The 6 CELPIP listening parts
Listening comes first in the test and takes 46 to 55 minutes. You hear each recording only once, then answer multiple-choice questions on screen.
| Part | Questions | What you hear |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Listening to problem solving | 8 | A conversation where two people work out a problem |
| 2. Listening to a daily life conversation | 5 | An everyday conversation, such as at a store or with a neighbour |
| 3. Listening for information | 6 | A conversation where one person explains information to another |
| 4. Listening to a news item | 5 | A short local news report |
| 5. Listening to a discussion | 8 | A video of three people discussing a topic |
| 6. Listening to viewpoints | 6 | A report presenting different opinions on an issue |
That is 38 questions in total. The test can also include a few unscored questions used to try out new material, so treat every question as if it counts.
Tips that raise listening scores
- Read the question before the audio when you can. Knowing what to listen for keeps you from getting lost.
- Take short notes. Names, numbers, places and the reason for a decision. Use your own shorthand.
- Listen for changes of mind. Words like "actually", "on second thought" and "but" often signal the right answer.
- Watch for distractors. Wrong options often repeat words you heard. Choose the one that matches the meaning.
- Move on. A recording plays once. If you miss something, guess and focus on the next question.
- Practise with Canadian English. Podcasts and local radio help you get used to the accents and everyday topics in the test.
What a listening session looks like
Your coach plays practice recordings under real timing, then reviews every question you missed and why the wrong option looked right. You leave with a note-taking method and a short list of the question types that trip you up most.
Stop losing easy listening points
Practise under real timing and learn why the wrong options look right.
Questions
How many questions are in CELPIP listening?
There are 38 scored questions across 6 parts, and the section takes 46 to 55 minutes.
Can I replay the CELPIP listening audio?
No. Each recording plays once, so notes and reading the questions early matter.
Is CELPIP listening harder than IELTS listening?
They are different more than harder. CELPIP uses everyday Canadian situations and multiple-choice questions, while IELTS has more question types such as form filling.