Certain agencies authorized by the Canadian government to conduct English language tests for individuals applying for the start-up visa program. These agencies include CELPIP and IELTS; the latter one has two options “General Training” and “Academic.” Start-up visa applicants must opt for the “General Training” option.
As many candidates may be unsure which test is suitable for them, this article provides a comparison of these tests.
While the IELTS can be administered either on paper or computer-based, the CELPIP is fully computer-based. Some individuals may prefer completing the writing section on paper and managing their own time, while others may feel more comfortable typing and monitoring their timing and word count on a computer.
Additionally, the scoring scales differ as the CELPIP is assessed on a scale of 1 to 12 for each section, which aligns with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). In contrast, the IELTS is scored on a scale of 1 to 9 for each section. However, the final score on both tests is converted to a CLB level, ranging from 4 to 9.
In addition, it should be noted that CELPIP is not as widely available as IELTS and can only be taken in select countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Japan, Nigeria, Australia, UK, Korea, Singapore, UAE, Philippines, India, China, USA, and Canada.
If you are planning to take the CELPIP or IELTS test for immigration, work, or study purposes, this article can assist you in deciding which test is more suitable for you. This passage outlines a comparison of the listening, reading, and writing sections of the CELPIP and IELTS tests, highlighting some notable differences between the two exams.
Listening:
- Duration: The CELPIP listening test is almost one hour long, while the IELTS listening test is about 30 minutes.
- Format: The CELPIP has six sections, and the IELTS has four.
- Style: Both tests can be done on the computer and all their centres are equipped with headsets, but the IELTS also has a paper-based version available. However, not all IELTS exam centres offer headsets yet, so candidates should choose a centre with a headset to properly hear the test.
- Approach: On the CELPIP, candidates only get to read the questions after listening to the audio passage, making note-taking crucial. On the IELTS, candidates have one minute to read and analyze the questions before listening, helping them prepare for what’s coming.
- Question Types: The CELPIP has three different question types, while the IELTS has six.
- Multiple Choice: The CELPIP always includes a drop-down menu, whereas the IELTS has fill-in-the-blank style answers, allowing candidates to guess answers on the CELPIP test.
- Spelling: The CELPIP test does not require spelling since it only has a drop-down menu with options to fill in the sentences. In contrast, the IELTS test takes spelling into consideration.
- Accents: The CELPIP test only includes Canadian accents, while the IELTS test includes speakers with a variety of accents.
- Video: The CELPIP listening test includes a video, while the IELTS test does not.
Reading:
- Difficulty: Both reading tests are very similar in terms of difficulty.
- Duration: Both tests last about one hour, and each reading section gets progressively more challenging.
- Format: The CELPIP has four sections, and the IELTS has three. Note that the CELPIP also includes one to two practice tasks for test development, which can tire candidates out. However, only four sections count towards the actual test.
- Number of Questions: Both have about 40 questions.
- Style: Both tests can be done on the computer, but the IELTS also has a paper-based version available. However, most candidates prefer the computer-delivered IELTS over the paper-based version.
- Approach: Both tests require specific exam strategies.
- Question Types: The CELPIP has three different question types, while the IELTS has over ten.
- Multiple Choice: The CELPIP always includes a drop-down menu, whereas the IELTS has fill-in-the-blank style answers, allowing candidates to guess answers on the CELPIP test.
- Spelling: The CELPIP test does not require spelling since it only has a drop-down menu with options to fill in the sentences. In contrast, the IELTS test takes spelling into consideration.
- Instructions: Sometimes the instructions on the IELTS can be tricky, causing candidates to get questions wrong simply because they did not follow the instructions. In general, this does not happen on the CELPIP.
- Topics: The CELPIP test only includes Canadian topics about everyday life, while the IELTS may include more international topics. The CELPIP test includes more functional, everyday language.
- Vocabulary: The CELPIP test uses Canadian vocabulary, which is helpful for candidates living in Canada.
Writing:
- Writing Task 1 on IELTS and CELPIP is a 150-word email/letter with same instructions and expectations
- On CELPIP, candidate has 25 minutes and on IELTS, aim to complete it within 20 minutes
- Writing Task 2 on IELTS is a complete essay, on CELPIP it is a Survey Response
- IELTS gives 40 minutes, CELPIP gives 25 minutes
- IELTS has minimum word count of 250, CELPIP has minimum of 150
- IELTS has several question types, CELPIP only requires picking a survey option and explaining why you’ve chosen it
- IELTS responses are more structured, CELPIP is more flexible, but both must meet assessment criteria
- CELPIP topics are based on daily life in Canada, IELTS topics are global
- CELPIP is always computerized, IELTS has both computer-delivered and paper-based tests
- CELPIP has spellcheck, IELTS does not
Speaking:
- CELPIP is on a computer with 8 timed tasks, IELTS is in person with a speaking examiner
- CELPIP is held in a room with other candidates, IELTS is in a quiet, private room
- CELPIP requires a timer, IELTS examiner monitors time
- IELTS topics are about everyday life and about you, CELPIP has 8 varying questions from describing pictures to situational responses
- IELTS Speaking test ranges from 11-14 minutes, CELPIP Speaking test is about 15-20 minutes long
- IELTS Speaking test happens before or after the other 3 sections of the exam with a break in between
Overall, it’s important to consider the differences in each exam and choose the one you feel more comfortable with. And finally prepare accordingly for either IELTS or CELPIP tests.