CELPIP vs IELTS General Training

The short version

If you'd rather talk to a person, IELTS might feel more natural. If you'd rather talk to a screen and not see anyone's face, CELPIP might. Both are accepted for Express Entry and for citizenship.

Side by side

	CELPIP-General	IELTS General Training
Skills	Listening, reading, writing, speaking	Listening, reading, writing, speaking
Speaking	Recorded on a computer, 8 short tasks	Face-to-face interview with an examiner, 11 to 14 minutes
Length	Just under 3 hours, one sitting	Check IELTS for the current full timing
Results	Online in 2 to 4 business days	Check IELTS
Accent	Canadian English throughout	A mix of English accents
Express Entry	Accepted	Accepted. IELTS One Skill Retake is not.
Citizenship	Accepted, and so is CELPIP-General LS	Accepted

Fees change by city and date, so check each provider's site for the current price.

How to choose

Nervous talking to someone face to face? CELPIP's recorded speaking may help.
Find it strange talking to a screen? IELTS's interview may feel better.
Used to Canadian accents? CELPIP's audio is all Canadian English.
Need results fast? CELPIP's are online in 2 to 4 business days.

Still unsure? The test chooser asks six questions and suggests one.

Scores don't match by number

IELTS 6.0 in each skill is CLB 7. CELPIP 7 is CLB 7. So don't compare the raw numbers. Put your scores into the CLB calculator to see the CLB for either test.

Questions

Is CELPIP accepted for Express Entry?

Yes, CELPIP-General is.

Is the IELTS speaking test recorded?

IELTS says it's a face-to-face interview and that it's recorded.

Which one is easier?

Neither, in general. It depends on which format suits you.

Sources (checked 26 October 2026)

Last reviewed 26 October 2026

Independent practice. Not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises or the CELPIP test.

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