My CELPIP Journey: Quick Prep, Exam Insights, and Key Takeaways

• Test Date and Location: I took the test on Sunday, September 29, at Calgary Tower. The results were available two days later.

• Scores:

  • Listening (L): 12

  • Reading (R): 12

  • Writing (W): 12

  • Speaking (S): 9

• Study Approach:

  • Until September 27, I was busy editing and submitting my thesis, so I didn’t have time to study.

  • I searched for Speaking sample questions online and familiarized myself with the overall format.

  • I practiced one Writing sample and one Listening sample.

• Language Proficiency:

  • My level was advanced.

  • I had scored 7.5 in Academic IELTS four years ago.

  • I completed my master’s degree in Canada over three years and also taught during that time.

• Overall Opinion:

  • I found CELPIP much easier than IELTS, especially the Writing section, because the topics are straightforward, the word count is lower, and there’s more time available.

  • We were debating between taking IELTS or CELPIP. Since everyone said CELPIP was easier, we decided on CELPIP.

• Speaking:

  • The Speaking section felt rushed; everything moves very quickly, and you don’t have time to think.

  • I had reviewed IELTS Speaking materials, but they didn’t help me much during the test.

• Listening and Reading:

  • I enjoyed the Listening and Reading sections because the topics aligned with Canadian culture and were all familiar to me.

• Environment:

  • The test environment was good, and the sound of typing and others speaking wasn’t distracting.

• Potential Speaking Re-evaluation:

  • I might request a re-evaluation for the Speaking section since I read online that scores are never reduced during re-evaluation.

• Important Note:

  • In CELPIP Writing, not only does it underline spelling mistakes, but if you right-click, it also suggests the correct word! I didn’t know this during my first Writing task, but I discovered it by chance during the second Writing task.

Shared by Maryam M.Gh