Many aspirants get confused between the CELPIP and IELTS tests. Which one to opt for and which is the better one? CELPIP stands for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, and on the other hand, IELTS stands for International English Language Testing.
Both tests are based on English language proficiency. The CELPIP test is a good choice for people who want to attain permanent residency in Canada.
The IELTS test is also accepted by Canadian universities. It is moreover favourable in countries of the UK, New Zealand and Australia.
Before we get into the difference between the CELPIP vs IELTS for Canada PR, first let us know in depth what the CELPIP and IELTS tests are.
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) is a common English language proficiency test.
The CELPIP Test facilitates test takers to indicate their capacity to purpose in English. The test precisely, accurately and clearly examines a test taker’s English capacities in a diversity of everyday situations, such as transmitting with co-workers and seniors in the department, communicating with friends, acknowledging newscasts, and comprehending and reacting to written materials.
These tests are Canada’s directing common English tests for professional designation and immigration. There are two types of CELPIP test, the general test and the general LS test. The general test comprises the speaking, listening and writing exam, whereas the general LS test comprises only the listening and speaking exam.
Also Read: University Admission Process for a PR Candidate in Canada: Important Facts to Know About Canada
Some of the features of the CELPIP test are enlisted below:
Computer Delivered
It is carried out in just one sitting and comprises features like spell check, word count and a personal timer for the aspirant.
North American Accent
It follows the single North American accent which is simple-to-understand English language and vocabulary almost taken up from daily life situations.
Fast Online Results
They provide the result quickly after 4 to 5 calendar days after giving the test. The results are available online on its website.
Study Materials Available for Free
They offer free videos, sample tests, webinars preparation courses, online and information sessions.
Also Read: IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer for Band 9: Learn How to Write Task 2 Answers
International English Language Testing (IELTS)
This Test is constructed to enable you to study, work or migrate to a nation where English is the native language. This comprises the countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Your capacity to read, write, speak and listen in the English language will be examined during the test. This exam is rated on a scale of 1 to 9. IELTS is held by the British Council, IDP, Cambridge Assessment English and IELTS Australia.
Why is it Important?
If you are thinking of living, studying or working in a country where English is the native language, then you must be eligible to illustrate a greater level of English language skill. English is the third language mostly spoken in the world, with 379 million orators all over the world.
Being able to convey in the native language of the country you desire to study or work in, has a vast range of advantages. It is also vital for job chances as well as integration into society.
This is the most common test for those wishing to migrate to Canada, Australia, the UK and New Zealand. It is recognised by more than 10,000 schools, universities, immigration bodies and employers, including 3,400 organisations in the USA.
Difference between the CELPIP and IELTS Tests
CELPIP indicates the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, whereas IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. Both examinations are constructed to evaluate English language ability, and both examinations are used for work, study and immigration, although the CELPIP was mainly conceived for Canadian English examination. The CELPIP is very beneficial for people who want to attain permanent citizenship of Canada (Canada PR).
The IELTS exam is also beneficial for the aspirants who are wishing to migrate to countries like the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The universities of these countries consider this exam for admission procedure.
Also Read: Crop Circles IELTS Reading Answers: Important Topic for IELTS Reading Passage 2
CELPIP Test vs IELTS For Canada PR
One significant dissimilarity between the two tests is that CELPIP is a completely computerised test. All elements of the examination are transmitted by computer. In IELTS, by difference, the writing, listening and reading sections are paper-based, and the speaking test is performed in person.
Whilst both examinations are formulated to examine your language ability, CELPIP puts a slightly powerful priority on ‘functional language‘ than IELTS. Many of these examination tasks need competitors to comprehend and respond to an extent of daily life situations that might be confronted by someone who has shifted to an English-speaking country. This is also valid in some parts of IELTS, but not relatively so much as in CELPIP.
Both examinations approve British and American English grammar and spelling, even though the CELPIP is formulated for Canadian English and the IELTS for British English.
The scoring pattern is also varied. For CELPIP there is an achievement of 1 to 12 for each category, which is in line with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). Whereas, for the IELTS test, the achievement for each category is 1 to 9.
Variation in Test Pattern and Preparation
Both the examinations have different editions. In the IELTS test, there is an academic test for aspirants applying to study abroad, a general training test for those who want to migrate to an English-speaking country, and a UKVI exam mainly for competitors who need a UK visa.
In CELPIP, you have to select between the General Exam, which examines all four language skills reading, listening, speaking and writing and the general LS exam which only examines listening and speaking. The entire test is valuable for a variety of objectives, such as assigning to work in Canada, while the LS edition particularly pertains to Canadian immigration applications.
Making the Appropriate Choice
In the end, the option of the test depends on the aspirant. You can get detailed information on both the test and also by comparing these examinations to the TOEFL exam. You have to think, which is better for you and make the choice intelligently. But hopefully, this summary has indicated that it’s truly valuable to ‘know your exam’ before you apply for it.
Improving Your Skills
IELTS and CELPIP are both abilities-based tests. That implies there’s no part of either examination called ‘Vocabulary’ or ‘Grammar’. Of course, this isn’t to say that you don’t require adequate grammar and vocabulary to obtain good results in these tests, but when you’re preparing, your major priority should be on improving your skills.
Also Read: Permanent Resident Certificate: How to Apply for a PRC for Canada?
Examination Tasks
In some regions, the examination tasks are slightly similar. However, there are many categories that are particular to each test. As an instance, in the writing category of the CELPIP General Exam, you are required to write an email and then answer survey questions. This is entirely distinct from the IELTS Academic test, where aspirants write a report related to a diagram and an essay.
If you are trying to figure out which test is easier, this might be one component of the solution to that question, because writing an essay needs a lot of practice and writing about diagrams and drawing is an ability that most aspirants have to acknowledge from scratch. On the other hand, writing emails is something you have may be practised in the past.
Below a table is given, comparing the tasks of both the tests.
Table
| Tests | CELPIP | IELTS |
| Speaking | Consist of 8 components. | Consist of 3 components. |
| Writing | Includes email writing and answering a survey. | Includes letter writing and providing an opinion. |
| Reading | Comprises 4 components with 38 questions. | Comprises 3 components with 40 questions. |
| Listening | Comprises 7 components with 40 questions. | Comprises 4 components with 40 questions. |
Speaking Tests
The speaking tests are very distinct, although there is some connection. IELTS speaking test is distributed into three categories that are testing aspirants skills to communicate everyday topics, give a detailed talk which is often depicting a personal experience, and convey their viewpoints.
The CELPIP Speaking test comprises seven sections, each of which interviews a specific language function. Two of these functions are interpreting an experience and conveying your opinions which appear in the IELTS test as well, but there are also many other things included like providing advice in Section 1 and handling tough situations in Section 7.
Timing and Result
The CELPIP Test is performed over 3 hours in just one sitting and time allotments comprise the question, answer and evolution times. The CELPIP listening and speaking categories may take a few extra minutes but there is a slightly smaller writing section. The IELTS test elements are not certainly all attained on the same day.
The IELTS speaking section is performed separately at a distinct time, day and probably even location. There is no computerized time trailing with IELTS, and the times may not comprise the evolution times between the examination sections. The results take about 10 to 12 calendar days for CELPIP and 13 calendar days for IELTS.
Also Read: Canada Student Visa Process: A Step by Step Guide to Help You Get Your Visa
Conclusion
Wishing that the above content was beneficial to you in all aspects of knowing the difference between the CELPIP and IELTS tests. If you are wishing to work or study abroad in countries where the English language is spoken then you must give a try to these tests.
The above article will help you know better which is the right test for you, observe the necessary points given above while making your decision.
Looking for more such articles relevant to IELTS and similar tests. Then, do visit the website IELTS Ninja for proper guidance and the best content for the aspirants.
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