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Choosing the Right English Language Proficiency Test for Canadian Immigration: IELTS, CELPIP, or PTE Core

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Gail Pitts

10-Sep-2024

Gail Pitts

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Choosing the Right English Language Proficiency Test for Canadian Immigration: IELTS, CELPIP, or PTE Core

Are you applying for permanent residency in Canada and trying to decide which English language proficiency test is best suited for your needs? As of January 2024, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) has added the PTE Core from Pearson to its list of accepted English tests, alongside IELTS General Training and CELPIP. This article will compare these three tests—IELTS General Training, CELPIP, and PTE Core—by examining their formats, scoring systems, acceptance, preparation resources, and availability. By the end of this guide, you’ll be better equipped to choose the test that aligns with your goals.

Test Formats

Each of these tests evaluates the four main communication skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing, but they do so in different ways.

IELTS General Training

The IELTS General Training exam, available in both paper-based (IOP) and computer-based (IOC) formats, takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. The speaking section is conducted face-to-face with an examiner, which can provide a more interactive experience.

• Reading: 60 minutes, with 40 questions divided into three sections:
• Section 1: 2 or 3 factual texts related to everyday life.
• Section 2: 2 factual texts related to work.
• Section 3: A longer, more detailed text on a general interest topic.

• Writing: 60 minutes, divided into:
• Task 1: Write a letter based on a given situation (150 words).
• Task 2: Write an informal essay on the provided topic (250 words).

• Listening: 30 minutes, consisting of 4 recordings:
• A conversation between two people.
• A monologue in an everyday situation.
• A conversation among up to four people in an academic context.
• A monologue on an academic subject.
• Speaking: 11 to 14 minutes, divided into three parts:
• Answering questions about yourself.
• Speaking on a topic chosen by the examiner.
• A more detailed discussion of the topic from part 2.

PTE Core

The PTE Core is entirely computer-based and takes about 2 hours. It is suitable for migration, work visas, and Canadian citizenship.

• Speaking and Writing: 50 minutes, with tasks including personal introduction, reading aloud, repeating sentences, and writing an email.
• Reading: 30 minutes, featuring 5 question types:
• Reading and writing: fill in the blanks.
• Multiple choice (multiple answers and single answer).
• Reordering paragraphs.
• Filling in the blanks.
• Listening: 30 minutes, with 7 question types:
• Summarizing spoken text.
• Multiple choice (multiple answers and single answer).
• Filling in the blanks.
• Selecting missing words.
• Highlighting incorrect words.
• Writing from dictation.

CELPIP General

The CELPIP General test is also computer-based and takes approximately 3 hours. It is available in two versions: one for permanent residency applications and another for Canadian citizenship.

• Listening: 47 to 55 minutes, divided into six parts:
• Problem-solving.
• Daily life conversation.
• Listening for information.
• News item.
• Discussion.
• Viewpoints.

• Reading: 55 to 60 minutes, divided into four parts:
• Reading correspondence.
• Applying a diagram.
• Reading for information.
• Viewpoints.

• Speaking: 15 to 20 minutes, with 8 tasks including giving advice, discussing personal experiences, and making predictions.

• Writing: 53 to 60 minutes, with two tasks:
• Writing an email.
• Responding to survey questions.

Scoring Systems

Understanding the scoring systems of each test can help you assess which one aligns best with your proficiency level.

IELTS General Training

IELTS scores range from 0 to 9 for each skill. Here’s what the scores represent:

• 0: Did not attempt the test.
• 1 to 5: Limited language use.
• 6 to 7: Strong English command.
• 8 to 9: Expert language proficiency.

PTE Core

PTE Core scores range from 0 to 90. For a CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark), you generally need:

• Reading: 60-68
• Writing: 69-78
• Listening: 60-70
• Speaking: 68-75

CELPIP General

CELPIP scores range from 0 to 12, which directly correspond to CLB levels:

• 0 to 1: Test not taken or insufficient information.
• 2 to 3: Limited language use.
• 4 to 6: Intermediate level.
• 7 to 9: Proficient in various contexts.
• 10 to 12: High level of proficiency.

For a CLB 7, you need to achieve a minimum score of 6 in each category in IELTS.

Acceptance

It’s crucial to ensure that the test you choose is widely accepted.

• IELTS: Accepted by over 12,000 institutions in more than 150 countries. It was the first test recognized by the IRCC for permanent residency and is valid with over 850 Canadian organizations.
• PTE Core: Accepted by over 3,300 institutions worldwide. It’s suitable for visa applications in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
• CELPIP: Accepted by the IRCC for permanent residency, professional certification, and several other processes. It has been in use since around 2002.

IELTS stands out for its extensive acceptance and long-standing reputation, making it a highly reliable choice.

Preparation Resources

Effective preparation is essential for success in any test. Here’s what each test offers in terms of preparation:

IELTS

• IELTS Ready Premium: Free tool with videos, tutorials, practice tests, and expert advice.
• Practice Tests: Simulate exam conditions.
• Webinars: Weekly sessions with exam experts.
• Prep App: Practice anytime with free tests and tips.
• Online Tutoring: Personalized courses available.
• Test Day Advice: Comprehensive guides and blog posts.

PTE Core

• Free Online Course: 2-3 hours of content in test format.
• Videos and Practice Tests: Explaining test sections.
• Question-and-Answer Models: For practice.
• Handbook: Detailed preparation guide.
• Paid Options: Grammar books and additional resources.

CELPIP

• Free Practice Tests: Familiarize yourself with the test format.
• Study Tips Videos: Useful strategies.
• Webinars and Workshops: Additional preparation.
• Guidebook: Detailed study material.
• Purchase Materials: For more intensive preparation.

IELTS offers the most extensive range of preparation resources, catering to different needs and preferences.

Availability

Availability of test centers and slots can affect your choice.

• IELTS: Over 150 venues across Canada, with flexible scheduling from Monday to Saturday.
• PTE Core: Approximately 25 test centers in Canada, with limited availability.
• CELPIP: Available in 140 locations across Canada, with several slots per day.

IELTS provides the greatest flexibility and coverage, ensuring that you can find a convenient test date and location.

Choosing the right English language proficiency test for your Canadian immigration application depends on various factors, including test format, scoring, acceptance, preparation resources, and availability. IELTS, with its long history and wide acceptance, offers a comprehensive and practical approach. PTE Core provides