CELPIP is delivered entirely on a computer at a secure test centre. You complete all four skills — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — in one sitting at a single workstation with a privacy shield, a headset, a microphone, a keyboard and mouse, and paper and pencil for notes. Knowing the format ahead of time removes most test-day stress, so nothing on screen is a surprise.
Can you take notes?
Yes. The test centre gives you paper and a pencil, and you are encouraged to use them — to jot point-form notes while the Listening audio plays, and to plan your Writing and Speaking responses. Your notes are collected at the end of the test and are not scored, so they are purely a tool to help you think.
Section order & timing
The sections run in a fixed order and Speaking is last. Approximate timings for CELPIP-General:
- Listening — about 46-55 minutes, 6 parts.
- Reading — about 43-56 minutes, 4 parts.
- Writing — 53 minutes, 2 tasks.
- Speaking — about 15 minutes, 8 tasks.
- Total is roughly 3 hours (CELPIP-General LS, for citizenship, is much shorter).
Important: you can only move forward. Once a section ends you cannot go back, and leftover time in one section does not carry into the next — so pace each section on its own clock.
Speaking & Writing on screen
Speaking
- Prompts are on screen; there is no live examiner.
- Each task gives you prep time, then recording starts automatically.
- A progress bar shows remaining speaking time; a volume bar shows your mic level.
- Speak at a normal, steady volume into the headset mic.
Writing
- You type your responses; a live word count is shown.
- Basic spell-check underlines words, but it won’t fix wrong-word errors (their/there).
- Cut, copy, paste, and undo are available for editing.
- Plan on paper first, then type — it saves time and improves structure.
What to bring & the rules
- Bring acceptable photo ID and your admission details; register in advance (no walk-ins).
- No dictionaries (paper or electronic); phones and devices are stored away.
- No food or drink at the workstation except approved medical needs.
- Leaving for the washroom during a section keeps that section’s timer running.
- Accommodations are available with appropriate documentation — arrange these ahead of time.
FAQs
Can you take notes during CELPIP?
Yes — paper and pencil are provided for notes and planning. Notes are collected and not scored.
Is it fully on a computer?
Yes — all four skills on one computer in one sitting, with Speaking recorded (no live examiner).
Can I go back to a previous section?
No — you can only move forward, and time does not carry over between sections.