Taking CELPIP Outside Canada: India, the US and Other Countries

CELPIP is a Canadian English test, but you don't have to be in Canada to take it. CELPIP-General is offered in several countries, including India and the United States, so many people sit it before they move.

Here's what's the same, what's different, and how to book.

Where you can take CELPIP

CELPIP-General is offered at test centres in Canada and in a growing number of other countries. Locations listed on the CELPIP website include:

• India: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune, among others.
• The United States: cities including New York, Washington DC and Chicago.

Centres open and close, so check the "find a test" page on celpip.ca for the current list and dates near you.

What's the same everywhere

• The test. It's the same CELPIP-General: four skills, about 3 hours, all on a computer.
• The scoring. Each skill gets a level, and the levels convert to CLB the same way. See the CELPIP score chart.
• IRCC acceptance. A score from India or the US counts for Express Entry, a post-graduation work permit and other programs just like one from Canada.
• Results. They're released to your online CELPIP account, usually 2 to 4 business days after the test.
• Validity. For Express Entry and a PGWP, results must be less than 2 years old when you apply.

What's different abroad

• The fee. Prices are set by country. At the time of writing, CELPIP-General costs about ₹15,500 in India, compared with $299 plus tax in Canada. Check the exact fee for your centre when you book.
• Test dates. Some centres outside Canada run fewer sessions, so book early if you have a deadline.
• The test version. CELPIP-General LS, the two-skill version for citizenship, may not be offered at every centre. Check the test types at your centre.
• ID. Bring exactly the ID your CELPIP account asks for. Requirements can differ by country, so check them before test day.

How to book CELPIP outside Canada

1. Create a CELPIP account on celpip.ca, using your name exactly as it appears on your ID.
2. Choose CELPIP-General and your country, then pick a test centre and date.
3. Pay the fee shown for that centre.
4. Check the confirmation for the centre address, start time and ID rules.

Should you take it before you move?

If you're applying for Express Entry from outside Canada, you'll usually need your language results before you can create your profile, so yes, most people take it in their home country.

Plan backwards from your deadline:

• allow time to prepare (see the 2-week and 4-week study plans);
• book a date with room for a retake if one skill comes in short;
• remember results take a few business days.

To see what your scores mean for your plans, use the CELPIP to CLB calculator. For how CELPIP compares with the other accepted tests, see which English test is easiest for Canada.