CELPIP vs IELTS General Training: what's different
IRCC accepts three English tests for Express Entry and citizenship: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core. Each result converts to the same Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, and the same level earns the same points whichever test you take. What differs is how each test runs.
At a glance
| CELPIP-General | IELTS General Training | PTE Core | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry | Accepted (CELPIP-General) | Accepted (General Training only) | Accepted |
| Citizenship | Accepted, or its Listening and Speaking test (CELPIP-General LS) | Accepted (General Training) | Accepted |
| Scores | A level per skill, M and 3 to 12: the same number as the CLB | A band per skill, up to 9 | A score per skill, up to 90 |
| Length | 2 hours 50 minutes in one sitting: Listening 46–55 min, Reading 43–56 min, Writing 53 min, Speaking 15 min | Listening about 30 min, Reading 60, Writing 60, Speaking 11–14 | About 2 hours |
| Where and how | On a computer at a test centre | On a computer; paper-based tests end from mid-2026 | On a computer at a test centre; not at home |
| Speaking | Recorded at the computer and rated by trained raters; no face-to-face examiner | Face to face with an examiner | Recorded into a microphone at the computer |
| Results | 2 to 4 business days | Usually within 1 to 2 days on computer | Usually within 2 business days |
| For immigration | Less than 2 years old when you apply | Less than 2 years old when you apply | Less than 2 years old when you apply |
Scores for each CLB level
IRCC's conversion charts. In CELPIP the level is the CLB number in every skill.
| CLB | CELPIP | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 to 12 | 8.5–9.0 | 8.0–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 |
| 9 | 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| CLB | CELPIP | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 to 12 | 89–90 | 88–90 | 90 | 89–90 |
| 9 | 9 | 82–88 | 78–87 | 88–89 | 84–88 |
| 8 | 8 | 71–81 | 69–77 | 79–87 | 76–83 |
| 7 | 7 | 60–70 | 60–68 | 69–78 | 68–75 |
| 6 | 6 | 50–59 | 51–59 | 60–68 | 59–67 |
| 5 | 5 | 39–49 | 42–50 | 51–59 | 51–58 |
| 4 | 4 | 28–38 | 33–41 | 41–50 | 42–50 |
How to choose
Neither test is easier by rule. These are the differences worth weighing.
- Speaking: CELPIP and PTE Core record your answers at a computer, while IELTS has you talk with an examiner.
- Targets by skill: for CLB 9, IELTS General Training needs 8.0 in Listening, 7.0 in Reading, 7.0 in Writing and 7.0 in Speaking; CELPIP needs a 9 in each skill.
- Results: CELPIP in 2 to 4 business days, IELTS on computer usually within 1 to 2 days, PTE Core usually within 2 business days.
- Test centres and dates: check which tests run near you, and when, before you plan.
- Points: IRCC gives the same CRS points for the same CLB level, whichever test you take. See them in our CELPIP score chart and converter.
Practising for CELPIP
If you choose CELPIP, a full mock in its format, on a computer and with its timings, shows where you stand before test day.
Free mock launching soon. Questions: support@maplemock.com
Questions
- Is CELPIP easier than IELTS?
- Neither is easier by rule. IRCC converts both to the same CLB levels and gives the same points for the same level. They differ in format: CELPIP is taken entirely on a computer, while IELTS Speaking is a conversation with an examiner.
- Does IRCC prefer CELPIP or IELTS?
- No. Both are approved for Express Entry and citizenship, and your points depend on your CLB level, not on the test you took.
- What IELTS score equals CLB 9?
- IELTS General Training 8.0 in Listening, 7.0 in Reading, 7.0 in Writing and 7.0 in Speaking. In CELPIP, CLB 9 is a 9 in each skill.
- Can I use IELTS Academic?
- No. IRCC accepts IELTS General Training for Express Entry and for citizenship, not IELTS Academic.
- What is PTE Core?
- Pearson's English test for Canadian immigration, approved by IRCC alongside CELPIP-General and IELTS General Training. It takes about 2 hours at a test centre.
Sources
- IRCC: Express Entry language test results (page dated June 22, 2026)
- IRCC: Approved language tests for citizenship (page dated September 26, 2025)
- Paragon Testing Enterprises: CELPIP (read October 12, 2026)
- Paragon Testing Enterprises: CELPIP free practice tests (read October 12, 2026)
- Paragon Testing Enterprises: CELPIP test results (read October 12, 2026)
- IELTS: General Training test (read October 12, 2026)
- IELTS: General Training Speaking test (read October 12, 2026)
- IELTS: Test results (read October 12, 2026)
- IELTS: Updates to IELTS test delivery (published March 5, 2026)
- Pearson: PTE Core (read October 12, 2026)
Test formats and rules change: check each test's site and IRCC before you book. MapleMock is not affiliated with IRCC, Paragon Testing Enterprises, IELTS or Pearson.