The CELPIP test: what it is, how to book it and what to expect
CELPIP-General is Paragon's computer-based English test for Canada, accepted by IRCC for permanent residence and citizenship. It takes about 2 hours 50 minutes in one sitting and costs CA$290 plus taxes in Canada. Here is what it covers, how to book it, what test day is like and when results arrive.
What CELPIP is
Paragon Testing Enterprises, part of Prometric Canada since 2021, runs the CELPIP tests. Two of them matter for Canadian immigration:
- CELPIP-General: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, in one sitting of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
- CELPIP-General LS: Listening and Speaking only, in about 1 hour 10 minutes, for citizenship.
- Source: Paragon Testing Enterprises, last checked October 13, 2026.
- Source: celpip.ca, CELPIP-General, last checked October 13, 2026.
- Source: celpip.ca, free practice tests, last checked October 12, 2026.
Who accepts it
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts CELPIP-General for permanent residence, Express Entry profiles included.
- For citizenship, IRCC accepts CELPIP-General or the shorter CELPIP-General LS: see what citizenship applicants need.
- Paragon also lists Australian visas (Home Affairs), professional designations and some schools among the uses of CELPIP-General.
- Source: IRCC, language requirements, last checked October 13, 2026.
- Source: IRCC, Express Entry language tests, last checked October 13, 2026.
- Source: celpip.ca, CELPIP-General, last checked October 13, 2026.
The test at a glance
| Listening | 46–55 min |
|---|---|
| Reading | 43–56 min |
| Writing | 53 min |
| Speaking | 15 min |
The skills come in this order, with no separate speaking session. Our CELPIP test format page covers every part and task.
- Source: celpip.ca, test format and scoring, last checked October 12, 2026.
- Source: celpip.ca, free practice tests, last checked October 12, 2026.
How much it costs
In Canada, CELPIP-General costs CA$290 and CELPIP-General LS CA$195, plus taxes. Outside Canada, Paragon sets prices by country: check the fee for yours on celpip.ca before you book.
- Source: celpip.ca, CELPIP-General, last checked October 13, 2026.
Booking and test day
- You take the test on a computer at a test centre, in Canada or abroad: Paragon has centres in about 40 countries. Find a centre and a date on celpip.ca.
- Bring the original, valid ID you registered with: its name and document number must match your registration, and copies or expired documents are refused. For immigration, Paragon accepts mainly a passport, with a few other documents in some countries.
- Arrive 45 minutes early with your confirmation email, printed or on your phone. Check-in closes 15 minutes before the start; if you miss it, you lose the sitting with no refund or transfer.
- Only your ID goes into the test room. Your photo is taken at check-in and printed on your score report, and the test runs without breaks.
- Report a problem on test day in your CELPIP account within 24 hours.
- Source: celpip.ca, test day information, last checked October 13, 2026.
Changing or cancelling
- Cancel in your CELPIP account at least 7 calendar days before the test for a 50% refund; with less notice, there is no refund.
- You can move to another sitting of the same test at least 7 calendar days ahead; a transfer fee may apply (CA$50 plus taxes under Paragon's policy).
- With less than 7 calendar days to go, contact Paragon, which may ask for documents.
- Source: celpip.ca, policies and forms, last checked October 13, 2026.
Results and how long they count
- Your scores appear in your CELPIP account 2 to 4 business days after the test.
- For permanent residence, IRCC needs results less than 2 years old when it receives your application; for Express Entry, also when you create your profile.
- For citizenship, results have no expiry date.
- Each skill gets a CELPIP level, and IRCC reads level 7 as CLB 7, level 9 as CLB 9 and so on: see the CELPIP score chart and CLB converter.
- Source: celpip.ca, test results, last checked October 12, 2026.
- Source: IRCC, language requirements, last checked October 13, 2026.
- Source: IRCC, Express Entry language tests, last checked October 13, 2026.
- Source: IRCC Help Centre, citizenship and test results, last checked October 13, 2026.
Practise before you book
The free Listening & Reading mock is open now: the full Listening and Reading sections in the official format, with real timings.
Free Listening & Reading mockFree account, no card needed
Questions
- How much does the CELPIP test cost?
- In Canada, CA$290 for CELPIP-General and CA$195 for CELPIP-General LS, plus taxes. Prices outside Canada vary by country.
- Where do you take the CELPIP test?
- On a computer at a test centre, in Canada or abroad: Paragon has centres in about 40 countries.
- How long do CELPIP results take?
- 2 to 4 business days: they appear in your CELPIP account.
- How long are CELPIP results valid?
- For permanent residence, IRCC needs them less than 2 years old when it receives your application, and for Express Entry also when you create your profile. For citizenship, they do not expire.
- Should I take CELPIP or IELTS?
- IRCC accepts both for permanent residence. CELPIP is taken entirely on a computer in one sitting; our CELPIP vs IELTS page compares the format, Speaking and results.
Deciding between tests? See CELPIP vs IELTS General Training.
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