14 minutes; 3 components: Introduction, Individual Speech and Two-Way Discussion
Details	The test times include the transition times between the test components Computer-based test	The test times exclude the transition times between the test components Paper-based test

CELPIP vs IELTS: How Each Section is Different?

This section is about how each section of the tests differs from the others.

IELTS vs CELPIP Speaking Section

First, decide if you want an examiner who will administer your oral test or want to take up the exam using a computer. Some people enjoy presenting in front of others, while others are more self-conscious and would prefer to communicate with a computer. There are 8 speaking tasks in the CELPIP exam in general and the LS (Listening and Speaking abilities) test. You are marked based on the following:

Completing the test
Good vocabulary
Fluent Content
Listening Ability

The IELTS exam has two categories: General and Academic tests. You have to speak in front of the invigilator, and the speaking section is categorised into three parts:

Overview
Presentation
Conversational round

IELTS vs CELPIP Reading Section

If you read books online, the CELPIP computer-based test is easy. You have to read the questions and answer them consecutively. The questions are multiple-choice and can be completed within the given time. You must select the option that fulfils your needs. To get the correct answer, you must first thoroughly understand the question.

IELTS General and Academic Reading feature distinct reading texts. This component requires the ability to spell and write clearly, as well as an understanding of how each question works.

IELTS vs CELPIP Writing Section

In terms of writing, it all depends on your comfort level. The CELPIP and IELTS computer-based assessments are ideal if you prefer writing on a computer. However, if you are comfortable using a pencil, the IELTS paper base is for you. The computer-based CELPIP and IELTS tests need two essays. In these essays, you should:

Finish the essays within the time limit.
Give a complete answer.
When composing your essay, make sure to follow the proper format.
Make coherent arguments.
Use grammatically correct sentences.
Maintain a courteous tone and vocabulary.

IELTS vs CELPIP Listening Section

CELPIP General and CELPIP LS contain the same 40 questions as the IELTS. In CELPIP, you would not be able to know or see the questions prior to the recording; hence, you will need an excellent memory to remember. Also, you must have the ability to make quick notes and answer the questions in a fixed time.

Know more about: - Why Should You Take the IELTS Exam?

Both the IELTS General and Academic examinations have 40 questions. Pre-listening questions are present here, which is an improvement over CELPIP. You have to understand the questions quickly because you need to write briefly while listening to the recording. Ensure the test centre you chose provides you with headphones to listen closely. Otherwise, some exam centres have a single sound source for all test takers.

CELPIP vs IELTS Score Chart

CELPIP and IELTS use the same score system to assess the English Proficiency of the test takers. The CELPIP scores are measured on a scale of 1 to 12 for all the skills(listening, speaking, reading, writing). This score is linked to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels, ranging from 1 to 12. Here is a table to show the CELPIP general test score equivalency:

CLB LEVEL	READING	WRITING	LISTENING	SPEAKING
10	10	10	10	10
9	9	9	9	9
8	8	8	8	8
7	7	7	7	7
6	6	6	6	6
5	5	5	5	5
4	4	4	4	4

The IELTS scoring system is expanded. The band score of each section ranges from 0 to 9. These band scores correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels. Here is a table to show the IELTS general test score equivalency.

CLB LEVEL	READING	WRITING	LISTENING	SPEAKING
10	8	7.5	8.5	7.5
9	7	7	8	7
8	6.5	6.5	7.5	6.5
7	6	6	6	6
6	5	5.5	5.5	5.5
5	4	5	5	5
4	3.5	4	4.5	4

Is CELPIP Easier than IELTS?

Now that you have adequate knowledge of both exams, let us delve into the question, “Which test is easier- CELPIP or IELTS”? None of the tests are accessible; however, some distinctions will make your choice more manageable.

CELPIP is the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Programme, and IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. These exams are intended to evaluate English proficiency; both are used for study, employment, and immigration, though the CELPIP has been specially designed to determine Canadian English. CELPIP is appropriate for candidates seeking Canadian permanent residence or citizenship.

CELPIP is more accessible than IELTS for reading and listening. If you take an immigration test, consider all the criteria before taking it. Before appearing for the test, consider all the options you can master in CELPIP or IELTS. Consider both your strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion

To sum up, both tests are equally relevant and can be used for your application. As far as there is a comparison of IELTS vs CELPIP, IELTS is a good option for aspirants looking for a paper-based exam, face-to-face interview round and applying outside of India. Also, CELPIP is a good choice for those who prefer computer-based exams. Whichever test you choose, prepare for it in advance so you appear well-prepared for the test.

So, if you are considering appearing for the IELTS exam and want to plan your test strategically, we recommend you sign up for our IELTS Courses designed by our experts. Please contact Prepare IELTS exam (PI) expert counsellors if you need further guidance. Our team of education experts is dedicated to assisting you in the best possible way for the IELTS exam. You can also get a one-on-one counselling session online via our platform. Contact us at info@prepareieltsexam.com or call us at +91 9773398388 for further queries.

FAQs

Both have the same level of difficulty. The CELPIP examination contains a longer speaking and listening component than the IELTS. Therefore, the IELTS exam is more likely to succeed if they are not your strong points. There is no apparent difference when we compare the difficulty of CELPIP and IELTS. Both tests are demanding, necessitating a high level of English and thorough preparation.

Both are equally difficult; however, you can pick between them based on the following criteria. The CELPIP test contains a longer speaking and listening component than the IELTS, so you will do better on the IELTS exam if these are not your strong points.

Both IELTS and CELPIP were designed to assess English language proficiency; the difficulty level is roughly the same in both tests.

We will make your scores available two years from the test date. However, the time your scores are considered valid by different institutions varies depending on their regulations. You can get this information from these institutions.

No, CELPIP does not carry more points than IELTS. CELPIP and IELTS use a scoring method to determine English language proficiency; however, the scales differ. CELPIP utilises a scale of 1 to 12, whereas IELTS has a band scale of 1 to 9. The scores received in each test are not directly comparable in points because they use various scoring systems.