IELTS vs. CELPIP vs. PTE Core: Which is best for Canada PR?

Manmeet Kaur
[Published 22 Apr, 2024 | 05:48 PM]
About Author - 10 min read
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When planning to immigrate to Canada, checking eligibility for Canada PR is the first step. The 67-point calculator evaluates various factors like age, work experience, and education, including language proficiency.

As English is not the native language of India, you need to demonstrate your English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to be eligible for Canada PR from India. 

But with Canada accepting three English language tests,

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
• PTE Core (Pearson Test of English Core)

What is the Canadian Language Benchmark?

All the accepted language tests in Canada use a scoring system called the Canadian Langauge Benchmark (CLB). The CLB is a national standard used to evaluate and define the candidates’ language abilities in skilled worker immigration programs – Express Entry, PNP, and others like AIP. 

Your proficiency levels in reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in English are evaluated and given a  CLB score. The CLB score is divided into 12 levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 12 being the highest proficiency level.

The minimum score you need to qualify for an immigration program will vary for IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core – English language tests, and TEF, and TEC – French language tests.

Comparing English Language Tests: IELTS vs. CELPIP vs. PTE Core

Before we dive into the comparison of language tests, you must know that academic tests are taken when you enter a university or a professional institution. The general tests will contain topics based on general interest and are designated for permanent residence applications by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

IELTS is an approved language test by IRCC to assess the English skills of individuals planning to immigrate to Canada. The minimum IELTS score required for Canada PR is 6 overall or CLB 7.

Here are the IELTS exam sections, in no particular order:

• Reading (60 minutes): This part has 40 questions, including extracts from magazines, books, newspapers, and notices.
• Writing (60 minutes): It has two tasks. In the first one, you are given a situation and asked to write a letter, explaining it. The second one has an essay writing section in response to a point of view, problem, or argument.

• Listening (30 minutes): This section of the test has four recordings – each with 10 questions. Two are conversation-based and the other two are monologues.

• Speaking (15 minutes): This section consists of three parts, each meeting a specific function. It includes topics of studies, home, work, family, and studies – conducted through an oral interview.