CELPIP vs IELTS General at a glance
Both tests are accepted by IRCC for permanent residence. Choose the one that suits how you work best. These details are for CELPIP-General and IELTS General Training; check each test's official site for current fees and dates.
| CELPIP-General | IELTS General Training | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Computer only | Paper or computer |
| Speaking | Recorded on a computer, 8 tasks | Face-to-face interview with an examiner |
| Sitting | All four skills in one sitting, about 3 hours | Speaking may be on a different day |
| English accent | Canadian English, everyday Canadian situations | A mix of English accents |
| Scores | Levels 1–12, matching CLB directly | Bands 0–9, converted to CLB |
| Where you can take it | Canada and selected other countries | Widely available worldwide |
CELPIP may suit you better if
- You live in Canada and are used to Canadian accents and everyday situations.
- You type comfortably and prefer working on a computer.
- You get nervous speaking to an examiner and would rather record your answers.
- You like a score that maps straight to CLB without conversion tables.
IELTS may suit you better if
- You live outside Canada where CELPIP is not offered.
- You prefer writing by hand on paper.
- You speak better in conversation, with a person reacting to you.
A practical tip
Try a free official sample test of each. Many students find one format clearly more comfortable within the first 20 minutes. Free CELPIP practice tests are on celpip.ca, and you can try CELPIP speaking timing right now in our free drill.
Ready to prepare for CELPIP?
Book a session and practise the exact CELPIP format with a coach.
Questions
Is CELPIP easier than IELTS?
Neither is easier for everyone. Many people living in Canada find CELPIP more familiar because of its Canadian situations and computer format.
Does IRCC accept both CELPIP and IELTS?
Yes. IRCC accepts CELPIP-General and IELTS General Training for permanent residence programs such as Express Entry.