Is CELPIP easier than IELTS?
IRCC does not rank the tests: it converts CELPIP, IELTS General Training and PTE Core to the same CLB scale. The British Council, an IELTS partner, says neither test is objectively easier, and Paragon says neither can be labelled easy or difficult. What differs is the experience: CELPIP is all computer with Canadian accents, IELTS has an examiner for speaking and a mix of accents.
What actually differs
Attributed, because each side has a view.
The same CLB in each test
From IRCC's tables. The cells are the lowest score that reaches the level.
| IRCC level | CELPIP, each skill | IELTS General Training | PTE Core |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 5 | 5 | L 5.0 · R 4.0 · W 5.0 · S 5.0 | L 39-49 · R 42-50 · W 51-59 · S 51-58 |
| CLB 7 | 7 | L 6.0 · R 6.0 · W 6.0 · S 6.0 | L 60-70 · R 60-68 · W 69-78 · S 68-75 |
| CLB 9 | 9 | L 8.0 · R 7.0 · W 7.0 · S 7.0 | L 82-88 · R 78-87 · W 88-89 · S 84-88 |
| CLB 10 | 10 | L 8.5 · R 8.0 · W 7.5 · S 7.5 | L 89-90 · R 88-90 · W 90 · S 89-90 |
Each skill converts on its own, so the same CLB needs a different band in each IELTS skill. That is the table, not an opinion about difficulty.
What the test owners say
British Council: Neither test is objectively "easier", both are pegged directly to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) standards required by IRCC. There is absolutely no truth in the myth that either test is easier than the other. The British Council is an IELTS partner, so we also read Paragon's own comparison. Paragon: As high-stakes tests, neither can be labelled as easy or difficult. British Council: Taking CELPIP vs IELTS will not give you preferential treatment in your Canada visa application process.
How to choose
- If you want everything on a computer in one sitting, Paragon says CELPIP General is that, and results arrive online in 2 to 4 business days.
- If you would rather talk to an examiner than a microphone, the British Council describes IELTS General Training as a face-to-face conversation with a real examiner.
- The British Council says CELPIP emphasises Canadian accents and IELTS uses a mix. Pick the one that matches the English you hear every day.
- IELTS One Skill Retake does not count for Express Entry, so a weak skill means retaking the whole IELTS test.
- Check the cost. CELPIP is CAD 299 plus taxes and IELTS is CAD $335 and $361 before tax, so compare the total at checkout.
Common questions
British Council (an IELTS partner): Neither test is objectively "easier", both are pegged directly to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) standards required by IRCC. There is absolutely no truth in the myth that either test is easier than the other. Paragon: As high-stakes tests, neither can be labelled as easy or difficult.
IRCC accepts both. British Council: Taking CELPIP vs IELTS will not give you preferential treatment in your Canada visa application process.
They are different. British Council: CELPIP is 100% computer-based, uses Canadian English accents, and records your Speaking responses into a microphone against a timer. IELTS General Training offers the choice of paper or computer, features a natural, face-to-face conversation with a real examiner (reducing screen fatigue), and uses an international mix of accents.
British Council: CELPIP emphasises Canadian accents, and vocabulary and expressions from daily life and workplaces in Canada.
British Council: Neither CELPIP nor IELTS has a set pass score. The score you need for each test depends on the type of visa you’re applying for, the academic institution or the professional institution you want to join.
Nobody can tell you that in advance. IRCC treats the same CLB equally, so the useful move is to take a free practice test in each and compare your CLB per skill.