Test format
CELPIP-General: format and levels
Test sections
1.Listening
about 55 minutes- Part 1 Listening to Problem Solving — A conversation in three sections about solving a problem, 8 questions
- Part 2 Listening to a Daily Life Conversation — An everyday conversation, 5 questions
- Part 3 Listening for Information — A conversation where someone asks for information, 6 questions
- Part 4 Listening to a News Item — A short news report, 5 questions
- Part 5 Listening to a Discussion — A discussion between three people, 8 questions
- Part 6 Listening to Viewpoints — A talk presenting different viewpoints, 6 questions
2.Reading
about 56 minutes- Part 1 Reading Correspondence — A letter or email and a reply, 11 questions
- Part 2 Reading to Apply a Diagram — A diagram and an email about it, 8 questions
- Part 3 Reading for Information — A passage in paragraphs A–D, 9 questions
- Part 4 Reading for Viewpoints — An article and a reader’s comment, 10 questions
3.Writing
about 53 minutes- Task 1 Writing an Email — About 27 minutes, 150–200 words
- Task 2 Responding to Survey Questions — About 26 minutes, 150–200 words
4.Speaking
about 15 minutes- Task 1 Giving Advice — 30 s to prepare, 90 s to speak
- Task 2 Talking about a Personal Experience — 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Task 3 Describing a Scene — 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Task 4 Making Predictions — 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Task 5 Comparing and Persuading — 60 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Task 6 Dealing with a Difficult Situation — 60 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Task 7 Expressing Opinions — 30 s to prepare, 90 s to speak
- Task 8 Describing an Unusual Situation — 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
Timings vary slightly between test forms because some unscored questions may be included. Listening recordings play only once.
CELPIP levels
Each skill is reported as a CELPIP level. CELPIP levels line up one-to-one with the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB): CELPIP 7 is CLB 7.
- 12Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts
- 11Highly effective proficiency
- 10Highly effective proficiency
- 9Effective proficiency
- 8Good proficiency
- 7Adequate proficiency
- 6Developing proficiency
- 5Acquiring proficiency
- 4Adequate proficiency for daily life
- 3Some proficiency in limited contexts
- MMinimal proficiency or not enough information to assess
From correct answers to a level
Listening and reading each have 38 scored questions. This is the approximate number of correct answers needed for each level. It varies a little between test forms, so treat it as a guide; our practice tests use it to estimate your level.
| Level | Listening (out of 38) | Reading (out of 38) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 38+ | 38+ |
| 11 | 37+ | 36+ |
| 10 | 35+ | 33+ |
| 9 | 33+ | 31+ |
| 8 | 30+ | 28+ |
| 7 | 27+ | 24+ |
| 6 | 22+ | 19+ |
| 5 | 17+ | 15+ |
| 4 | 11+ | 10+ |
| 3 | 7+ | 8+ |
Levels for Australian visas
Minimum CELPIP-General level in each skill:
| Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competent | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Proficient | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 |
| Superior | 10 | 10 | 12 | 10 |
Requirements can change: confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website before you book. CELPIP is a test of Paragon Testing Enterprises; this site is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises.
See where you stand
Take a free timed Listening or Reading section test, or a full mock test for a level in every skill.