CELPIP · Learn · 2 November 2026 · 5 min read
CELPIP-General test format: every part and question count
The CELPIP-General format part by part: Listening 38 questions in six parts, Reading 38 in four, two Writing tasks, eight Speaking tasks, and the LS version.
CELPIP-General tests Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking in one sitting of under three hours. Listening has 38 questions in six parts and takes 46 to 55 minutes. Reading has 38 questions in four parts and takes 43 to 56 minutes. Writing has two tasks in 53 minutes, and Speaking has eight tasks in 15 minutes. Each skill is reported as a CELPIP level, and levels 3 to 12 match the same Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level.
This guide gives the count for every part, explains the two versions of the test and shows how to practise each section.
The test at a glance
| Component | Time | Parts or tasks | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 46 to 55 minutes | 6 parts | 38 |
| Reading | 43 to 56 minutes | 4 parts | 38 |
| Writing | 53 minutes | 2 tasks | 2 |
| Speaking | 15 minutes | 8 tasks | 8 |
The whole test is taken in a single sitting of under three hours.
Two versions: General and General LS
- CELPIP-General covers all four skills. It is designated by IRCC for permanent residence, and it is also accepted for Australian visa purposes and for some professional designations.
- CELPIP-General LS covers Listening and Speaking only. It is the version for Canadian citizenship applications.
CELPIP's website shows the fee as 290 CAD plus taxes for CELPIP-General, and 195 CAD plus taxes for CELPIP-General LS. Check the current fee when you book.
Listening: six parts, 38 questions
| Part | Name | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Listening to Problem Solving | 8 |
| 2 | Listening to a Daily Life Conversation | 5 |
| 3 | Listening for Information | 6 |
| 4 | Listening to a News Item | 5 |
| 5 | Listening to a Discussion | 8 |
| 6 | Listening to Viewpoints | 6 |
| Total | 38 |
CELPIP notes that you read the answer choices in the Listening test. The part names tell you what to expect: everyday problems and conversations in the early parts, then a news item, a discussion and finally viewpoints.
How to practise: our CELPIP-General Listening practice test 1 has all six parts with the official question counts, set in everyday Canadian situations. Play each recording once only.
Reading: four parts, 38 questions
| Part | Name | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reading Correspondence | 11 |
| 2 | Reading to Apply a Diagram | 8 |
| 3 | Reading for Information | 9 |
| 4 | Reading for Viewpoints | 10 |
| Total | 38 |
Part 1 is about letters and emails, Part 2 asks you to use information from a diagram, Part 3 tests finding information in a longer text, and Part 4 tests understanding of opinions and arguments.
How to practise: our CELPIP-General Reading practice test 7 follows these four parts. For Parts 2 and 4 in detail, see our Reading Part 2 and Part 4 tips.
Unscored questions
CELPIP says the Listening and Reading tests contain unscored items used for test development. They can appear anywhere in the test, look the same as scored items and cannot be identified. Treat every question as if it counts.
Writing: two tasks, 53 minutes
- Writing an Email
- Responding to Survey Questions
Practise both tasks to a time limit and leave a few minutes at the end to check spelling and punctuation.
Speaking: eight tasks, 15 minutes
Speaking has eight tasks in 15 minutes, so each task is short. Practise with a timer, speaking out loud, and record yourself so you can hear where you hesitate.
How scores work
Each component gets a CELPIP level from 0 to 12. Levels 3 to 12 match the same CLB level; level 2 matches CLB 1 to 2; levels 1 and 0 mean there was not enough information to assess. Scores are valid for two years from the date on the score report. Our guide to CELPIP levels and the CLB chart sets out the full chart.
CELPIP does not publish how many correct answers give each level. That is why our practice tests show your number correct as a guide to progress rather than a predicted level.
A study plan in four steps
- Take both practice tests once to see where you stand: Listening test 1 and Reading test 7.
- Find your weakest part. Count wrong answers by part, not just in total.
- Work on that part for a week, with short daily practice: one recording or one reading text a day.
- Retake and compare. Your number correct should rise; if one part stays low, change your approach to it.
All CELPIP practice tests and guides are on the CELPIP hub.
Frequently asked questions
Which version do I need for Canadian citizenship?
CELPIP-General LS, which tests Listening and Speaking only. For permanent residence, CELPIP-General, with all four skills, is the IRCC-designated version.
Are the Listening and Reading tests the same length every time?
No. CELPIP gives a time range for each: 46 to 55 minutes for Listening and 43 to 56 minutes for Reading. Our practice tests allow 55 minutes for each.
Key points
- Listening: 38 questions, 6 parts, 46 to 55 minutes.
- Reading: 38 questions, 4 parts, 43 to 56 minutes.
- Writing: 2 tasks, 53 minutes. Speaking: 8 tasks, 15 minutes.
- CELPIP-General for permanent residence; CELPIP-General LS for citizenship.
Official sources: celpip.ca "Test Format and Scoring" and "CELPIP-General" pages, read on 1 November 2026.