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CELPIP General: Format, CLB Levels and How to Prepare for Canada PR

CELPIP-General is a computer-delivered English test built around Canadian English and everyday Canadian situations. According to IRCC, it is an approved English test for Express Entry. CELPIP levels match CLB levels one-to-one, so CELPIP 7 equals CLB 7. It tests Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, with speaking recorded on the computer.

Last updated: 28 September 2026 · Written by the PrepEve team

Used for

Canada PR (Express Entry) and other Canadian purposes

Delivery

On computer, in one sitting; speaking is recorded, not face-to-face

Components

Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking

Scores

CELPIP levels match CLB levels one-to-one

Validity for Express Entry

Results must be less than 2 years old

Is CELPIP accepted for Canada PR?

Yes. According to IRCC, CELPIP-General is one of the approved English tests for Express Entry, along with IELTS General Training and PTE Core. Results must be less than 2 years old.

Use CELPIP-General. CELPIP-General LS (Listening and Speaking only) is used for citizenship, not for Express Entry. For the full picture, read Canada PR language requirements.

How do CELPIP levels map to CLB?

Directly. Each CELPIP skill level equals the same CLB level: CELPIP 7 = CLB 7, CELPIP 9 = CLB 9. You don't need a conversion table.

CLB is judged per skill. Your lowest skill often decides whether you meet a program's minimum, so a balanced profile matters more than one very high score. Program minimums and points can change — check IRCC for your program.

What is the CELPIP-General format?

Four components, all on a computer, in one sitting. The content uses Canadian English and situations like work, community and daily life in Canada.

• Listening: conversations, news-style items and discussions, with questions on the screen.
• Reading: correspondence, diagrams, information texts and viewpoints.
• Writing: an email and a response to a survey-style question.
• Speaking: tasks such as giving advice, describing a scene, making predictions, comparing options and dealing with a difficult situation. You speak into a microphone and your answers are recorded.

Check the current task list and timings on celpip.ca before you practise.

How should you prepare for CELPIP?

Learn the task types, practise with Canadian contexts and rehearse on a computer under the real timer.

Listening

• Practise with Canadian accents and everyday topics.
• Take short notes on speakers' opinions and reasons.

Reading

• Practise scanning emails, notices and diagrams for specific details.
• Watch for answer options that are true but don't answer the question.

Writing

• Match the tone of the email to the reader: formal, semi-formal or friendly.
• Answer every point in the prompt and stay within the word range.

Speaking

• Practise speaking to a screen with a countdown; it feels different from talking to a person.
• Use a simple structure: main point, reason, example.
• Record yourself and check for long pauses and unfinished answers.

Frequently asked questions