What best to opt for Canada PR – IELTS, PTE or CELPIP ?

Is your heart set on the Canada PR? Have no clue about how to choose the right test for Canada immigration? Are you going around circles on which English proficiency test to take?

Should it be IELTS or PTE or CELPIP?

This article is your ultimate guide.

Renowned for their friendliness and welcoming spirits, Canada is a hub for plenty of students and immigrants. And the cherished aspiration for most of those people is Canadian PR. Holding a Canada PR opens doors to a high standard of living, access to quality healthcare, world-class education, and a safe environment for individuals and families alike, paving the way for personal and professional growth.  

One of the first steps in the rigorous process of obtaining the PR is clearing an English language test accepted by the IRCC. Among the accepted language proficiency tests for Canadian PR, the most common ones are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE), and Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP). Choosing the best test for Canada PR can seem like a dilemma.  So, let’s dive deep into each of the three tests.

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IELTS FOR CANADA PR

IELTS is widely recognized and accepted by Canadian immigration authorities as proof of English proficiency.  The test comprises four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

The Listening module evaluates how well candidates can understand spoken English whereas the Reading module assess the test-takers’ ability to comprehend and analyze academic texts. The Writing module measures an individual's capacity to articulate opinions, present information, and express ideas coherently within an essay and email and the Speaking module evaluates a candidate's oral communication skills through a face-to-face interview covering a range of topics.  

Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 9, and the overall band score above 7 is a considerable score required for the Canada PR.

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PROS and CONS

IELTS is a globally acknowledged English language test and offers test dates throughout the year, making it one of the most opted English proficiency tests. It has a very structured exam format and an interactive speaking session which adds to its reach and trust.  IELTS test is available in as a traditional pen and paper test and computer-based test.

While the IELTS results give you a comprehensive-feedback, it will take up to 13-14 days to get your results. It also has a test duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes which is longer compared to the other tests. Apart from these, in most cases, the IELTS Speaking test is conducted on a different day and not together with the Listening, Reading and Writing modules.  

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PTE FOR CANADA PR

PTE, which stands for Pearson Test of English, is a globally recognized English language proficiency test that evaluates the ability of non-native speakers to communicate effectively in academic and professional settings. It is designed to assess the test takers' listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills through a combination of tasks that measure their comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and overall English language proficiency.

The Pearson Test of English is of two types – PTE Academic, aimed for students and PTE Core, for immigration purposes. PTE Core is accepted by IRCC for Canada Permanent Residence applications.

The PTE Core test is taken in one sitting in about 2 hours and is divided into three parts.     • Part 1 analyzes your speaking and writing skills and it takes around 54-67 minutes.

    • Part 2 is 30 minutes long and is wholly dedicated to assessing the testtaker’s ability in reading.  

    • Part 3 evaluates the candidate’s listening skills and it comprises of seven different questions.

The PTE Core is scored on a scale of 0–90, with 90 being the highest score. The score is converted to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level, which is used to prove language proficiency. To qualify for Canada PR, you need a minimum score equivalent to CLB 7.  

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PROS and CONS  

One of the biggest advantages of the PTE is the quick turnaround time. You get your PTE results in around 3-5 days. The entire test is computer-based, including the speaking section, which may be more comfortable for people who prefer technology and want to avoid the stress of speaking directly with an examiner.

However, PTE is relatively new compared to IELTS, some people may find it harder to prepare for or may not be as familiar with its test structure. It was only recently accepted by the IRCC for Canada PR applications. Additionally, while PTE is offered in many countries, there are fewer test centers compared to IELTS.

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CELPIP FOR CANADA PR

The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) is a computerbased English language proficiency test for permanent residency, citizenship and professional designation in Canada. The language test is specifically designed to assess the test taker's competence in the English language in daily life and everyday situations in Canadian context.

CELPIP is conducted by Paragon Testing Enterprises and is mainly recognized in Canada. There are two types of CELPIP tests - CELPIP General and CELPIP General LS. CELPIP General is used for PR applications while CELPIP - General LS is designed for citizenship in Canada.

Let's take a closer look at CELPIP General.

This test can be completed in under three hours and is done in a single sitting with no separate speaking session unlike IELTS. The CELPIP General is divided into four components - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. To know more about the test, format, visit https://www.celpip.ca/take-celpip/test-format/

The scoring of the CELPIP test is from 1 to 12. Any score above 9 is a respectable score for PR needs.

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PROS and CONS

One of the main advantages of the CELPIP is its efficiency in assessing English language proficiency, especially in a Canadian context, making it a popular choice for those seeking immigration or citizenship in Canada.
Since the CELPIP test is aimed for a Canadian PR or citizenship predominantly, there are a lot of test centers available in Canada but at the same time the availability of a test date and test center for the CELPIP test in India is limited to very few major cities in the country. Another major challenge that comes with the test is the lack of resources and practice materials available for a candidate.

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IELTS v/s PTE v/s CELPIP – Which to Choose?

When choosing among IELTS, PTE, and CELPIP for Canadian PR applications, several factors should be considered. Test availability, format, scoring criteria, and costs play a significant role in decision-making.  IELTS is the one of the best English proficiency tests for Canada Immigration and most people take it owing to its familiar and comprehensive test format. However, do not go for IELTS if you need the results right away and cannot take a lengthy test. If you do not have two days to set aside for the test and cannot invest and practice enough, it will be a waste of money.

If you prefer a fast, fully computer-based exam and value objective scoring, PTE is the exam to go for. If you are intimidated by an interview like experience for the speaking test, PTE offers no direct interaction with an examiner. While PTE provides official preparation materials, there are generally fewer third-party study resources compared to IELTS. And if you are not familiar with computer-based test format and has weak typing skills, PTE may not be the right choice for you.

CELPIP is the best test to take if you are currently living in Canada since the test is geared towards real-life conversations. If you have a good grasp of English grammar, a wide range of diverse and test-specific vocabulary and a good grasp of spoken English, it will favor you in the test.  If you are in India and looking to move to Canada with a PR, this may not be the test you should be opting for. There are very limited test centers and test dates available in India for CELPIP and it will be hard to find resources for the CELPIP test preparation.  Moreover, the whole test is set in the context of everyday life in Canada.

Understanding the importance of achieving high scores in the English proficiency test for a successful PR application is essential. Prospective applicants are advised to select the test that aligns best with their strengths and preferences.

Choose wisely!