CELPIP test format: every part and timing

The short version

Four parts: listening, reading, writing and speaking. All on a computer, all in one sitting. CELPIP-General LS has only the listening and speaking parts.

CELPIP-General at a glance

Part	Time	What's in it
Listening	46 to 55 minutes	6 parts: problem solving, a daily-life conversation, listening for information, a news item, a discussion and viewpoints
Reading	43 to 56 minutes	4 parts: correspondence, applying a diagram, reading for information and viewpoints
Writing	53 minutes	2 tasks: an email and a survey response
Speaking	About 15 minutes	8 short tasks, from giving advice to describing an unusual situation

Two things that surprise people

Speaking is recorded on the computer. There's no examiner in the room to talk to.
Listening and reading may include unscored questions, and you can't tell which ones they are. Give every question your best try.

What's different in CELPIP-General LS

LS is just the listening and speaking parts, about 1 hour 10 minutes in total. It's accepted for citizenship, where you need level 4 in both skills. It isn't accepted for Express Entry. More on that in the citizenship guide.

Practise with the real timings

Speaking: the speaking timer has each task's prep and speaking time built in.
Writing: the writing timer and word counter helps you check length against roughly 150 to 200 words.
Everything else: start with the free practice set, then a full timed mock.

Questions

Are there unscored questions?

CELPIP says listening and reading may include some, and you can't tell which.

Can I take notes?

Check the current test-day instructions from CELPIP for what's allowed at your sitting.

Is this an official CELPIP page?

No. This is an independent guide. Use CELPIP and IRCC for registration and immigration decisions.

Sources (checked 26 October 2026)

Last reviewed 26 October 2026

See where you stand today

The free practice set takes about 15 minutes. No card needed.

Try the free practice set