Is the CELPIP test accepted for Permanent Residence status?

Yes, absolutely. Immigration, Refugees Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has designated two tests for permanent residence status: CELPIP and IELTS. Intended immigrants can take either of the tests to prove their English language abilities. For specific language requirements, please visit www.canada.gc.ca

Is the CELPIP test more difficult in terms of the test contents than the IELTS test?

It is a myth. Both these tests assess your proficiency level of English language. If your English is good enough and you are well prepared for the test, you should do better in either of the exams.

How much does the CELPIP test cost?

The exam fees in Dubai costs CAD$340. The CELPIP testing authority has not announced the exam fees for India yet. We assume the exam fee should be around INR 12,000. Please keep checking this part of the website for more information.

How do I pay for the test?

You can make the payment by using a credit card. All cards are acceptable using the payment gateway through Visa, Mastercard and American Express card.

How do I register for the test?

There are ways to register yourself for the test. You can go in person to the Head Office of CELPIP in Canada or fill in a registration form and email it to the Head Office if you reside in Canada. For test takers in India, the only available option is to register the test online. Please note the CELPIP test centers do not process any registration applications.

I am facing problems while registering the test online.

If you encounter any technical glitches with the online registration page, email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or you can call at the Head Office phone numbers and share your concerns with the officer.

I have completed the registration but was not directed for the final payment of exam fees. How do I pay for my test?

Until you make the payment of exam fees using the credit card, your registration will be in pending status. Please follow the below mentioned steps within 24 hours of attempting to register:

• Sign in to your CELPIP account here: https://secure.celpiptest.ca/RegWebApp/#/account/my-account
• Upon signing in, you will see a small picture of shopping cart on the top right-hand corner with an orange box with the number 0 or 1 beside it. Click that orange box and it will take you to a page saying “Shopping cart”.
• You will see all your registration details and a button labelled “Checkout”. Click “Checkout”.
• Verify and confirm your address and press “Next” at the bottom of the page to revisit your order.
• Click “Place order”. Enter the details of credit card for payment of your registration fees. After the payment procedure is done, you will receive an email confirming your CELPIP Test registration is complete.

If I want to cancel or change my test date, would I be allowed to do so?

Please visit the cancellation and transfer policy of the CELPIP test: https://www.celpip.ca/transfer-cancellation-retake-policies/

Like the IELTS test, do I have a choice of a pen-and-paper test in the CELPIP test?

No. The CELPIP test is a fully computerized test.  

Do I need to submit a digital or physical photo of myself?

The registration procedure is done by filling in your details on the official website of the test to date. You do not need to either upload a digital photo or carry a physical one to the testing center. The testing center will take your photo on the day of the test.

Do I need to carry any exam registration confirming email or letter?

Yes, you must. The moment you register for the test, a test confirming email is sent to you on your nominated email address. The test confirming email reads all your bio data details, venue address, date and time of the test. If you have not received the registration confirming email, please check your ‘Junk Folder’ or ‘Spam Folder’. Contact the testing authority if you have lost or not received the said email before the test date: https://www.celpip.ca/contact/

How long does this test take to complete?

The test takes around three hours in one sitting. You will have all the four sections within this timeframe: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. For more information about the test format, click here: https://www.celpip.ca/test-format/

Would I be allowed to bring snacks and water and have it during the test?

No. You will not be permitted to have snacks while the test is in session. However, if you feel thirsty during the test, raise your hand and a Test Center Supervisor will escort you to the water fountain.

What papers/ID documents do I need to carry on test day?

You need to carry your valid original passport and the hall ticket (the confirmation email that you have received from the test authority). If there is a substantial variation in your photograph on the passport, it is advisable to carry a secondary photo ID so as the job of the Test Center Supervisor becomes easy. Please note that the secondary photo ID is only meant to help the Test Center Supervisor take a decision that you are the person who is registered for the test. For test day information, click here: https://www.celpip.ca/test-day-information/

If I have to write any points related to questions in the test, can I use notepaper during the test?

You cannot bring any notepapers to the test center. However, you will be supplied with the scratch papers for writing your points/ideas by the Test Center Supervisor. You must return the used scratch papers at the end of the test.

How long are the CELPIP scores valid?

The test scores are valid for 2 years from the date of the test.

Can I retake the test? If yes, how soon it could be.

Yes, you can retake the CELPIP test. However, your all test sessions must be at least thirty (30) calendar days apart from each other. If this rule is dishonored, the testing authority will cancel the test registration.

I have heard that Speaking part in the CELPIP easier. Is it right?

Can’t say that it is easier than the one in the other tests. But there are some compelling reasons to believe that because of the technology use that the CELPIP test has adopted. For example, in the physical interview students become over conscious about their body language and eye contact with the examiner during the speaking in session. They sometimes lose their confidence because they face an examiner while in the CELPIP test you talk to a machine and you really do not need to worry about these factors at all.