IELTS vs. Celpip for Study in Canada: Which is Better for Indian Students?

If you are an Indian student and want to study in Canada, you should consider standardized tests such as IELTS and CELPIP that you should take in conjunction with one of the application requirements for your study permit.

However, choosing between IELTS and CELPIP can be confusing, especially given their differences in format, scoring, and acceptance. But that should not worry you, because you will find out everything you need right in the text.

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a popular global standardized English test, widely accepted by 10,000 organizations in 140 countries, including educational institutions, employers, immigration authorities, and professional bodies. It’s great for individuals who immigrate to Canada.

The general purpose and structure of the IELTS are:

• IELTS consists of four main parts: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The test is available in two formats: academic and general education.
• It is widely accepted for admission by Canadian educational institutions
• IELTS is known for its high-quality standards, rigorous test development process and reliability in assessing English language skills

What is CELPIP?

The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) is a Canada-specific test designed for immigration, employment, and permanent residence. It is computer-based, provides quick online results, and offers accessible study materials. There is the CELPIP General and the CELPIP - General LS.

General format and purpose of CELPIP:

• It is accepted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for applications for permanent residence and by many Canadian universities and colleges for admission
• It consists of four components: listening, reading, writing and speaking
• It assesses knowledge of the English language in everyday situations, but also for academic purposes
• It is accurate and relevant

IELTS vs. CELPIP: Understanding the Difference

The main difference between IELTS and CELPIP is:

• IELTS is recognized worldwide, while CELPIP is primarily recognized in Canada.
• IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-based testing, while CELPIP is entirely computer-based.

It is important to know that not every institution requires the same exam, because perhaps the criteria for a certain program are lower if it does not require high-level language skills, or, for example, high scores on language tests are required for highly qualified jobs in Canada. You can learn more about Express Entry’s most in-demand jobs, so you better understand the requirements. 

We will list all the main aspects of both texts below.

Test Format

The IELTS format is paper-based and computer-delivered, and CELPIP is only computer-delivered.

In both the IELC and CELPIP tests, you take all parts of the test, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking, except for the CELPIP General LS, where there are only listening and speaking sections.

Sections and structure: IELTS:

• Listening: 30 minutes, 40 questions, four parts.
• Reading: 60 minutes, 40 questions, three parts.
• Writing: 60 minutes, two assignments.
• Speaking: 11-14 minutes, face-to-face interview with the examiner.

Sections and structure: CELPIP:

• Listening: 47-55 minutes, eight parts, approximately 7-9 minutes per part.
• Reading: 55-60 minutes, four parts, approximately 13-15 minutes per part.
• Writing: 53-60 minutes, two tasks.
• Speaking: 15-20 minutes, eight tasks.

Score Structure

On IELTS, you get a band score for each section (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) as well as an overall band score. Band scores range from 0 to 9, for each level of English proficiency.

On the other hand, CELPIP uses a scoring system with marks ranging from 1 to 12 for each part (listening, reading, writing and speaking). There are also CELPIP levels (CELPIP-General: CELPIP levels 1 to 12, CELPIP-General LS: CELPIP levels 1 to 5)

However, there are some implications of different scoring methods for test outcomes:

• The IELTS scoring system provides a more accurate assessment of English language proficiency compared to CELPIP.
• As IELTS is widely recognized in the world, its range of scores allows easier comparison of English language skills in different countries and institutions.
• The CELPIP scoring system is specifically designed for Canadian English and may be more suitable for those intending to immigrate to or study in Canada.
• The choice between IELTS and CELPIP depends on individual preferences, as well as the specific requirements of the institution or organization to which the results will be delivered.

For more information about other exam scores, check out the PTE vs. IELTS score.

Score Validity

IELTS scores remain valid for two years from the result date, after which you should retake the test. In the meantime, you can use your scores for university applications, job opportunities, and immigration purposes. CELPIP scores also remain valid for two years.

Validity periods might affect application timelines:

• If you are applying for a study permit, you will need to get the results of the language test in time if your application requires it, of course, within two years of the language test results being valid
• Schedule the test well in advance of application deadlines to account for the time it takes to process and submit results.

Test Content 

This is the main thing to remember regarding the test content of both tests:

• IELTS Academic is suitable if you want to study
• IELTS General Training for secondary education, work experience, or training programs.
• The CELPIP-General assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, and the CELPIP-General LS assesses listening and speaking ability.

Both are designed to assess English in real-life situations related to understanding complex texts and conversations, expressing ideas clearly in written form, and engaging in spoken communication.

Skills Assessment

Skills assessed by each test:

IELTS:

• Listening: The ability to understand key information
• Speaking: Fluent and clear pronunciation.
• Reading: The ability to understand and interpret a variety of written texts
• Writing: Expression of writing skills

CELPIP:

• Listening: The ability to understand spoken English in a variety of contexts, such as workplace interactions and public announcements.
• Speaking: Ability to participate in conversations and give opinions
• Reading: Ability to understand and interpret written English in a variety of formats
• Writing: Ability to write in a variety of formats

Each of these skills is important in the Canadian academic environment. For example, listening is important for understanding lectures and participating in discussions, speaking is primarily for everyday communication but also for communicating at an academic level, reading various materials is useful for constantly learning new words, and writing is for inspiration and developing one's style.

How Long Do the CELPIP and IELTS Exams Take?

The total duration of each test is:

• The CELPIP takes about three hours
• IELTS takes 2 hours and 45 minutes

Test Duration 

The duration by section for CELPIP is:

• Listening: 47-55 minutes
• Reading: 55-60 minutes
• Writing: 53-60 minutes
• Speaking: 15-20 minutes

The duration by section for IELTS is:

• Listening: 30 minutes
• Reading: 60 minutes
• Writing: 60 minutes
• Speaking: 11-14 minutes

Receiving Test Results 

The timeline for receiving results from both tests is:

• You can access your CELPIP test results online through your CELPIP account within 3-4 business days after your test date (not including weekends or holidays)
• You will be able to preview your IELTS test results after 13 calendar days from the test date

Note that the resultant receiving time can impact your application deadlines for study permits or immigration applications. Please consider the score release timeline to meet the application deadlines for your visa application.

Which Exam Should You Take to Study in Canada?

You should take the exam based on your needs, such as:

• Personal preference (a suitable test format)
• The type of program
• Location in Canada
• Program requirements (some specify which test they accept)

Factors that might influence your decision include test availability in the student's local area, specific requirements of Canadian institutions and provincial preferences, as some require specific English language tests (for example, Alberta prefers the CELPIP exam), or your immigration pathway, whether you apply for a student visa or permanent residence. 

Key Takeaways

• Both IELC and CHELPIP language tests are excellent for assessing English, although IELTS is known worldwide, while CELPIP is intended for the Canadian-speaking area
• All four sections of tests and skills assessments are almost the same, but the scoring system is different
• As for the test duration, CELPIP takes about three hours, while IELTS takes 2 hours and 45 minutes
• Which exam you will take mostly depends on your personal preference and the purpose of your arrival to Canada (studying, working, visiting)
• Ensure you apply for a visa application on time, considering the validity of two years for both exams

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CELPIP Easier Than IELTS?

Which exam is easier, depends on the individual, and their preferences and skills. It’s primarily a subjective matter, but some facts can shed light on this comparison. Some prefer CELPIP because of the Canadian context and computer-based format, while others prefer IELTS because of its worldwide recognition, and face-to-face speaking component.

Should I Take IELTS or CELPIP?

Some considerations might help you decide, such as comfort with digital interfaces or specific language skills. Also, specific requirements of the institution may influence your opinion of the particular exam, especially the exam format, including more focus on specific sections like speaking or writing. 

Try taking a practice test for each exam to gauge your comfort level.

Is Only IELTS Required for Canada?

No, it’s not only about the IELTS exam. CELPIP is widely accepted throughout Canada for academic and immigration purposes, as it’s designed specifically for Canadian English.