If you’re applying for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry, IRCC accepts three English tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core. IELTS and CELPIP are the two people most often weigh against each other. Both test all four skills and both can get you the CLB levels you need, but they feel quite different on test day.

This site is an independent IELTS General Training practice site. It isn’t affiliated with IELTS, CELPIP or IRCC. Check canada.ca, ielts.org and celpip.ca for current details before you book.

Side by side

The biggest differences

Speaking format. In IELTS, you talk with a real examiner who asks questions and reacts to your answers. In CELPIP, you speak to a computer, with a short preparation timer and a speaking timer for each task. Some people find a human conversation more natural; others prefer not having someone in front of them. This is often the deciding factor.

Scoring and CLB. CELPIP levels map directly to CLB: a CELPIP 9 in Reading is CLB 9. IELTS bands need IRCC’s conversion chart, and the bands aren’t the same for every skill. For CLB 9, for example, IELTS needs 8.0 in Listening but 7.0 in Reading, Writing and Speaking. See the full chart in IELTS band scores for Canada PR.

Accents and content. CELPIP uses Canadian English and Canadian everyday situations. IELTS uses a range of accents and situations from several English-speaking countries.

Where you can test. CELPIP test centres are concentrated in Canada. IELTS is offered in many more countries, which matters if you’re applying from outside Canada.

Other countries. If you might also apply to another country, check which tests it accepts before you choose. Australia’s Department of Home Affairs accepts both IELTS and CELPIP General for tests taken at a test centre on or after 7 August 2025, but other countries and organizations may accept only one of them.

Rules that apply to both

• Each skill counts on its own. IRCC looks at your Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking levels separately, so your weakest skill decides whether you meet a minimum.
• Two-year limit. For Express Entry, results must be less than two years old when you create your profile and when you submit your application.
• No partial retakes for Express Entry. IRCC doesn’t accept the IELTS One Skill Retake for Express Entry, and CELPIP doesn’t offer a single-skill resit.
• Same minimums. Federal Skilled Worker needs CLB 7 in all four skills, whichever test you take.

Which should you take?

There’s no single easier test; it depends on you. Consider IELTS General Training if:

• you’re more comfortable speaking with a person than to a computer
• you’re testing outside Canada, or may use your results for another country
• you prefer handwriting, since IELTS is also offered on paper

Consider CELPIP if:

• you live in Canada and are used to Canadian accents and situations
• you’d rather speak to a computer than to an examiner
• you want levels that read directly as CLB without a conversion chart

The most reliable way to decide is to try a timed practice set in each format and see which one you score higher on, especially in your weakest skill.

Check your understanding

New to IELTS? Start with the IELTS General Training test guide and the Speaking practice questions. Choosing between IELTS versions? See IELTS General vs Academic.