CELPIP-General test format, task by task
CELPIP-General has four sections in one sitting of 2 hours 50 minutes: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Here is every scored part and task, what you do in it and the time you get.
Listening: 6 parts, 38 questions
| Part | What you do | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving | A conversation in three sections about solving a problem, with questions after each section. | 8 | 30 s per question |
| Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation | Two people talk about an everyday situation. | 5 | 30 s per question |
| Part 3: Listening for Information | One person gives another information in a conversation. | 6 | 30 s per question |
| Part 4: Listening to a News Item | A short news report, then all its questions on one screen. | 5 | 4 min for the questions |
| Part 5: Listening to a Discussion | Three people discuss a topic, on video. | 8 | 4 min for the questions |
| Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints | One speaker presents different views on an issue. | 6 | 5 min for the questions |
Reading: 4 parts, 38 questions
| Part | What you do | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Reading Correspondence | A message such as a letter or email, and a reply to complete. | 11 | 11 min |
| Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram | A diagram and a message about it; some questions need both. | 8 | 9 min |
| Part 3: Reading for Information | A text in paragraphs: match each statement to the paragraph that says it, or to none. | 9 | 10 min |
| Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints | An article giving opinions, and a reader's comment to complete. | 10 | 13 min |
Writing: 2 tasks
| Part | What you do | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task 1: Writing an Email | Write an email about a situation, covering each point listed. | Rated | 27 min, 150–200 words |
| Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions | Choose one of two options in a survey and explain your choice. | Rated | 26 min, 150–200 words |
Speaking: 8 scored tasks
| Part | What you do | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task 1: Giving Advice | Advise someone about their situation. | Rated | 30 s to prepare, 90 s to speak |
| Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience | Describe something that happened to you. | Rated | 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak |
| Task 3: Describing a Scene | Describe a picture of a scene to someone who can't see it. | Rated | 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak |
| Task 4: Making Predictions | Say what will probably happen next in the same scene. | Rated | 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak |
| Task 5: Comparing and Persuading | Pick one of two options and persuade someone to choose it. | Rated | 60 s to choose, 60 s to prepare, 60 s to speak |
| Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation | Choose how to handle an awkward situation and say it to the person involved. | Rated | 60 s to prepare, 60 s to speak |
| Task 7: Expressing Opinions | Give your opinion on a topic and support it. | Rated | 30 s to prepare, 90 s to speak |
| Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation | Describe an unusual object or situation to someone who can't see it. | Rated | 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak |
Speaking starts with a practice task that is not scored.
Practise with the format
See how to practise for CELPIP, and check the level you need in the CELPIP score chart.
Free mock launching soon. Questions: support@maplemock.com
Questions
- How many tasks are in CELPIP?
- 20 scored parts and tasks: 6 in Listening, 4 in Reading, 2 in Writing and 8 in Speaking.
- How long is the CELPIP test?
- 2 hours 50 minutes in one sitting.
- Is any part of CELPIP Listening a video?
- Yes. Part 5 is a discussion among 3 people that you watch as well as hear.
Sources
- Paragon Testing Enterprises: CELPIP test format and scoring (read October 12, 2026)
- Paragon Testing Enterprises: CELPIP free practice tests (read October 12, 2026)
Test formats change: check celpip.ca before test day. MapleMock is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises.