IELTS vs CELPIP

IELTS and CELPIP are both English tests that assess your capabilities to survive in an English-speaking university, workplace or country. While IELTS is a popular English test for studying abroad, CELPIP in Canada is important for PR and Citizenship status. How different are these tests from each other? Let’s know in this blog on IELTS vs CELPIP!

Download the Leverage Edu app- One app for all your study abroad needs!

About IELTS 

IELTS or the International English Language Testing System is taken by those residing in non-native English speaking countries who wish to study or work in English speaking countries. It is important as it is a requirement for visa applications and university applications. A good IELTS score will make you eligible for the top universities while with a low IELTS score, you have to settle with a lower-ranking university.

Study in Canada without IELTS!

About CELPIP

On the other hand, CELPIP or the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program is taken by those who mainly want Permanent Residence Status by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). It is handled by Paragon Testing Enterprises which is a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia. One of its variations is CELPIP LS which tests just the listening and speaking sections to aid Canadian Citizenship application to IRCC. 

Best PR Friendly Courses in Canada

Test Format 

Read the section below to understand the various test formats in which IELTS and CELPIP are structured.

IELTS Test Format

There are two types of IELTS tests- Academic and General Training. Academic is taken by students who wish to study abroad and General Training for those who wish to work and settle abroad. While the test questions might be different for both, the test format and sections on which a candidate is judged is the same. 

IELTS Sections	How it is tested?
Listening	MCQs, Diagram Labelling, Short Answers, Matching, Sentence Completion, etc
Academic Reading	MCQs, Identifying Information, Matching Headings and Features, Summary, Notes, etc
Academic Writing	Describe facts or processes provided in pictures and a 250-word essay
General Training Reading	MCQs, Identifying Information, Matching Headings and Features, Summary, Notes, etc
General Training Writing	Personal Response of 150 words and semi-formal write-up of 250 words
Speaking	Interview (11-14 minutes)

How to ace the IELTS Reading Section?

CELPIP Test Format

Similarly, even CELPIP tests are of two types- General and General LS. While in the General Test, Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking are assessed, in the General LS only Listening and Speaking are included. 

Celpip Sections	How it is tested?
Listening	Listen to passages and answer questions
Reading	Read passages and answer questions
Writing	Respond to questions with written answers
Speaking	Reply to on-screen prompts verbally

Uses 

Both IELTS and CELPIP have two different tests for different purposes of a candidate. Let’s have a look at all these uses or benefits of giving the tests. 

IELTS 

IELTS Academic Test	IELTS General Training Test
Study in English-speaking university abroad	Employment opportunities in an English-speaking country
Visa to study abroad	Applying for courses below the degree level
	Migrating to Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the UK

CELPIP

CELPIP General Test	CELPIP General LS
Proof of English Proficiency for Immigration to Canada	Citizenship Applications in Canada
For the Permanent Residence Application in Canada	Professional Designations in Canada
Professional Designations in Canada

Test Results 

Another way of comparing IELTS and CELPIP for better understanding is how these tests are scored and the interpretation that each band carries. 

IELTS 

IELTS Band Score	Level
9	Expert
8	Very Good
7	Good
6	Competent
5	Modest
4	Limited
3	Extremely Limited
2	Intermittent
1	Non-user
0	Did not attempt

CELPIP 

CELPIP Band Score	Level
12	Advanced Proficiency in workplaces and community contexts
11	Advanced Proficiency in workplaces and community contexts
10	Highly Effective Proficiency in workplaces and community contexts
9	Effective Proficiency in workplaces and community contexts
8	Good Proficiency in workplaces and community contexts
7	Adequate Proficiency in workplaces and community contexts
6	Developing Proficiency in workplaces and community contexts
5	Acquiring Proficiency in workplaces and community contexts
4	Adequate Proficiency- For daily activities
3	Limited Context Proficiency
M	Minimal Proficiency or Insufficient Information

Which one is easier from IELTS vs CELPIP?

IELTS is accepted universally and therefore IELTS coaches, courses and guides can be found easily. CELPIP study material is difficult to find in India although you can always try online. 

When it comes to giving exams, for IELTS every section is of a maximum of 1 hour each. However, the listening and speaking sections in CELPIP are considerably longer than that. 

IELTS or CELPIP, which is more expensive?

Before we know which is more expensive, we must keep in mind that the IELTS test is taken in 2 sittings on 2 different days while the CELPIP test is taken in just one sitting of 1-3 hours. The exam fees of both the tests are-

IELTS (2 days)	INR 14,700
CELPIP General Test (3 hours)	INR 16,687 + Taxes
CELPIP General LS (1 hour)	INR 11,621 + Taxes

Cost of Living Calculator 

Is IELTS better for international students than CELPIP?

When it comes to choosing from IELTS vs CELPIP for international students, IELTS is a better option. This is because IELTS is widely accepted by universities abroad while CELPIP is only accepted in Canada. Therefore, IELTS gives you a chance to explore more universities before making a decision while CELPIP restricts you to universities in Canada. 

While IELTS and CELPIP both have their benefits according to the need of the candidate, it is important that you consult an expert before you make a decision. When it comes to wanting an overseas education at top universities, IELTS definitely has an upper hand. Leverage Edu believes that every student should be given all the help to make them reach their dream university and therefore offers some of the most cost-saving and express IELTS courses. Sign up to reach your dream university in no time!