Are you planning to take a Language Proficiency test? But wondering which one is best for you? CELPIP vs IELTS: Want to know which test wins? Which one is the right fit for you? No wonder competitive exams with flying colors are an important part of the application process if you want to go study abroad. Especially those that are needed to prove your knowledge of a certain language spoken in the country where you want to study. CELPIP and IELTS are also mandatory language proficiency exams. 

The similarity between the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELIP) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is that both serve as a test to assess one’s English proficiency. In addition, they are necessary exams for immigration and studying abroad. IELTS is an international-level exam, while CELIP is specifically designed for students to move to or study in Canada and obtain citizenship.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) recognizes both CELPIP and IELTS as some forms of English language testing for immigration purposes. When a final score is proposed, it is compared to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). This benchmark sets national language standards for second language recognition. In this post, we will talk about CELPIP vs IELTS in more detail.

Difference between CELPIP vs IELTS

Here is the comparison table of both the tests: 

IELTS	CELPIP
Four types of language skills are tested here.	In the General LS version of this test, only listening and speaking skills are measured.
IELTS can be used for a variety of visa processes, including study visas, work visas, and permanent residence visas.	CELPIP is intended only for permanent residence and citizenship visas.
There are two versions, one is IELTS General Training and the other is IELTS Academic.	There are two versions, one is CELPIP General and the other is CELPIP General LS.
Score Breakdown: Listening – 30 minutes; 4 components, a total of 40 questionsReading – 60 minutes; 3 components, 40 questions Speaking – 11-14 minutes; 3 components: Introduction, Individual Speech and Two-Way DiscussionWriting – 60 minutes; 2 components: Writing a Letter and Responding to a Point of View, Argument or Problem	Score Breakdown: Listening -47-55 minutes; 7 components, a total of 40-46 questions (40 scored)Reading – 55-60 minutes; 4 components, 38-45 questions (38 scored)Speaking – 15-20 minutes; 8 components, a total of 8 short-answer questionsWriting – 53-60 minutes; 2 components: Writing an Email and Responding to Survey Questions

CELPIP or IELTS speaking 

Before you decide, consider whether you are more comfortable with a computer or the physical presence of an examiner who will conduct your oral test. Some find it easy to present in front of a person, while others are less confident and will be better at talking to a computer.

There are same 8 speaking tasks in CELPIP General and CELPIP LS. You are tagged based on:

• Accomplishing the task
• Good vocabulary
• Content
• Ability to listen

IELTS General and IELTS Academic have the same oral test, that is, you have to speak in front of a person. It speaks to three sections including

• Introduction
• Presentation
• Analysis and discussion

IELTS reading vs CELPIP reading

If you are in the habit of reading books online then CELPIP computer-based test can be easy for you.

CELPIP General Reading is a computer-based test. You will read the questions on the computer and answer them on the computer. These questions need to be completed within the given time and these questions are mostly multiple-choice type questions. Here you have to choose the answer that best suits you. You should fully understand the question to get the right answer.

IELTS General and Academic Reading have different reading texts. In this section, you must have the ability to spell and write clearly and understand how each question works.

CELPIP vs IELTS writing 

As for the writing section, it depends on your comfort level. If you find it easier to write on a computer, then CELPIP and IELTS computer-based tests are good for you. However, if you think you are comfortable with a pencil, then the IELTS paper basis is for you. Computer-based CELPIP and IELTS need two essays. In these essays you must:

1. Complete the essays within the allotted time
2. Please provide a complete answer.
3. Use good structure when writing your essay.
4. Create coherent arguments.
5. Use grammatically correct sentences.
6. Use a polite tone and vocabulary.

CELPIP vs IELTS general test – listening 

CELPIP General and CELPIP LS have the same 40 questions as in IELTS. In CELPIP, you don’t see the questions before the recording, so you should have a good memory to remember. You should be able to take notes quickly. Answer the questions within the given time frame.

Both IELTS General and Academic tests also have 40 questions. Here you will see pre-listening questions, which is a positive compared to CELPIP. You should be able to understand the questions quickly as you have to write in a short amount of time while playing the recording. Make sure the test center you choose should provide you with headphones so you can listen carefully. Otherwise, some test centers use one sound source for all test takers.

IELTS vs CELPIP difficulty

The level of difficulty between these tests is largely similar. As you have seen in the table above, even the results are quite similar, with the IELTS test being slightly harder in terms of the grading system. However, there are other levels of difficulty, such as

• Format: IELTS is a paper-based test followed by a personal interview between the candidate and the examiner. CELPIP is a computer-based test. Why does anyone find it difficult? Social anxiety is a real problem; some may find it difficult to take the IELTS test because they have to use their voice to answer the questions they are asked. They will probably find solace in writing the answers.
• Accent: Since CELPIP is specifically for Canadian citizenship and the like, it uses Canadian English, which may not be too different from other English dialects, but some words may sound confusing. IELTS recognizes American, British, and Australian English dialects. India uses a British English dialect, so we wouldn’t have any problems with IELTS.

CELPIP Vs IELTS which is easy? 

Candidates often ask themselves: ‘which test is easy – CELPIP or IELTS?’ The truth is that neither test is easy, but there are some points in the tests that outweigh others when compared.

CELPIP is the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program and IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. These tests are designed to assess English proficiency, both tests are used for study, work, and immigration, although the CELPIP has been specifically considered to assess Canadian English. CELPIP is suitable for people who want to obtain Canadian permanent residence or citizenship.

You will find CELPIP easier than IELTS for reading and listening. Similarly, you will know that IELTS is easier than CELPIP. If you are taking an immigration test, you must keep all the points in mind before you take the test. Before the test, think of all the options that you think you can ace in CELPIP or IELTS. Consider your strengths and weaknesses. In which area do you excel and in which area do you need to improve? For example, if you are a great speaker, you should go for the CELPIP test. If you want a computer-based test you have to go for CELPIP.