CELPIP vs IELTS, Which is Better?
English Language Proficiency tests are especially important when attempting to obtain Canadian Permanent Residency or Citizenship, it may even come as a requirement from your place of work or academic institution. The first step to establishing your English language proficiency is understanding the distinctions between the two pinnacle tests, CELPIP and IELTS, so that you are able to make an informed decision about which test is better suited to you based on your own needs and capabilities.
1. Purpose
Making the choice between CELPIP and IELTS is an important step in your language proficiency journey. However, before you make a decision between these two, it is crucial to understand the primary purpose of your language test.
Immigration vs Academia
The IELTS test is a preferred option for people who are aspiring to study abroad since it is accepted in thousands of institutions worldwide. IELTS test scores are accepted by numerous English-speaking institutions and universities in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. On the other hand, the CELPIP test is primarily concerned with immigration to Canada and is tailored for individuals who are seeking permanent residency or citizenship. In many cases, achieving a specific CELPIP test score can significantly contribute to your eligibility for permanent residency in Canada.
Recognition
The CELPIP test is designed to assess language proficiency in a Canadian setting and emphasizes communication skills that are required for everyday life. Therefore, your CELPIP score will only be recognized by Canadian immigration officials or Canadian institutions. On the other hand, IELTS is an internationally accredited language competency test with a broader audience beyond Canadian immigration. It is accepted by thousands of academic institutions and employers around the globe.
2. Format
Consider your strengths in language skills, maybe you are better at speaking than you are at writing, or maybe you a better at listening than you are at reading. The structure and format of the CELPIP and IELTS tests have major differences and it is crucial to determine which test aligns more closely with your natural strengths in speaking, writing, listening and reading
Task Types
CELPIP often focuses on real-world, pragmatic situations often in the context of the community or workplace. For instance, in the CELPIP test you can expect to encounter tasks which require you to write formal or informal emails, give advice or recount past experiences. On the other hand, IELTS tasks are more academic in nature and contains a module dedicated to Academics. In this test, participants can expect to encounter essay writing or they may even have to create reports.
Duration
The CELPIP test is generally longer, the entire test usually takes around 180 minutes to complete. However, the IELTS test may only take up to 2 hours and 25 minutes, depending on whether it is the Academic or General training module.
Scoring
Each skill on the CELPIP scale is rated from 1 to 12 with a maximum score of 39 while each task in the IELTS test is scored on a 9-band scale with a maximum score of 9
Flexibility
IELTS has taken the initiative to maintain a more progressive approach by giving applicants the choice to take the test online. This comes as a reaction to the changing dynamics of the world, particularly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted a swift transition to remote testing methods. In contrast, CELPIP maintains a more traditional approach to testing with exams administered in designated test centers. One reason for this is CELPIP’s dedication to upholding strict security requirements and ensuring the accuracy of results
Understanding these structural variations will enable you to adjust your study plan to the specific requirements of either the CELPIP or IELTS test.
3. Cost
It is wise to examine the entire cost of each test, including registration fees and any other out-of-pocket payments. Consider your budget and be sure the test you’ve selected can be afforded.
Test Fees
The cost of taking the CELPIP test might vary according to the location and the test center. However, the cost is typically between CAD $280 and CAD $320 (based on the last update in January 2022). The cost of taking the IELTS exam varies by country and test center, but the price usually falls between $215 and $280 USD. The cost of the IELTS test is the same for both Academic and General Training modules.
Additional Charges
For both the CELPIP and IELTS test, additional charges may apply for cancelling, rescheduling or late registration. In order to avoid these charges it is important that you make sure to register for your test when you are 100% certain that you will be able to attend without any mishaps.
Study and Preparation Materials
Although there are free resources available online on the official sites for both the CELPIP and IELTS test, both entities also provide paid resources and preparation courses. In terms of CELPIP, a test taker is provided with two free practice tests, however, in-depth study guides and tutoring comes at an additional price. It is important to note that Paragon Testing Enterprises does not employ tutors to teach CELPIP preparation materials. Tutors are regarded as independent contractors, therefore the prices for these courses will differ depending on the tutor. In the same manner, taking IELTS preparatory classes or paying a tutor for one-on-one instruction will incur an additional cost where the length and quality of the course will influence the price.
Test Components
Perhaps the most stark distinction between the CELPIP and IELTS tests is found in the approach to assessing each English language skill. Developers have taken two very distinct approaches in the creation of these proficiency tests while maintaining an extensive evaluation of test-taker’s language proficiency. Here is a breakdown of the key differences for each component:
Listening
CELPIP- this component generally involves listening to discussions and conversations that involve problem-solving and the material provided places an emphasis on real-world, everyday scenarios.
IELTS- the IELTS listening section is comprised of four parts which covers a variety of scenarios including lectures, conversations, monologues or discussions. The content varies from formal to informal.
Reading
CELPIP- In this section, test-takers will encounter four tasks which increase in formality as the test progresses. Nevertheless, the tasks are intended to be applicable to Canadian daily life and workplace circumstances.
IELTS- The IELTS reading section is formatted differently for the Academic and General Training modules however, each module has a reading section which comprises of three parts with passages ranging from academic journals to everyday texts
Writing
CELPIP– The CELPIP writing assignments require test takers to respond to a survey question and compose an email where the focus is on practical communication skills.
IELTS- In this test, the writing component involves academic or general writing. Academic tasks include describing visual information, and general training tasks involve letter writing or essay composition.
Speaking
CELPIP- The CELPIP speaking section is comprised of eight tasks which includes a variety of prompts including picture-based prompts. Each response ranges from 60 to 90 seconds and the entire test takes less than 20 minutes. Test takers are generally required to give informal responses however it is possible that test takers might be prompted to give formal responses.
IELTS- The IELTS speaking section has three parts, including an introduction and interview, a long turn, and a discussion. Topics can cover personal experiences, opinions and even abstract ideas. The entire section may take 11 to 14 minutes.
In conclusion, the distinctions between the CELPIP and IELTS tests contribute to the landscape of language assessment by recognizing that each person’s path to linguistic competency is different. At Berhan Immigration and Settlement Services, we are proud to be official partners with the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP). We offer a range of CELPIP preparation programs to ensure that you are able to achieve your best results in the CELPIP test. Contact us today at +1-519-868-4352 or click this link, Book Now, for your first class today!
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