IELTS vs CELPIP – All You Need To Know

IELTS and CELPIP are some of the most popular English language proficiency tests in the world. So it is difficult for students to choose which of these will help them build their academic and professional career in an English speaking country.

Is IELTS or CELPIP easier? In this article, we will discuss the differences between IELTS and CELPIP and which one of these might be best suited for you.

What is IELTS?

The IELTS exam is used to test your English skills. But what exactly is the purpose of this exam and where did it come from?

IDP Education, Cambridge Assessment English, and the British Council collaborated to develop the IELTS exam. Here, IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System.

IELTS is the most popular and widely accepted English proficiency test in the world for higher education and international migration. IELTS can open doors for you if you want to study, develop your profession, or relocate to an English-speaking country.

IELTS comes in two versions: Academic and General Training. Both exams evaluate your proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English.

For people wishing to pursue higher education or attain professional registration in an English-speaking setting, the IELTS Academic test is ideal.

IELTS General Training works well for applicants who want to study below the degree level. It may also be used for internships or other forms of employment training.

What is CELPIP?

CELPIP – an acronym for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program is Canada’s leading English language competence test. CELPIP is used for citizenship, permanent residence, and professional accreditation in Canada.

The CELPIP test is Canadian and was created in the British Columbia province of Canada. As a result, a variety of Canadian slang and dialects can be encountered there. Canadian English is a hybrid of dialects, with American pronunciation and British spelling predominating.

Many people who desire to relocate to Canada have the opportunity to take the CELPIP exam in various locations across the globe.

Key Differences Between IELTS and CELPIP Exams

The most important difference between IELTS and CELPIP Exams is that the English used in CELPIP is simple and utilizes only the North American accent.

The speaking portion of the CELPIP Test does not entail speaking to someone face to face, in contrast to other English proficiency tests. Instead, for the speaking section of the exam, you will respond to on-screen questions.

Meanwhile, IELTS can have both general and academic content aimed at discerning the ability of test-takers to content with English language use in educational and professional settings.

You will also have to give a short interview with an IELTS examiner for the Speaking module of the exam.

Let’s go over the details of each exam now.

Let’s compare the format for both exams.

Learning Resources For IELTS And CELPIP

Students can use several learning resources to get ready for the exam and to better grasp the format and style of the test.

The IELTS website offers a variety of practice exams and sample test questions. You can additionally purchase IELTS study resources to use on your own or enrol in classes to get ready.

Despite being a more recent test than IELTS, CELPIP still offers a variety of test preparation choices. To make sure you are prepared for the exam, you can take practice exams or the CELPIP course.

Are IELTS and CELPIP Scores Different?

CELPIP and IELTS Scores are calculated differently depending on the different content and marking criteria. Scores are used to determine the language proficiency possessed by the test taker. Let’s compare the scores of IELTS and CELPIP exams.

CELPIP and IELTS Score Equivalency Table

Which Exam Should I Take – IELTS or CELPIP?

Now that you are aware of the basic differences between the two exams, it is time to dive in depth and understand what makes IELTS and CELPIP exam different. By understanding the most important differences between IELTS and CELPIP, you can confidently choose the best exam for you!

You should consider the following factors before deciding whether to take IELTS or CELPIP exam:

What is the language accessibility in each of the tests?

In contrast to IELTS or TOEFL, CELPIP was created in Canada by Canadians as a potential doorway into the country. Due to its widespread use, English has developed a large number of dialects and variations in vocabulary, accent, and spelling. This means that it makes logical sense to give CELPIP your preference if you’re looking for entrance to Canada or have already lived there for a while. If you have never encountered uncommon English pronunciation or vocabulary before, you run a lower risk of running into these dialects in the CELPIP exam. English accents like Australian or Irish can be considerably more challenging to grasp.

What Score Do You Need?

Your decision might be influenced by the band scores you require to get into the university of your choice. If you need an IELTS Band 6 or 7, either exam will do, but a Band 8 is a particularly high band score and will unquestionably require more thorough or extensive exam preparation. Thus, you will have to tailor your preparation to maximize your scores.

What level of language proficiency are you at right now?

It will take more time to prepare depending on how much of a gap there is between your current skill level and your ultimate goal. Keep in mind that honing your English skills can take time.

Conclusion

Now that you are informed about the details of both IELTS and CELPIP exams as well as the difference between them, you can make an informed decision regarding which of these is best suited for your academic or immigration needs.