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, or CELPIP /sɛl.pɪp/, is an English language assessment tool which measures listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. The test is administered by Paragon Testing Enterprises.,[1] a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia (UBC).
The test is offered in two versions, CELPIP-General, and CELPIP-General LS
CELPIP-General is suitable for people who need proof of English-language skills for immigration to Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Start-up Visa Program, and various Provincial Nominee Programs, or for employment.
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 [2][3]
CELPIP-General LS is suitable for people who need proof of listening and speaking proficiency for Canadian citizenship. The CELPIP-General LS Test is accepted by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) as one of only two approved English language tests for Canadian citizenship.[4]
With the recent acquisition of the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment, Paragon Testing Enterprises has retired the CELPIP-Academic Test. Test takers who were interested in taking the CELPIP-Academic Test are referred to take the CAEL Assessment.
CELPIP Test Format
CELPIP-General
The CELPIP-General Test assesses a general level of English-language proficiency. The test is completely computer-delivered, and consists of four sections: listening, reading, and writing and speaking.[5] The total length of all four sections is 180 minutes.
The Listening component is composed of eight parts, but only seven parts will be given during the test. The test taker will not be informed which part is to be omitted.
The unscored items in the Reading and Listening section are used for test development. These unscored items can be found anywhere within the component and the test taker will not know which items will be unscored.[6]
| Test Component | Time Allotted | Number
of Questions |
Component Sections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 47 minutes | 2 | Practice Test |
| 8 | Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving | ||
| 5 | Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation | ||
| 6 | Part 3: Listening for Information | ||
| 5 | Part 4: Listening to a News Item | ||
| 8 | Part 5: Listening to a Discussion | ||
| 6 | Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints | ||
| 5-8 | Part 7: Unscored Items | ||
| Reading | 60 minutes | 11 | Part 1: Reading Correspondence |
| 8 | Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram | ||
| 9 | Part 3: Reading for Information | ||
| 10 | Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints | ||
| 8-11 | Part 7: Unscored Items | ||
| Writing | 53 minutes | 1 | Task 1: Writing an Email |
| 1 | Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions | ||
| Speaking | 20 minutes | 1 | Practice Task |
| 1 | Task 1: Giving Advice | ||
| 1 | Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience | ||
| 1 | Task 3: Describing a Scene | ||
| 1 | Task 4: Making Predictions | ||
| 1 | Task 5: Comparing and Persuading | ||
| 1 | Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation | ||
| 1 | Task 7: Expressing Opinions | ||
| 1 | Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation |
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.[7] The Listening component is composed of eight Listening parts, but only seven parts will be given during the test. The test taker will not be informed which part is to be omitted.
The total length of all four sections is 180 minutes.
| Test Component | Time Allotted | Number
of Questions |
Component Sections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 47 minutes | 2 | Part 1: Identifying Similar Meanings |
| 8 | Part 2: Answering Questions | ||
| 5 | Part 3: Listening to Problem Solving | ||
| 6 | Part 4: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation | ||
| 5 | Part 5: Listening for Information | ||
| 8 | Part 6: Listening to a News Item | ||
| 6 | Part 7: Listening to a Discussion | ||
| 5-8 | Part 8: Listening to Viewpoints | ||
| Speaking | 20 minutes | 1 | Task 0: Practice Task |
| 1 | Task 1: Giving Advice | ||
| 1 | Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience | ||
| 1 | Task 3: Describing a Scene | ||
| 1 | Task 4: Making Predictions | ||
| 1 | Task 5: Comparing and Persuading | ||
| 1 | Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation | ||
| 1 | Task 7: Expressing Opinions | ||
| 1 | Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation |
Scoring
The format and scoring of the CELPIP-General Test and the CELPIP-General LS Test are referenced to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). Below are the proficiency score levels and their CLB equivalents:[8]
| CELPIP Level | CELPIP Descriptor | CLB Level |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 12 |
| 11 | Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 11 |
| 10 | Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 10 |
| 9 | Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 9 |
| 8 | Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 8 |
| 7 | Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 7 |
| 6 | Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 6 |
| 5 | Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 5 |
| 4 | Adequate proficiency for daily life activities | 4 |
| 3 | Some proficiency in limited contexts | 3 |
| M | Minimal proficiency or insufficient information to assess | 0, 1, 2 |
Test Centre Locations
The CELPIP Test is available at testing centres across Canada. For a full list of locations, please click here.
CELPIP Preparation Program
Test takers are also given the option of enrolling in the CELPIP Preparation Program, which is accredited by Paragon Testing Enterprises.[9] The CELPIP Preparation Program has been developed by CELPIP Test experts and acts as a bridging course for the test taker by offering up to four skills modules from which they may choose from: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Through the unique materials and specially designed lessons of the Program, students are thus able to hone and sharpen their skills for the CELPIP Test.
Key Features of the Program
The CELPIP Preparation Program has been specifically constructed to enhance the test takers' performance. The course content includes:
- Six lessons for each test component
- Practice test items for all skills modules
- Homework to reinforce learning and the development of good study habits
- Vocabulary-building activities
For the full list of institutions offering the CELPIP Preparation Program, please click here.
See also
- TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- CIC (Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada)
Notes
- ^ "English Language Tests". www.paragontesting.ca. Retrieved 2015-09-23.
- ^ "Where can I take a third-party language test for my immigration application?". www.cic.gc.ca. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
- ^ "Do I need a language test to immigrate to Canada?". www.cic.gc.ca. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
- ^ "Acceptable language proof to apply for citizenship wizard". www.cic.gc.ca. Retrieved 2015-09-23.
- ^ "CELPIP-General Test: Test Format and Scoring". www.celpiptest.ca. Retrieved 2015-10-02.
- ^ "CELPIPTest.ca". CELPIPTest.ca. Retrieved 2016-04-14.
- ^ "CELPIP-General LS Test Format and Scoring". www.celpiptest.ca. Retrieved 2015-10-02.
- ^ "CELPIP Levels and Descriptors". www.celpiptest.ca. Retrieved 2015-09-23.
- ^ "CELPIP Preparation Program". www.paragontesting.ca. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
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)
- CELPIP Test Centre in Toronto/Mississauga and Accredited CELPIP Preparation Program (Queen's Collegiate)