CELPIP vs IELTS: Which Test to Take for Canada PR (+Free Guide)

If you are asking "CELPIP vs IELTS", "IELTS vs CELPIP", "which is easier IELTS or CELPIP", or "CELPIP or IELTS for Canada PR", this page gives a fast answer for newcomers, students, and PR applicants: it shows who should pick which test, how each is scored, and where they are officially accepted.

Best for Canada PR / citizenship

CELPIP General (PR) and CELPIP General LS (citizenship) are accepted by IRCC; all skills are finished in one sitting and results arrive in ~3-4 business days.

Try the free CELPIP mock →

Best for multi-country options

IELTS is accepted by 11,500+ institutions in 140+ countries (study, work, migration). Choose it if you need a widely portable score.

See prep plans →

Recognition (Canada PR, citizenship, Australia, global)

Canada PR: IRCC accepts CELPIP General and IELTS General Training. Scores are linked to CLB for Express Entry.
Canada citizenship: IRCC accepts CELPIP General LS (Listening & Speaking). IELTS is not used for citizenship.
Australia (since Aug 2025): DHA accepts CELPIP General and IELTS Academic/General Training for visa English; only secure test centers are allowed (no at-home).
Global reach: IELTS is recognized in 140+ countries by universities, employers, and immigration bodies. CELPIP is mainly for Canada and Australia pathways.

Test format & experience

CELPIP General

Fully computer-delivered; all 4 skills in one sitting.
Speaking is recorded on a computer (no face-to-face examiner).
Duration ~2h50: Listening ~46-55m; Reading ~43-60m; Writing 53m; Speaking 15m.
Content uses Canadian everyday scenarios; keyboard typing for writing.

IELTS (General / Academic)

Paper or computer options; Speaking is face-to-face with an examiner (same day or ±7 days).
Total ~2h45: Listening 30m; Reading 60m; Writing 60m; Speaking 11-14m.
Multiple accents (UK, AU, NA) and a wider range of academic/general texts.
Computer IELTS is faster for results; paper IELTS offers traditional handwriting.

Pro tip

Want one appointment, all-computer, quick results? CELPIP is simpler. Prefer human interview and global portability? IELTS is the safer choice.

Scoring, results, and validity

CELPIP

Scale 1–12 mapped to CLB; easier to read for Canada PR/citizenship.
Listening/Reading auto-scored; Writing/Speaking human-rated.
Results: usually 3–4 business days; validity 2 years.

IELTS

Band 1–9 (with .5); overall = average of 4 skills.
All sections human-rated; Speaking is an interview.
Results: computer 1–3 days; paper ~13 days; validity 2 years.

Cost and availability

CELPIP: In Canada, about CAD $290 (General) / $195 (General LS). International prices vary by country and center.
IELTS: Fees vary by country; computer tests are often slightly higher than paper. Offered in 140+ countries; some regions have IELTS Online.
Test centers: CELPIP centers are expanding in Canada and Australia; IELTS has the broadest global footprint and more frequent sittings.

How to choose: CELPIP or IELTS?

Goal country: For Canada PR/citizenship or Australia visas only, CELPIP General is targeted and convenient.
Score portability: For study/work/immigration in multiple countries, IELTS is the safer, widely recognized option.
Test experience: Prefer a single computer appointment, no face-to-face Speaking, fast results? Choose CELPIP. Prefer in-person Speaking or paper writing? Choose IELTS.

Pro tip

Quick decision flow: (1) Canada/Australia only → CELPIP. (2) Need global acceptance → IELTS. (3) Hate face-to-face Speaking and want fast results → CELPIP. (4) Comfortable with interviews and need portability → IELTS.

Ready to Hit Your Target Score?

Join thousands of students practicing with AI-scored mock exams. Get instant feedback on your Speaking and Writing tasks to improve faster.

Start a Free Mock Exam

FAQs

Which is easier, IELTS or CELPIP?

Difficulty varies by skill. Many test takers find CELPIP Speaking easier because it is recorded (no live examiner) and Writing is typed. IELTS has broader accent exposure and a live interview, which some candidates prefer.

CELPIP or IELTS for Canada PR?

Both are accepted by IRCC. CELPIP directly maps to CLB, is fully computer-based, and returns scores quickly. IELTS is better if you also need a score for other countries.

How fast are results?

CELPIP: ~3-4 business days. IELTS: 1-3 days (computer) or ~13 days (paper).

Looking for more prep? See our CELPIP strategy guides and course overview.