How to Pass Your CELPIP Exam in 2024
Depending on how well you prepare, your CELPIP exam experience can either be a breeze, or it can hit you like a tornado. This blog will give you some general advice for taking the test, whether you are taking the CELPIP test for permanent residency or citizenship, here are some tips you can use to make sure you get the best score possible.
1. Focus on Your Weakest Areas First
Let’s assume that you will be taking the test to facilitate your Canadian permanent residency application, then you will need to complete all four reading skills which are listening, reading, writing and speaking. If you are aware that you’re an awesome listener, this means that you understand the majority of what English-speakers say to you an both formal and informal settings, then you should focus on practicing your listening skills last. If you are know that your speaking is your weakest area, then you should put as much effort as possible into sharpening up your speaking skills.
The idea is so that you get the highest score on each part of the test so you can put your best foot forward for your immigration application. For instance, for Canadian citizenship applications, you must get a score of 4 or higher in reading and speaking. If you get a 7 in listening but a 3 in speaking, this will not work since you need to do well in each individual English skill.
2. Improve Your English Skills Organically
Many people believe that the best way to learn a new language is to sit down with a dictionary and memorize as many words as possible in alphabetical order, this could not be further from the truth. As adults, the best way to learn a second language is through organic learning. This means that you pick up English words and phrases from everyday life, whether it be turning on the news channel, listening to English radio or listening to as much English music as possible. If you’re watching the news channel and you hear an English word you haven’t heard before, then you should do some research to learn the definition of the word and how to use it. Another thing you can do to challenge yourself is to stop thinking in your native language, instead, try to think only in English. The more you practice ‘thinking’ in English, the easier and more fluent your English conversations will be.
This is important since CELPIP focuses on testing your English skills in the community and workplace settings. Therefore, if you practice having conversations in these settings instead of trying to learn 100 random new words everyday, you will be far better prepared.
3. Use Official CELPIP Material to Practice
When you sign up on your online CELPIP portal, you should have access to two free CELPIP practice tests as well as paid practice material. It is best to try these out to get a general idea of what to expect in the actual test and so that you get an idea of which skills need sharpening. This will also help you figure out how to manage our time, especially for the ‘reading test’ which is extremely time sensitive. In addition to this, you will also have access to official CELPIP study materials including videos, audios and general study tips. It is a great idea to take advantage of these free resources so you can be as prepared as possible.
4. Understand the Test
Having a basic understanding of the test will also go a long way in helping you feel prepared. As mentioned before, the test focuses on English skills in the workplace and the community, therefore you don’t need to prepare your English skills for a court hearing or parliament. The test is also computer-based, so basic knowledge of how to operate a computer is necessary. Additionally, It is important to know the order of the test, for permanent residency, the order is:
1) Listening
2) Reading
3) Writing
4) Speaking
For citizenship, the order is:
1) Listening
2) Speaking
Knowing which part of the test comes when will give you the feeling of control since there are no surprises. One other thing you should know is the test gets more difficult as it progresses. This means that like most tests, it will start of very simple, but as you go on, the language will become more formal and the answers will not come as easily.
5. Be Confident!
It is completely normal to be nervous about your CELPIP test, but don’t let it get the best of you. When it comes to the speaking test, this is especially important since having great English speaking skills is only half the battle. The other half sounding confident and not getting too nervous, since this will affect your speech. It also doesn’t help that there will be many other test-takers who will be speaking at the same time as you. The key to doing well in this part of the exam is to focus on your own voice, sound confident and try to use as much detailed vocabulary as possible.
Fun fact! This blog was written by one of our highly qualified CELPIP instructors at Berhan Immigration. Additionally, Berhan Immigration is also an official CELPIP partner and our instructors have been trained at CELPIP standards. These tips have helped our students get their best scores so that they can achieve their Canadian immigration goals. If you would like to prepare for your CELPIP exam by taking our CELPIP Preparation Program, fill out this intake form. We look forward to seeing you in class!
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