Guide to choose and prepare for PTE Core, IELTS General, and CELPIP General exams for Canadian immigration
Are you thinking of making a new start in Canada? From discovering its beautiful landscapes to embracing the diverse cultures, there is much to do. Before you do so, though, there's one thing you have to consider: proving fluency in the English language. Whether work, study, or just simple settling down is what you plan to do in Canada, the ability to communicate in English effectively is important in getting through life.
Look to ace one of the language proficiency tests accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) if you want to make your Canadian dream come true. Three English tests can unlock the door to your new Canadian journey: PTE Core, IELTS General Training, and CELPIP General. This blog elaborates on each of these exams, therefore giving you all the information on how to choose the right one and be well-prepared to succeed. Whether aiming for higher scores or just preparing, this guide shall help one take that very essential step toward the Canadian dream.
Here is a full guide on PTE Core, IELTS & CELPIP Exams:
The PTE Core is the newest IRCC-approved English test for Canadian immigration. Developed by Pearson, it assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, offering a comprehensive evaluation of non-native speakers' language proficiency. Administered by Pearson Canada Inc., the test ensures fairness and consistency for all candidates.
Click here for Free PTE Core Mock Test
IELTS General Training is an international, globally recognized test for English proficiency and one of the popular choices for immigration to Canada. IELTS offers two formats: the General Training and the Academic, with the former being the one required for immigration. It will assess your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, and Canadian immigration will consider the scores individually in each area, not the overall average.
Click here for Free IELTS General Mock Test
The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General is a Canadian English test developed by Paragon Testing Enterprises, which is an independent subsidiary of the University of British Columbia. The CELPIP is founded on a principle to test and confirm your English language ability in real-life situations, focusing on your knowledge of Canadian English, which is a combination of British and American styles. Both General Test and the General LS are offered for immigration purposes; CELPIP has now spread across the world, permitting one to take the test at centers worldwide.
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Which Test Should You Choose?
How you choose between PTE Core, IELTS General Training, and CELPIP General depends on a number of factors. This comes down to how comfortable you are sitting in the test format, how accustomed you are to working in Canadian English, and how soon you want the results.
· PTE Core is a fast, entirely computerized test with fast results
· If you feel more comfortable with the speaking component that involves human interaction then opt for IELTS General Training.
· CELPIP General may be best for you if you are familiar with Canadian culture and are looking at a test made with a Canadian context.
Each of these tests is valid for two years from the date of your test results. Be sure to check the specific requirements for the immigration program you are applying to, as each program may have different score requirements.
Comparison Table with Section-wise Time and Question Range for PTE Core, IELTS General and CELPIP General. The below table provides more granularity to compare better and determine which test can be the more beneficial to you.
| Aspect | PTE Core | IELTS General Training | CELPIP General |
| Test Format | Computer-based | Paper-based or Computer-based | Computer-based |
| Sections | Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
| Speaking | Recorded responses via computer | Face-to-face interview with an examiner | Recorded responses via computer |
| Scoring System | 10-90 scale | 9-band scale | 12-point scale (aligned with CLB) |
| Result Time | Typically within 48 hours | 3-5 days (Computer-based); 13 days (Paper-based) | 4-5 business days |
| Test Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours 45 minutes | 3 hours |
| Speaking Time | 15-20 minutes | 11-14 minutes | 15-20 minutes |
| Writing Time | 30-47 minutes | 60 minutes | 53-60 minutes |
| Reading Time | 29-30 minutes | 60 minutes | 55-60 minutes |
| Listening Time | 30-43 minutes | 30 minutes | 47-55 minutes |
| Speaking Questions | 5 question types (e.g., Read aloud, repeat sentence, describe image, respond to a situation etc) | 3 parts: Introduction, Cue card, discussion | 8 tasks (e.g., Give advice, describe scene, make predictions etc) |
| Writing Questions | 2 tasks (summarize text, email writing) | 2 tasks (letter, essay) | 2 tasks (email, responding to survey) |
| Reading Questions | 13-18 questions across 5 question types | 40 questions across 3 sections | 38-45 questions across 4 sections |
| Listening Questions | 11-18 questions across 7 types | 40 questions across 4 sections | 38-39 questions across 6 sections |
| Acceptance | IRCC-approved, increasing in recognition | Widely recognized globally | Widely accepted in Canadian immigration |
| Test Day Format | All sections completed on the same day | All sections on the same day | All sections on the same day |
| Validity Period | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
Below table showing the points required for Canadian immigration as per the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels for PTE Core, IELTS General Training, and CELPIP General:
Choosing the right language proficiency test in English is one of the most critical decisions one makes in the process of immigrating to Canada. By understanding the differences between PTE Core, IELTS General Training, and CELPIP General, you will make the right and relevant decision for your needs. Each test has a different format and requirements; getting to know these and practicing with Panacea tests will significantly improve your chances of success. Whether it's the computer-based format for PTE, the global recognition of IELTS, or the CELPIP Canadian context, what is actually going to be important to you, which you will truly need to prepare well and move toward achieving your desired scores to reach your Canadian dream, will be pretty important.
