CELPIP General Test Format

Exactly what is in the test, how long each part takes, and how it is scored.

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The four skills

CELPIP General is a fully computer-delivered test of everyday English with four parts. Each skill is scored separately on the 1-12 CELPIP scale, which maps 1:1 to CLB.

SkillPartsQuestionsTime
Listening6~3846-55 min
Reading4~3843-56 min
Writing2 tasksEmail + survey53 min
Speaking8 tasksRecorded15 min

Listening

Six parts of about 38 questions in total. You read the answer choices on screen while you listen; each recording plays once. Accents are Canadian and North American.

Reading

Four parts of about 38 questions covering comprehension, connecting information, and understanding viewpoints in everyday texts such as emails, news and forms.

Writing

Two tasks in 53 minutes: Task 1 write an email and Task 2 respond to a survey question. Both are scored on the 1-12 scale.

Speaking

Eight tasks recorded with your microphone in 15 minutes — opinions, advice, comparisons, and describing experiences. No live examiner.

How scoring works

Every skill is reported as a level from 1 to 12. There is no pass/fail; your levels are what IRCC (and DHA) read as CLB. Our free practice shows a 1-12 estimate for Writing and Speaking using AI scoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the CELPIP test?

About three hours in total across Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

How many questions are in CELPIP?

Around 38 in Listening and 38 in Reading, plus 2 Writing tasks and 8 Speaking tasks.

Is CELPIP on computer or paper?

CELPIP General is fully computer-delivered; you type your writing and record speaking with a microphone.

How is CELPIP scored?

Each skill is scored 1-12 and maps 1:1 to CLB.

Can I take breaks during CELPIP?

Short breaks may be available between sections at the test centre; rules vary by location, so check with your venue.

PrepSettle is an independent practice site. Score requirements and recognition rules change — always confirm the current details on the official sources linked below (celpip.ca, canada.ca, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before you book a test.