What exam should I take: The CELPIP or the IELTS?
The real question is: I have to take one of these exams to get my PR here in Canada- so which one is easier?
I know how important these exams are to you. For many, these exams are literally the only obstacle standing in the way of getting your PR status in Canada.
These exams are important to your immigration future. It’s vital to make sure you’re doing everything you can to take the exam that is right for you.
This post will help you choose between the IELTS or the CELPIP.
What are your immigration objectives?
To choose the right exam you need to think about your immigration objectives.
If your goal is to study in Canada or abroad, you might want to aim for the IELTS. It is widely accepted as an English proficiency exam to enrol in Canadian and universities around the world.
Yes, the CELPIP can also help with that, but IELTS has been around longer and is recognized globally more than the CELPIP. (At least right now.)
So, if you plan on studying in Canada or maybe abroad, take the IELTS.
Settling Down?
That leads into my second point: if your goal is to only stay in Canada temporarily, or if you’d like to have your options open in other countries as well as Canada, you likely should also choose the IELTS for the reason I just mentioned – it’s widely recognized.
What Are You Used To?
Choose the IELTS if you are practicing with British or American English accents. If you have been working on your English skills for a long time now, pay attention to the kinds of English accents you’ve been training with.
When I ran an English training school in Mexico City, our course materials were almost 100% based around British English, with some American accents. The reason: at the time, that was the only course material available!
If your English learning journey has involved extensive practice with British English, then you’ll likley want to consider the IELTS because it tends to lean heavily towards British, Australian and American accents.
In other words, you ears might already be tuned to do well on this exam. Go with it!
A Real Person To Talk With On Exam Day
And finally, if you prefer interacting with a real person on the speaking portion of the exam – then choose the IELTS! You will speak with an examiner which some people prefer over computer based answers where you need to record your voice into a computer.
The CELPIP Exam
The CELPIP will help you with your immigration purposes. If you’re sole or only objective is to get your PR or citizenship status in Canada, then the CELPIP is the way to go.
The CELPIP: Canadian English Focus
The CELPIP is focused completely on the English you’ll need to be able to use for everyday life here in Canada.
That means the only accents you’ll need to learn to listen to is the Canadian accent. You won’t need to worry about British or American English – because they won’t be on the exam. This is especially useful if you’re already living here in Canada – you’ve got unlimited practice opportunities all around you!
100% Computer Based – Never Talk To A Person
Another reason to choose the CELPIP is if you find it challenging to talk to a real person in a high pressure situation like an exam.
This is one of the key benefits of the CELPIP! In the speaking section of the exam you’ll record your responses into a computer. The entire exam is 100% computer based. Many people find talking to an examiner on exam day to be very stressful which is a great reason to choose the CELPIP.
How to get ready for these exams?
I’ve helped students prepare for both the IELTS and the CELPIP.
For IELTS, one of the most important things you can be doing get ready is to be exposing yourself to a wide variety of content and topics in English.
Make sure that you listen to British and American English accents on a regular basis. Also be sure you’re reading a wide variety of content in English. Don’t focus on one content theme, like IT or Business English. Going wide means exploring content about many different topics.
For the CELPIP – the best approach to preparing for the CELPIP is you actually engaging as widely and often as you can with the English happening all around you in Canada.
The more you’re actively using your English with local native english speakers, and the more you’re listening to Canadian radio or tv, for example, the better.
In other words: for the IELTS – focus on British and American english accents as much as you can. On the CELPIP – focus COMPLETELY on Canadian English and Canadian content.
In both: go wide. Don’t just focus on one kind of topic. Being able to engage with a variety of materials will help you.
Now the big question: which exam is easier?
I think both are equally as challenging because you need to have wide experience with English to do well on them.
If you have extensive experience with British English, for example, then the IELTS might be easier for you. If you have been practicing your English here in Canada for a long time, then the CELPIP will likely be easier!
CELPIP is much more practical because it’s focused on everyday English situations.
IELTS is more academically focused.
I hope this has helped you decide which exam is right for you.
Key Takeaways
- Choose IELTS if you plan to study abroad or need global recognition for your English proficiency
- Select CELPIP if your primary goal is Canadian immigration or citizenship
- The IELTS features British, Australian, and American accents, while CELPIP focuses solely on Canadian English
- You will find that the IELTS includes face-to-face speaking assessment, while CELPIP is completely computer-based
- IELTS has an academic focus, while CELPIP emphasizes practical, everyday English
- Choose the exam that aligns with your previous English exposure and accent familiarity
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