CELPIP vs. IELTS: Which English Test Should You Take for Canadian Immigration? 🇨🇦

If you want to live in Canada permanently or become a citizen, you need to prove you can speak English well. The Canadian government (IRCC) accepts two main tests for immigration programs like Express Entry: the CELPIP test (both General for Permanent Residence and CELPIP General LS for Citizenship) and the IELTS General Training Test.

Both tests are accepted by the IRCC and give you the same Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) points. So, the main question is: Which test is better for you?

IELTS or CELPIP…That is the question!

Honestly, one test is not truly "easier" than the other. They just test your English in very different ways. The best choice for you depends on how you learn, what you prefer in tests, and your English strengths.

That's why we've made a simple comparison to help you choose and get your best score. Let's look at what each test focuses on and how they measure your skills in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.

1. Test Focus: Canadian vs. Global English

IELTS and CELPIP focus on different aspects when it comes to content, geography, and how they score the skills.

Who benefits?

If you live in Canada or know a lot about Canada and North American English, CELPIP might feel more natural. If you've been learning English with British or international materials, IELTS might be more comfortable.

2. Listening: Time, Accents, and the Test Pacing

The Listening section also has important differences that can make one test better for you, depending on how you understand information.

How IELTS and CELPIP tests approach the Listening skill.

Who benefits?

• Choose CELPIP if:

  • You are more comfortable listening only to North American accents.

• You prefer easy multiple-choice questions and don't need to review or change answers later.

• Choose IELTS if:

• You get distracted easily during longer audio and prefer a shorter test.

• You are good at understanding different international accents and prefer to write answers or check your work before finishing.

3. The Big Difference: Speaking

This is often the main reason people choose one test over the other.

IELTS and CELPIP widely differ when it comes to the speaking test.

Who benefits?

• Choose CELPIP if:

• You get nervous and prefer speaking into a machine without a person watching you.

• You are good at giving quick answers based on different situations.

• You want to finish the whole test in one day.

• Choose IELTS if:

• You speak better in a direct conversation with a person who can react to and understand your answers.

• You are good at speaking for two full minutes (Part 2) and talking about ideas (Part 3).

• If noise bothers you, the quiet, private room for speaking is a big plus.

4. Reading and Writing: Tasks and How They Work

The Reading and Writing parts also have differences that can help you decide.

Question types as well as how you actually take the test are different in CELPIP vs. IELTS.

Who benefits?

• Choose CELPIP if:

• You are a fast typist and prefer simple multiple-choice questions for Reading.

• You find writing a formal essay (IELTS Task 2) difficult.

• Choose IELTS if:

• You are much faster at writing by hand than typing.

• You are comfortable with different types of Reading questions and good at writing structured, formal essays.

The Final Decision: How to Pick Your Test

Remember, both CELPIP-General and IELTS General Training are fully accepted for Canadian Permanent Residence and citizenship. The best choice is the one that fits your personal strengths:

Choose CELPIP If...

• You are good with computers and like a test that's all digital.

• You get easily distracted by or struggle with spelling, as most answers are multiple choice.

• You live in Canada or know a lot about Canadian culture and accents.

• You want faster results (usually 3–4 days).

Choose IELTS If...

• You prefer a face-to-face speaking interview instead of recording your voice.

• You understand different international accents well (British, Australian, American, etc.).

• You are good at writing by hand and prefer the paper test.

• You want to use your score for other countries (e.g., immigration to Australia, UK, or for studying abroad).

No matter which test you choose, getting help from an expert is the best way to get a high score and reach the CLB level you need for immigration.

Your Next Step: Get Expert Help

Whether you choose the person-to-person IELTS or the computer-based CELPIP, personalized coaching is key to doing well.

At English Azade, we offer special small classes for both IELTS and CELPIP. We focus on the methods and plans that help you get high scores.

Don't try to prepare alone! Join our special CELPIP or IELTS classes with only 4-5 students. You'll get detailed one-on-one feedback, lots of practice, and proven strategies made for your test-taking style.

Check out our upcoming classes below: