CELPIP Guide
Everything you need to know about CELPIP
From exam overview to skill-by-skill breakdowns and top tips for scoring a 10.
What's CELPIP?
A complete overview of the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program — who it is for, how it is scored, and why it matters for your Canadian journey.
Evaluated skills
CELPIP measures four core English skills. Learn what each one assesses, how long it takes, and how scores are calculated.
How to take the exam?
A step-by-step guide to registering for CELPIP, what to bring on test day, and what to expect during the exam.
Reading skill and its tasks
CELPIP Reading tests you on four types of text: correspondence, visual documents, informational articles, and opinion passages. Learn what each part asks and how to approach it.
Speaking skill and its tasks
CELPIP Speaking has 8 tasks that simulate real Canadian conversations. Learn what each task asks, how much time you get, and what examiners look for.
Writing skill and its tasks
CELPIP Writing has two tasks: an email and a survey response. Learn the format, scoring criteria, and strategies for each.
Listening skill and its tasks
CELPIP Listening has 6 parts covering conversations, news items, and viewpoints discussions. Learn what each part tests and how to maximize your score.
Tips to get a 10 in CELPIP
Practical, skill-specific strategies to reach CLB 10 — from how to study efficiently to what to do in the final minutes of each section.
Part 1. Reading Correspondence
A personal message and a reply with blanks. Your job: get the point and complete the reply so it makes sense.
Part 2. Reading to Apply a Diagram
A diagram (schedule, map, flyer) plus an email. You connect the visual info with the text.
Part 3. Reading for Information
A multi-paragraph informational text. You identify main ideas and supporting details.
Part 4. Reading for Viewpoints
An opinion article and a reader comment with blanks. You tell viewpoints and nuance apart.
Task 1. Giving Advice
Someone has a problem. You give clear, convincing advice.
Task 2. Talking About a Personal Experience
Tell a real, personal story with a beginning, middle and end.
Task 3. Describing a Scene
You see an image and describe it in detail for someone who can't see it.
Task 4. Making Predictions
From the same scene, you predict what will happen next.
Task 5. Comparing and Persuading
You choose between two options and convince someone of your choice.
Task 6. Dealing With a Difficult Situation
An awkward scenario with two ways out. You pick one and explain it with tact.
Task 7. Expressing Opinions
You state your stance on a topic and defend it with arguments.
Task 8. Describing an Unusual Situation
You see something odd or unexpected and explain it to get help or clarify.