CELPIP is a general English language proficiency test recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for applications related to permanent residence and Canadian citizenship. In this article, we will look at CELPIP scores and how they are reported.
Must Know Facts About CELPIP
1. Is CELPIP Better than IELTS?
Both CELPIP and IELTS can be used for Canadian immigration purposes when you take the version required by IRCC. For Express Entry, IRCC accepts the CELPIP-General Test and the IELTS General Training option, as well as PTE Core. CELPIP is computer-delivered. IELTS delivery options vary by location and are transitioning toward computer delivery, so check the current options available at your chosen test center. The best choice depends on the test format, location, availability, and fee that suit you.
2. What is the Perfect CELPIP Score?
The highest CELPIP score for an individual component is 12. CELPIP scores are currently reported in bands from 0 to 12. CELPIP levels 0, 1, and 2 were previously reported as “M.” There is no universal CELPIP passing score: the score you need depends on the purpose of your application.
The latest official CELPIP annual report available at the time of writing covers 2024 test takers. Among CELPIP-General test takers in that report, 6.5% received a band score of 12 in Listening, 2.5% in Reading, 4.5% in Speaking, and 6.2% in Writing.
CELPIP reports each component score separately. CELPIP-General score reports also include an average score, but CELPIP states that this average is not equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level and is not relevant for IRCC purposes.
3. What CELPIP Score is Needed for Citizenship?
Applicants do not always need to take CELPIP-General LS specifically. IRCC accepts several types of language proof for citizenship, including CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS results. If you are between 18 and 54 years old when you sign your citizenship application, you must show adequate speaking and listening skills in English or French at CLB or NCLC Level 4 or higher.
For CELPIP-General or CELPIP-General LS, IRCC accepts a score of 4 or higher in listening and speaking for citizenship applications.
CELPIP Level 4 is described as adequate proficiency for daily life activities.
4. How Can I Check My CELPIP Score?
CELPIP scores are available online through your CELPIP Account in 2–4 business days after your test date. You will receive an email notification once your scores are available. Your CELPIP Official Score Report can be downloaded as a PDF once the scores have been posted. Your scores can be accessed and viewed online in your account for two years from your test date.
5. How Long Does it Take to Get my CELPIP Score?
CELPIP currently states that scores are available online in 2–4 business days after your test date. Business days do not include weekends or holidays.
Hard-copy score reports have been discontinued. Once your scores are posted, you can download your CELPIP Official Score Report as a PDF through your account. The current CELPIP results page does not list a separate Express Rating option.
6. What is the Minimum CELPIP Score Required for a Permanent Residence in Canada?
For permanent residence applications that require an approved English-language test, CELPIP-General is the CELPIP version to use. IRCC also accepts other approved language tests for Express Entry, including IELTS General Training and PTE Core.
There is no single CELPIP minimum score for all permanent residence applicants, and the requirement is not based on whether English is an official language in your country. The required score depends on the immigration program and, in some cases, your job classification. For Express Entry, the Canadian Experience Class requires CLB 7 for jobs in NOC TEER 0 or 1 and CLB 5 for jobs in TEER 2 or 3. The Federal Skilled Worker Program requires CLB 7 in all four abilities for the first official language. The Federal Skilled Trades Program requires CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
For Express Entry, language test results must be less than two years old when you complete your profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence. CELPIP also states that its scores are valid for two years from the date your score report is issued.
7. Can I Have My CELPIP Score Reevaluated?
Test takers who have taken the CELPIP-General Test can apply for a reevaluation of some or all components within six months of the test date. A fee must be paid when you apply, and the amount depends on the components selected.
CELPIP states that reevaluation requests are final sale and cannot be canceled once submitted. CELPIP also notes that a Listening or Reading score change is unlikely because those components are computer-rated. Check the refund conditions displayed in your account before submitting a request.
Reevaluation results are usually available approximately one to two weeks after you submit your application and payment. Each component can be reevaluated only once.
It is vital to understand the CELPIP Score system to help you prepare for the language exam and improve your chances of studying or living in Canada. You must have the necessary language skills to attend classes and participate in other activities. The CELPIP exam is computer-delivered, and its scores are generally available online within 2–4 business days. Be sure to start your exam preparation well in advance and research other opportunities to help you live and study in Canada with ease.
We hope that this article on CELPIP scores was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
