Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (June 2012) |
The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) is an English language assessment tool which measures listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The test is administered by Paragon Testing Enterprises.,[1] a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia (UBC). The test is offered in three versions, CELPIP-General, CELPIP-General LS and CELPIP-Academic:
CELPIP-General is suitable for people who need proof of English-language skills for immigration to Canada under the Skilled Workers and Professionals Class and various Provincial Nominee Programs, or for employment.[2] Applicants for immigration to Canada under the Federal Skilled Workers and Professionals Class (FSW) are required to show proof of language proficiency in either English or French. The CELPIP-General test is designated by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) as one of only two approved English language tests under FSW.[3]
Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada designated English language tests:
- CELPIP-General: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
- IELTS General Training Test: International English Language Testing System
CELPIP-General LS is suitable for people who need proof of listening and speaking proficiency for Canadian citizenship. The CELPIP-General LS Test is designated by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) as one of only two approved English language tests for Canadian citizenship.[4]
CELPIP-Academic is suitable for individuals seeking to become Registered Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) in their applications to Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) and individuals applying for admission to various British Columbia universities and colleges.[5] It is one of the five English language proficiency options accredited by ICCRC for RCIC applicants.[6]
Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) required scores for the CELPIP-Academic are as follows:
- CELPIP-Academic: 4H for listening, speaking, reading and writing
CELPIP test format
CELPIP-General
The CELPIP-General Test assesses a general level of English-language proficiency. The test is computer-based, and made up of three sections: listening, speaking, and reading and writing.
Listening
The listening section measures an individual's level of understanding spoken English in everyday situations. It includes the following parts:[7]
- Part 1: Matching Statements to Pictures
- Part 2: Answering Questions
- Part 3: Identifying Similar Meanings
- Part 4: Comprehending Dialogues
- Part 5: Listening to Conversations
Speaking
The speaking section measures an individual's ability to communicate orally in English. It includes the following parts:[8]
- Part 1: Answering General Questions
- Part 2: Interpreting Graphic and/or Tabular Materials
- Part 3: Telephone Role Play, Conversation, and News Item
- Part 4: Oral Response to a Topic
General reading and writing
The reading and writing section assesses an individual's general reading comprehension and composition skills. It includes the following parts:[9]
- Part 1: Reading and Responding to a Letter
- Part 2: Reading Diagrams and Tables
- Part 3: Completing a Paragraph
- Part 4: Reading Passages and Answering Questions
- Part 5: Writing Guided Compositions
Registration costs
- $250 CAD + tax
Test length
The total length of all three sections is 180 minutes:
- Listening: 30 minutes
- Speaking: 30 minutes
- Reading and writing: 120 minutes
CELPIP-General LS
The CELPIP-General LS Test assesses a general level of English-language proficiency. The test is computer-based, and made up of two sections: listening and speaking.
Listening
The listening section measures an individual's level of understanding spoken English in everyday situations. It includes the following parts:[10]
- Part 1: Matching Statements to Pictures
- Part 2: Answering Questions
- Part 3: Identifying Similar Meanings
- Part 4: Comprehending Dialogues
- Part 5: Listening to Conversations
Speaking
The speaking section measures an individual's ability to communicate orally in English. It includes the following parts:[11]
- Part 1: Answering General Questions
- Part 2: Interpreting Graphic and/or Tabular Materials
- Part 3: Telephone Role Play, Conversation, and News Item
- Part 4: Oral Response to a Topic
Registration costs
- $150 CAD + tax
Test length
The total length for the test is 60 minutes:
- Listening: 30 minutes
- Speaking: 30 minutes
CELPIP-Academic
The CELPIP-Academic Test assesses a higher level of English-language proficiency. It is fully delivered by computer and uses Canadian English and accents.
Listening
The listening section measures an individual's level of understanding spoken English in everyday situations, and has the same parts as the General test.[12]
- Part 1: Matching Statements to Pictures
- Part 2: Answering Questions
- Part 3: Identifying Similar Meanings
- Part 4: Comprehending Dialogues
- Part 5: Listening to Conversations
Speaking
The speaking section measures an individual's ability to communicate orally in English, and has the same parts as the General test.[13]
- Part 1: Answering General Questions
- Part 2: Interpreting Graphic and/or Tabular Materials
- Part 3: Telephone Role Play, Conversation, and News Item
- Part 4: Oral Response to a Topic
Academic reading and writing
The academic reading and writing section assesses an individual's proficiency in basic college- or university-level reading and writing. It includes the following parts:[14]
- Part 1: Sentence Structure
- Part 2: English Usage
- Part 3: Reading Comprehension
- Part 4: Essay Writing
Registration costs
- $250 CAD + tax
Test length
The total length for all three sections is 210 minutes:
- Listening: 30 minutes
- Speaking: 30 minutes
- Academic reading and writing: 150 minutes
CELPIP and CIC
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has approved the CELPIP-General Test as a measure of English-language proficiency for those immigrating to Canada under the Skilled Workers and Professionals Class and various Provincial Nominee Programs.[15] CIC awards immigration points based on CELPIP-G test scores. Language proficiency is one of the six selection factors for immigrants to Canada. Immigrants may be awarded points for basic, moderate, or high abilities in English and French. They receive points based on their ability to listen, speak, read and write. The CELPIP-General Test is also used by professional associations and employers requiring proof of English language proficiency of their members or prospective employees.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has also approved the CELPIP-General LS Test as a measure of listening and speaking proficiency for those applying for Canadian citizenship.[16]
Scoring
The format and scoring of the CELPIP-General Test are referenced to the Canadian language benchmarks (CLB). Below are the proficiency score levels and their CLB equivalents:[17]
| Proficiency Score | CLB Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Level 5 (effective proficiency) | CLB 9 and 10 |
| Level 4H (adequate proficiency) | CLB 8 |
| Level 4L (adequate proficiency) | CLB 7 |
| Level 3H (developing proficiency) | CLB 6 |
| Level 3L (developing proficiency) | CLB 5 |
| Level 2H (minimal proficiency) | CLB 4 |
| Level 2L (minimal proficiency) | CLB 3 |
| Level 1 (no proficiency) | CLB 1 and 2 |
| Level 0 | Did not attempt, or insufficient information to assess |
Test Centre Locations
- Vancouver - Columbia College
- Surrey - Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Edmonton - Grant MacEwan University
- Calgary - Bow Valley College
- Winnipeg - Herzing College Winnipeg
- Downtown Toronto - Herzing College Toronto
- Metro Toronto - Seneca College (York Campus)
- Kitchener - Conestoga College
- Ottawa - Algonquin College
- Montreal - Herzing College Montreal
See also
- TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Notes
- ^ "Test Format and Scoring." CELPIP Test. Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 29 May 2012.
- ^ "Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)." Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 20 Jan. 2009. Web. 29 May 2012.
- ^ "Apply for Citizenship - Acceptable documents for language requirements." Citizenship and Immigration Canada. 05 Nov. 2012. Web. 13 November 2012.
- ^ "Skilled Workers and Professionals - Selection Factor: Language." Citizenship and Immigration Canada. 23 Oct. 2010. Web. 25 May 2012.
- ^ "English Proficiency Requirements." English Language Proficiency Requirements. The University of British Columbia. Web. 29 May 2012.
- ^ "Becoming an Immigration Consultant." Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council. Web. 25 May 2012.
- ^ "Test Format and Scoring - General." CELPIP Test. Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 29 May 2012.
- ^ "Test Format and Scoring - General." CELPIP Test. Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 29 May 2012.
- ^ "Test Format and Scoring - General." CELPIP Test. Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 29 May 2012.
- ^ "Test Format and Scoring - General-LS." CELPIP Test. Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 13 Nov 2012.
- ^ "Test Format and Scoring - General-LS." CELPIP Test. Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 13 Nov 2012.
- ^ "Test Format and Scoring - Academic." CELPIP Test. Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 29 May 2012.
- ^ "Test Format and Scoring - Academic." CELPIP Test. Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 29 May 2012.
- ^ "Test Format and Scoring - Academic." CELPIP Test. Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 29 May 2012.
- ^ "Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)." Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 20 Jan. 2009. Web. 29 May 2012.
- ^ "Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)." Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Applying for Citizenship, http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/language.asp, 5 Nov. 2012. Web. 13 Nov 2012.
- ^ "Test Format and Scoring." CELPIP Test. Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 29 May 2012.
References
- "Becoming an Immigration Consultant." Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council. Web. 25 May 2012. <https://www.iccrc-crcic.ca/students/becomingConsultant.cfm>.
- "Skilled Workers and Professionals - Selection Factor: Language." Citizenship and Immigration Canada. 23 Oct. 2010. Web. 25 May 2012. <http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/language-testing.asp>.
- "English Proficiency Requirements." English Language Proficiency Requirements. The University of British Columbia. Web. 29 May 2012. <http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/english-proficiency-requirements>.
- "Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)." Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 20 Jan. 2009. Web. 29 May 2012. <http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2009/ob094.asp>.
- "Test Format and Scoring." CELPIP Test - Academic. Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 29 May 2012. <http://www.celpiptest.ca/celpip-academic/about-celpip-a/test-format-and-content/>.
- "Test Format and Scoring." CELPIP Test - General. Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 29 May 2012. <http://www.celpiptest.ca/celpip-general/about-celpip-g/test-format-and-scoring/>.
- "About Paragon." Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 25 May 2012. <http://www.paragontesting.ca/about/>.
External links
- CELPIP Website
- CELPIP Facebook Page
- CELPIP Twitter Page
- UBC (University of British Columbia)
- CIC (Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada)