The Ultimate Guide To CELPIP VS IELTS

The decision between IELTS and CELPIP is one that has gained immense attention among people these days. As every year many candidates take English proficiency tests, and aspire to get PR in Canada, it causes a great uncertainty among the test takers to choose among the two. By the time this article will reach its end, the answer to the question will be evident and clear.

Is CELPIP equivalent to IELTS?

CELPIP acronym for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, while IELTS  stands for International English Language Testing System. Both the tests ensure language proficiency of the person taking the test, and are accepted when submitting an application for Canadian permanent residence. Either of the two is required while proceeding for the same. The major difference between the two is about the CELPIP being the fully computerized test, in contrast to IELTS having three sections, listening, reading and writing paper or computer based, and speaking in person.

CELPIP Vs IELTS

Although each exam consists of four modules, the pattern followed is different in each section of both the tests.

• Listening: The IELTS listening test takes roughly 30 minutes to complete, whereas the duration for the CELPIP listening test is almost 1 hour, being comparatively longer than the former. Also, approach to the two tests is entirely different. In the CELPIP listening test, entire audio is played first and you get to answer the questions later on, making noting down of key points an important factor. On the other hand, in the IELTS listening, audio play and answering to the questions need to be done alongside.
• Reading: Reading module for both the tests gets winded up in a duration of 60 minutes where one needs to attempt 40 questions. The reading topics for IELTS are associated to international topics whereas CELPIP focuses more on the Canadian themes.
• Writing: 50 minutes are provided for the CELPIP writing tasks, unlike the IELTS, where 1 hour is there to finish writing. Efficient time management is required to wind up the tasks within the fixed span. Manual checking of this particular module, in both the cases, makes it equally difficult, as certain criteria are set for the writing content to get marked accordingly.
• Speaking: Both the tests have a slot of 15-20 minutes for the speaking section to be done. CELPIP speaking is done on computer only, whilst the IELTS speaking have two-way communication with the speaking examiner in a room.

Which one is better- CELPIP or IELTS?

An individual’s preference affects the choice they make, so, one cannot claim any of the two to be better than the other. The major benefit of choosing CELPIP over IELTS is, no risk of getting spellings wrong. As CELPIP has drop down menu to choose answer from, it doesn’t leave a room for making any spelling error contrary to the IELTS. IELTS reading and listening instructions can get confusing many times, which is not a case in CELPIP. Due to totally computerized pattern, CELPIP writing is surely error free in terms of spellings. Despite the fact, few may find choosing later over the former. CELPIP speaking might cause distraction and get irritating, conflicting to IELTS speaking, where one talks to a real person and that too in a quiet space.

After reading the entire article, one might have already got a clear idea of what paper style they feel more comfortable to. However, getting a good grade is the main objective—not determining which is better or worse. With lots of practice, strong determination, setting goals and positive mind, one can achieve the desired scores and get closer to their dream of getting permanent residency of Canada.