CELPIP test is an English language proficiency test that is developed by a Canadian university, University of British Columbia. CELPIP stands for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program.

This test is widely used for immigration purposes (applying for permanent residency and Canadian citizenship) as well as some other purposes such as school (college or university) admission, obtaining a realtor license, or immigration consultant license (IRCC). You can go to Citizenship Canada website to find out more about the CELPIP score requirement for your application.

In this article, I'd like to share a CELPIP test preparation strategy that you can follow as a CELPIP test taker. It goes without saying that you need to practice as much as possible, but it is equally important to practice effectively. Most of you will probably be taking the CELPIP General test, so that is what we will discuss here. This guide is still relevant to those taking CELPIP General LS test as the listening section and speaking section are identical.

Some CELPIP test takers may be fluent enough in the English language, or even native speakers. In this case, you probably won't need as much time to get ready for the test. However, some preparation is still highly recommended to ensure the highest score possible. For these people, I recommend completing several practice tests to be familiar with the format of the CELPIP exam. When you create an account on celpip.ca website, you will get a free CELPIP practice test from Paragon. In addition, when you sign up for the CELPIP test, you will also get another free sample test. Use these free sample tests to be familiar with the test format. In addition, you can find many more CELPIP practice tests in our Youtube Channel, www.YouTube.com/PrestoEnglish.

Remember, as an English test, CELPIP test is a testing English proficiency. It measures your English language abilities in a practical setting. It is quite different from the IELTS test. Even though you have taken the IELTS test and did well, you don't want to take the CELPIP test too lightly because of the markedly different test format.

Keep in mind, the CELPIP General test uses Canadian English. What exactly is Canadian English? In general, Canadian English is very similar to American English with some differences in spelling. The pronunciation is almost identical, and there are not a lot of lexical differences either.

Here are some tips to help you improve your CELPIP score.

CELPIP READING TIPS

- The reading test is probably not very difficult, but test takers need to answer the questions fast as you're not given a lot of time.

- If you are a slow reader, start by reading the questions first before you read the passage. On the other hand, if you read fast, you may like to read the passage first to gain an understanding of what it is about.

- Start reading English materials daily. Do it at least a month before your test. Read newspaper articles, editorials, blogs.

- We highly recommend Presto English CELPIP Reading practice. This practice materials contain some specific skill-building questions as well as complete CELPIP reading practice tests.

- When you see words you don't know, always try to guess the meaning based on the topic and information that's already shared before you check the dictionary.

- Learn various opinion markers. When you see an opinion marker, you know that you will see an opinion statement shortly.

- The reading test is a timed test. As you get closer to your test date, do a timed practice to see if you still struggle completing the questions in time.

CELPIP SPEAKING TIPS

In this language test, test takers will be given 8 different speaking questions. You need to know the type of question in each task really well.

What most people find challenging in the speaking test is that they are given only 30-60 seconds to prepare their speaking responses. Those who complain that they cannot come up with ideas in a short time need to practice more.

- For those who have failed getting the target score in speaking, taking classes is a must if you want to stop wasting your time and money. It is true that taking classes costs money and you don't feel like spending more money because the test itself is expensive. That is the reason we offer our 7-day online CELPIP training. 

- Find sample speaking questions, compare your ideas with other people's ideas, brainstorm with your friends or family members. There are people who did well in the CELPIP test, so this is not a mission impossible.

- Always remember to add details to your ideas.

- One method I like to generate ideas is to think of relevant WH (who what where when why how) questions. In your speaking test, the topic will mention some things that you need to include in your response. Make additional open-ended questions using those WH question words to help you think of supporting ideas for your response.

- While practicing speaking, record your responses using your phone. This allows you to listen to them again and check for errors. If you join our CELPIP preparation program, you will also get personalized feedback on your responses.

- You can practice speaking daily in your room. Start speaking about various topics. You don't always have to practice with CELPIP topics.

- To display your English proficiency, you need to show that you understand the context and the situation presented. Then, you need to use the correct tone (formal vs casual). What they try to measure is your English proficiency in workplace and community contexts.

- Use expressions that are suitable for the situation.

CELPIP WRITING TIPS

You will find two tasks to complete in the writing section. The first one is writing an email, and the second one is writing a survey response.

- Avoid using 'big words' that you are not familiar with. Many students thought they have to impress the CELPIP rater by using difficult vocabulary, but they frequently use them in the wrong context. That's one of the most common reasons test takers cannot score 9 or higher in the exam.

- Don't worry too much about using idioms in writing.

- If you are not a native speaker, you really need to get your writing evaluated by a qualified individual to improve your English language proficiency. This is important because many test-takers often are not aware of their mistakes when they are writing their responses. In CELPIP writing, you need to be relevant, concise, and natural. This is where a qualified tutor can help you effectively.

- Learn from high-scoring CELPIP writing samples. If you cannot find them, look for Band 8 or 9 IELTS General Writing samples which are similar to the CELPIP Writing task 1, writing an email. For CELPIP task 2, you can still read sample essays used in other English proficiency tests. They may not be identical, but they are still relevant.

- Presto English offers essay correction services as well private lessons. Recently, we had a student who managed to improver her writing score from 8 to 11 after spending two weeks joining our CELPIP Pro session.

CELPIP LISTENING TIPS

The listening test in CELPIP general is arguably easier than what you see in the IELTS exam. When you prepare yourself, focus on improving your functional listening skills.

- You need to take notes here. When you search for information on the internet, you will find some people who say they prefer not to take notes during the test, and others who say taking notes is important. I recommend taking notes because there are questions in CELPIP exam that ask you about specific details. It's harder to get these questions right when you don't take notes.

- Practice listening daily. You can use our exclusive CELPIP listening practice to improve your language skills.

- You want to know common opinion markers that people use in a conversation/speech. Our 7-day online CELPIP training also comes with writing correction too. 

- Listen to Canadian audio content. News clips from CBC are great resources. You can also watch Canadian dramas like Kim's Convenience and Mr. D. 

Others Useful Tips

- Join our CELPIP preparation program. Our 7-day CELPIP online training is your best study guide. For 7 consecutive days, you will practice with our certified tutor to help you improve your English language proficiency and your CELPIP level. Additionally, you also get a complete test sample from us.

- You should complete the CELPIP practice test from Paragon two days before your test to check your readiness. Use the last day for any last minute preparation.

- The day before the test, remember to check the location of the CELPIP test centre that you will be going to.

- A test taker may be faster than you. You should expect that you may hear other test-takers speaking or typing while you're completing your exam.

- You can check your CELPIP test scores within 4-5 business calendar days after your test date. You will get an email notification when the scores are available.

- If you think you did well, but you didn't get the score you hope for in speaking or writing, consider requesting a re-evaluation. It's pointless to request a re-evaluation on reading and listening.

- To improve your overall English language proficiency, increase your exposure to your English language as much as possible.

- Develop a habit of listening and reading English materials on a daily basis.

Whether you are taking CELPIP language test for immigration purpose, obtaining a license or something else, join our CELPIP Preparation course to help you boost your CELPIP score.

Take your CELPIP test now and achieve your Canadian dream! We hope that you can obtain your Canadian permanent residency, Canadian citizenship, a realtor license, or immigration consulting license or attend the school you want.