Take the CELPIP Test for Canadian Immigration

Knowing the official language of the country you’re moving to is vital, and it’s only rational of the Canadian government to request that people immigrating to the country demonstrate their proficiency in the English or French language or both. If you’re planning to call Canada your new home and want to live in an English-speaking province or territory, you might consider taking a CELPIP exam to prove your knowledge of the language. 

 
CELPIP, which stands for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, is an English language assessment that measures your ability to communicate in the language in common, everyday situations. The test was designed by Paragon Testing Enterprises, a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia, and is administered by Paragon in their own testing facilities and at accredited CELPIP test centre, such as Ashton Testing Services among others.

The test consists of four modules to assess speaking, writing, reading and listening skills in the language. CELPIP scores are tied with Canadian Language Benchmarks, the national standard for describing, measuring and recognizing the English language proficiency of adult immigrants hoping to live and work in Canada.

The equivalency chart below demonstrates how CELPIP scores correspond to the CLB levels.

Test Level Descriptor	CELPIP Level	CLB Level
Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts	12	12
Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts	11	11
Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts	10	10
Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts	9	9
Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts	8	8
Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts	7	7
Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts	6	6
Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts	5	5
Adequate proficiency for daily life activities	4	4
Some proficiency in limited contexts	3	3
Minimal proficiency or insufficient information to assess	M	0, 1, 2
Not Administered: test taker did not receive this test component	NA	/

CELPIP test is approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada as part of immigration application through various programs and streams. Before you book a CELPIP exam, make sure you’re familiar with the list of the immigration programs that accept CELPIP test results:

· Permanent Resident Status

· Canadian Citizenship

· Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

· Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

· Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

· Start-up Visa Program

· Various Provincial Nominee Programs

The language requirements may differ depending on the candidate’s age, occupation and the immigration program you’re applying to. For example, if you’re coming to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, your minimum score in all four abilities should be Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7. However, if you are applying for Permanent Residency through the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you only need a score of CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.

There are two types of CELPIP tests. The CELPIP General Level is approved by the IRCC for Permanent Residency applications. The CELPIP General LS (listening and speaking modules only) is accepted for Canadian citizenship applications. Make sure you choose the right type before you book the CELPIP exam.

The main benefits of CELPIP over other English language exams are that it is fully computerized and can be completed in one sitting. Test-takers can benefit from features such as a personal timer, word counter, and spell-check.

Every CELPIP exam center offers multiple test dates to choose from. The evaluation process is fast and convenient as well. The test-takers can view their results online in 8 business days, or 3 business days with Express Rating for an extra fee.

There are lots of free resources, study materials and sample tests available on CELPIP’s official website. If you still don’t feel confident and need assistance from professional instructors, you can sign up for a CELPIP preparation program at Ashton College, which may help you achieve the scores you need for immigration purposes.

10 Facts About CAEL

If you’re seeking admission into a college or a university in Canada as an international student, you might need to prove your English language proficiency. One way to do this is by taking the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test, which is currently available in a computer-delivered format called CAEL CE (Computer Edition). Read this article to learn everything you need to know about CAEL CE test.  

1.  Canadian

CAEL CE was developed at Carleton University in Canada to measure applicants’ ability to use and understand English at an academic level. Later on, it was acquired by Paragon Testing Enterprises. The test is based on the requirements of post-secondary institutions in Canada.

The test employs Canadian spelling and uses Canadian accent in the listening component.

2. Widely Accepted

The test is accepted by 185 academic institutions across Canada, and this number is constantly growing.

3. Available

CAEL CE is available at test centres all over the country. If you live in Metro Vancouver or Lower Mainland area in BC, you can take this test at one of Ashton Testing Services centres located in Vancouver and Abbotsford.

4. Convenient

The test consists of four components – reading, listening, speaking and writing – all of them can be completed in one sitting. There is no need to book an exam for the following day to appear for the speaking part, which saves a lot of time and energy. It takes only about three hours to complete the full test.

5. Quick results

It’s annoying to wait for test results, especially if the college application deadline is coming up soon. CAEL CE results are available within eight days after the completion of the test. Since the results are delivered fast, the test-takers have an opportunity to retake it if not satisfied with the scores.

6. Computer-based

The test is fully computer-delivered, which has a lot of advantages.

In the reading section, the text and the questions are shown on the same screen, which reduces the time you may spend looking for the answers.

The speaking part doesn’t involve any human interaction. All the responses given by the test-taker are recorded by the computer.

While taking the listening component, the test-taker can adjust the volume with the headset as per their convenience.

In the writing part, there is a word counter which enables the test-taker to concentrate on the essay rather than keeping track of the number of words. Editing tools are also available, reducing the possibility of making spelling mistakes.

7. Integrated

The content in all parts of the test is interconnected. Test-takers use what they have read and listened to for completing speaking and writing assignments. It’s easier to work with the material, which is already familiar to the candidate from the previous test components.

8. Based on academic topics

CAEL CE content is based on the academic topics covered during the first-year courses in arts and science. The topics can include Architecture, Economics, Geography, English language, History, Engineering, and others.

9. Based on real-life experience

At the time of the test, future students can experience what it feels like to be in a real classroom of a Canadian college or university during their first year. Test-takers read articles, listen to a lecture, answer questions and write a short essay.

They can also participate in supporting academic activities, for example, listen to an instructor explaining an assignment, or speaking to an advisor about their academic goals.

10. Variety of study tools

There are a lot of study tools and materials available for CAEL CE test-takers through the official test provider. They can download free CAEL overview and sample test, purchase study materials and register for a pretest. They can also sign up for a free webinar to learn more about the test and get tips on how to succeed.

Like any other English language test, if you prepare and study enough, you will do well in CAEL. Ensure that you understand the format before you sign up for it. Contact Ashton Testing Services when you’re ready to book your CAEL CE.