English language proficiency test is one of the important requirements if you are planning to immigrate to an English-speaking country. The results can make a huge impact on your Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). There are two options for you to choose from to prove your English proficiency – the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Both tests are used to check an individual’s English language skills that are required in a social and workplace Environment.
Key Features of IELTS and CELPIP
In both CELPIP and IELTS, the test taker has to complete four modules – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Both CELPIP and IELTS are recognised and accepted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). The final test scores however, of both CELPIP as well as IELTS, have to be compared with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
Read this article to know about the correlation between CLB and IELTS bands.
CELPIP is designed specifically to evaluate the language skills which is necessary for Canadian permanent residency and citizenship however, IELTS is designed and recognised by countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. All four modules for CELPIP are conducted virtually whereas IELTS has two modes to take the test – Paper based, and computer based. The scoring is in 1-12 for CELPIP (the same as CLB levels) but 1-9 for IELTS per section.
The table below summarizes the key differences between an IELTS and CELPIP test:
What is Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)?
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) refers to the national standard in Canada for assessing and evaluating the English language proficiency of an individual who intends to migrate to Canada. CLB is a 12-point scale for English language proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking and is divided into 3 levels of proficiency like Basic (1-4 points), intermediate (5-8) points, and advanced (9-12 points). CLB is a common benchmark for both IELTS and CELPIP since both these language proficiency tests have a different scoring system. The greater the CLB score, the higher points in assessments and ranking systems.
Whether an Individual chooses to take CELPIP or IELTS, the focus needs to be on obtaining good scores according to the CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) as it measures English language abilities based on everyday life in an English-speaking country. CLB is a government approved benchmark, used to evaluate how language scores convert to Canadian immigration.
Score conversion from IELTS to CLB
Score conversion from CELPIP to CLB
Test Centres for CELPIP and IELTS
The CELPIP Test is conducted in the following states – Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. However, there are many test centres for IELTS located in major cities across the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and more. Please visit the official CELPIP or IELTS website and use their test centre search tool to find one near to you.
Does IRCC prefer a specific language test? Read this article to find out!
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