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Real Student Stories: How I Improved My CELPIP Score by 6 Points


If you’re planning to take the CELPIP exam, you’ve probably come across two versions — CELPIP General and CELPIP General LS. While both measure your English language proficiency, they serve different purposes and test different skills. Choosing the right version depends on your immigration or professional goals.

This guide explains the key differences between CELPIP General vs LS, their formats, and how to decide which one fits your needs best.

1. Overview: The Two CELPIP Types

The CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is designed to assess your English abilities in real-life situations. It’s one of the official English tests accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

There are two main CELPIP types:

  • CELPIP-General: For permanent residency (PR), professional certification, and employment.
  • CELPIP-General LS: For Canadian citizenship applications or language proof where only Listening and Speaking are required.

2. CELPIP-General: Full Language Assessment

The CELPIP-General test evaluates all four language skills — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Duration: About 3 hours (completed in one sitting).

Format:

  • Listening: 47–55 minutes
  • Reading: 55–60 minutes
  • Writing: 53–60 minutes
  • Speaking: 15–20 minutes

Purpose
This version is ideal if you’re applying for Canadian Permanent Residency (Express Entry) or a professional license that requires proof of comprehensive English proficiency.

Example Use:

  • Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class (PR)
  • Employment or academic language requirements

If you need to demonstrate your full range of English skills, CELPIP-General is the right choice.

3. CELPIP-General LS: Focus on Listening & Speaking

The CELPIP-General LS test focuses only on Listening and Speaking — no reading or writing sections.

Duration:About 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Format:

  • Listening: 47–55 minutes
  • Speaking: 15–20 minutes

Purpose:
This version is accepted for Canadian Citizenship applications, where applicants only need to prove listening and speaking skills (CLB level 4 or higher).

Example Use::

  • Canadian citizenship application
  • Basic language requirement for everyday communication

CELPIP General vs LS Key Difference:CELPIP-General is comprehensive, while CELPIP-LS is shorter and specific to oral communication skills.

4. Which CELPIP Type Should You Choose?

Goal Recommended Test
Permanent Residency (PR) CELPIP-General
Citizenship CELPIP-General LS
Employment/Professional License CELPIP-General

Final Thoughts

When comparing CELPIP General vs LS, the choice depends entirely on your purpose. If you need to prove all four English skills, go for CELPIP-General. But if you only need to demonstrate listening and speaking ability for citizenship, CELPIP-LS is perfect. Whichever version you choose, consistent practice and understanding the CELPIP types will help you feel confident and ready to achieve your goal.

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