Before you start preparing for CELPIP, it helps to understand exactly what the test looks like. Knowing the structure, the number of questions, and the time limits for each section will reduce stress and help you plan your study time.
The CELPIP-General test has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You complete them all on a computer in one sitting. The full test takes under 3 hours.
Overview
| Section | Parts / Tasks | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 6 parts | 38 | 46-55 minutes |
| Reading | 4 parts | 38 | 43-56 minutes |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 2 | 53 minutes |
| Speaking | 8 tasks | 8 | 15 minutes |
Listening, Reading and Speaking each begin with a short practice task so you can get familiar with the format before the real questions start.
Listening (46-55 minutes)
You will listen to audio recordings in Canadian English and answer multiple-choice questions. There are 6 parts with 38 questions total.
| Part | Name | Questions | What You Hear |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Listening to Problem Solving | 8 | Three short conversations where people work out a problem |
| 2 | Listening to a Daily Life Conversation | 5 | A casual conversation about an everyday topic |
| 3 | Listening for Information | 6 | A conversation where one person gives specialized information |
| 4 | Listening to a News Item | 5 | A short news report |
| 5 | Listening to a Discussion | 8 | A discussion between three people |
| 6 | Listening for Viewpoints | 6 | One speaker giving views on a topic |
Good to know: You hear each recording only once, so stay focused. The recordings use Canadian accents and everyday situations you might encounter in Canada.
Reading (43-56 minutes)
You will read texts on screen and answer questions. There are 4 parts with 38 questions total.
| Part | Name | Questions | What You Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reading Correspondence | 11 | An exchange of emails or letters |
| 2 | Reading to Apply a Diagram | 8 | A text with a chart, schedule, or map |
| 3 | Reading for Information | 9 | A longer article or notice |
| 4 | Reading for Viewpoints | 10 | An opinion-based text with different arguments |
Good to know: The texts get longer and more complex as you move through the parts. Parts 1, 2 and 4 mix multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions. In Part 3 you match statements to paragraphs.
Writing (53 minutes)
You will type your responses on the computer. There are 2 tasks, and each response should be 150-200 words.
| Task | Name | Time | What You Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Writing an Email | 27 minutes | Write an email in response to a given situation (formal or informal) |
| 2 | Responding to Survey Questions | 26 minutes | Choose one of two options and explain your choice with reasons |
Good to know: Task 1 tests your ability to write in the right tone. A complaint to a company will sound different from a message to a friend. Task 2 tests your ability to organize an argument and support it with clear reasons.
Speaking (15 minutes)
You will speak into a microphone. Your responses are recorded. There is no face-to-face examiner. There are 8 tasks, and you get preparation time before each one.
| Task | Name | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giving Advice | Give advice to someone facing a problem |
| 2 | Talking about a Personal Experience | Share a relevant personal story |
| 3 | Describing a Scene | Describe what is happening in a picture |
| 4 | Making Predictions | Look at a picture and predict what might happen next |
| 5 | Comparing and Persuading | Pick one of two options in 60 seconds, then persuade someone that your choice is better than a third option they prefer |
| 6 | Dealing with a Difficult Situation | Explain how you would handle a challenging scenario |
| 7 | Expressing Opinions | Share and support your opinion on a topic |
| 8 | Describing an Unusual Situation | Describe what is happening in an unusual picture |
Good to know: For each task, you typically get 30-60 seconds to prepare and 60-90 seconds to speak. Speak clearly, stay on topic, and try to use a range of vocabulary. If you are not used to speaking into a microphone, practice beforehand. It feels different from talking to a person.
Quick Summary
- The CELPIP-General test has 4 sections completed in one sitting on a computer
- Listening: 6 parts, 38 questions. Listen to Canadian English recordings
- Reading: 4 parts, 38 questions. Read emails, articles, charts, and opinion texts
- Writing: 2 tasks. Write an email and an opinion response (150-200 words each)
- Speaking: 8 tasks. Speak into a microphone with no face-to-face examiner
- The full test takes under 3 hours
Start Practicing
Now that you know the structure, the best way to prepare is through practice. Try our free CELPIP-style practice for Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Reading practice is scored instantly. Practice needs a free account. AI feedback on Writing and Speaking is free up to a daily limit.