The Advantages of CELPIP for Australian Visas (and the Drawbacks)
By Megan · Scores and immigration · Published · 3 min read
CELPIP-General has been accepted for Australian visas since 7 August 2025, and for some applicants it is now the easiest route to the English level they need. It is not the best test for everyone, though. This post sets out the real advantages of CELPIP for Australia, the drawbacks to weigh against them, and who it suits. Scores come from Home Affairs' published instrument (LIN 25/016) at the time of writing; confirm the current rules for your visa on the Home Affairs website.
What are the advantages of CELPIP for Australia?
The main advantages are a lower Speaking line than PTE, human raters for Writing and Speaking, practical everyday tasks, a fully computer-based test with no face-to-face interview, and multiple-choice Listening and Reading.
Is the CELPIP Speaking requirement lower for Australia?
Relative to PTE, yes. Proficient English needs CELPIP 8 out of 12 in Speaking, while PTE Academic needs 76 out of 90 for tests from 7 August 2025. Superior needs CELPIP 10 against PTE 88.
Who scores CELPIP Speaking and Writing?
Trained human raters. They judge whether your answer is relevant, organised and clear, so a natural answer that covers the task can score well even if you speak at a normal pace.
What makes the CELPIP format easier for some people?
- Everyday tasks: emails, opinions on community issues, describing a scene, giving advice. No academic essays or charts to describe.
- Listening and Reading are all multiple choice, with no fill-in-the-blank or dictation tasks.
- Speaking is recorded on a computer, so there is no examiner in front of you.
- All four skills are done in one sitting of about three hours, with no separate Speaking appointment.
What are the drawbacks of CELPIP for Australia?
The biggest drawback is Writing: Proficient needs CELPIP 10 and Superior needs 12, the top of the scale. CELPIP also has fewer centres in Australia, no single-skill retake, and Canadian content and accents.
- Writing 12 for Superior English is reached by few test takers.
- Centres are in the major cities only, so dates can be limited.
- Missing one skill means retaking the whole test; IELTS offers One Skill Retake.
- Less Australian preparation material and fewer local tutors than for IELTS or PTE.
Who should choose CELPIP for an Australian visa?
People who write well but find Speaking hard on PTE or IELTS, who prefer practical topics to academic ones, and who live near a CELPIP centre. If Writing is your weakest skill, IELTS or PTE is usually the better choice.
How can I find out if CELPIP suits me?
Try it before you book. The free CELPass diagnostic estimates your CELPIP level in each skill in about 25 minutes, so you can compare it with the line for the English level your visa needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is CELPIP easier than IELTS for Australia?
Not for everyone. CELPIP is often easier in Speaking and harder in Writing than IELTS at the same English level.
Is a CELPIP result for Australia also valid for Canada?
Yes, the same CELPIP-General result can be used for Canadian permanent residence while it is valid there (two years for IRCC).
Keep reading
CELPass is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises. CELPIP is a trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises. Check the official CELPIP website and IRCC for current test rules and requirements.