CELPIP Syllabus 2026

CELPIP-General tests everyday English for Canadian immigration (accepted by IRCC for permanent residence and citizenship). It assesses Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, each scored on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scale from 4 to 12, and is 100% computer-delivered in one sitting.

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CELPIP exam pattern

SectionQuestionsDuration
Listening (47-55 min · 6 parts)3850 min
Reading (55-60 min · 4 parts)3860 min
Writing (53-60 min · 2 tasks)2060 min
Total96170 min

Marking: 1 mark per correct answer, no negative marking. Scale: 100–1000.

CELPIP syllabus — topic-wise

Listening

Reading

Writing

Speaking

How to cover the CELPIP syllabus

The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), from Paragon Testing Enterprises, is a computer-delivered English test designated by IRCC for Canadian immigration. CELPIP-General tests four skills — Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking — fully by computer with Speaking recorded, in about 3 hours. Each skill is scored on CELPIP levels of M and 1 through 12, mapping directly to the Canadian Language Benchmarks. Results are valid for two years, and CELPIP-General LS (Listening and Speaking) is a shorter version used for citizenship.

✅ Preparation tips

  • Practise typing for the Writing tasks — it is fully computer-based.
  • Rehearse the recorded Speaking task types.
  • Know how CELPIP levels map to the Canadian Language Benchmarks.

⚠️ Common mistakes

  • Taking the shorter LS version when General is required for immigration.
  • Under-practising the recorded Speaking component.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CELPIP syllabus?

The CELPIP syllabus covers Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking. CELPIP-General tests everyday English for Canadian immigration (accepted by IRCC for permanent residence and citizenship). It assesses Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, each scored on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scale from 4 to 12, and is 100% computer-delivered in one sitting.

What is the CELPIP exam pattern?

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program has 96 questions across 3 sections in 170 minutes with no negative marking.

How many sections are there in CELPIP?

CELPIP is organised into 3 sections: Listening (47-55 min · 6 parts), Reading (55-60 min · 4 parts), Writing (53-60 min · 2 tasks).

Where can I practise the full CELPIP syllabus for free?

Wrexa Edge offers 10 free full-length CELPIP mock tests that cover the entire syllabus in the real exam interface, with instant scoring and topic-wise analysis.

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