IELTS vs CELPIP: Decoding Band Equivalency for English Tests

The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are both widely recognized and accepted English language proficiency tests. While they assess language proficiency, it is important to note that they have different scoring systems and criteria.

IELTS AND CELPIP BANDS EQUIVALENCY COMPARISON

The CELPIP test is specifically designed for Canadian English and measures proficiency in four components: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. It provides a score on a scale from 1 to 12 for each component. 

The scoring scales for CELPIP and IELTS differ, making it challenging to provide an exact equivalent score. To establish a comparison, we’ll use the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) as a common equivalency parameter. CELPIP uses a scale from 1 to 12, where 12 represents a high level of proficiency, while IELTS uses a 9-band scale, with 9 being the highest level of proficiency.

To provide a general comparison, here is an approximate guideline to help you understand the equivalency between these two tests. The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is used by Canadian immigration authorities to assess language proficiency for various immigration programs. Below is an alignment of CELPIP, IELTS, and CLB scores:

This table helps identify how CELPIP and IELTS scores correlate with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, which are commonly used for Canadian immigration programs. For example, Express Entry requires a minimum CLB level, typically around CLB 7, which corresponds to CELPIP 7 or IELTS 6.

Ultimately, it is recommended to consult with the institution or organization you are applying to for the most accurate and up-to-date information on score equivalencies between CELPIP and IELTS.

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