How to Read Your CELPIP Score Report
By Megan · Scores and immigration · Published · Updated · 4 min read
Your CELPIP results arrive in your online CELPIP account, usually within about a week of the test. The report is short, but it is worth reading carefully: the level in each section decides which programs you qualify for and how many CRS points you earn. Here is how to read it and what to do next.
Where to find your results
Log in to the online account you used to book the test. Your results are posted there, and you can view and download your score report. Paragon also offers faster results for an extra fee; check the official CELPIP website for the current options and prices.
The exact layout of the report can change over time, so if anything on your report differs from this description, the official CELPIP website and your account are the authority.
The four section levels
The most important part of the report is the level for each section you took: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking for CELPIP-General, or Listening and Speaking for CELPIP-General LS. Each level is on a scale from M to 12.
Each CELPIP level equals the same CLB level, so there is no conversion step. If your report shows Speaking 8, that is CLB 8 in Speaking.
| Section | CELPIP level | CLB level |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 10 | 10 |
| Reading | 9 | 9 |
| Writing | 8 | 8 |
| Speaking | 9 | 9 |
In this example, the candidate meets CLB 7 in every skill for Federal Skilled Worker, but Writing at CLB 8 is the one section stopping them from having CLB 9 across the board.
What the levels do not tell you
The report is built around one level per section, not a detailed breakdown of every answer. It does not list which Listening or Reading questions you got wrong, and it does not give you an answer-by-answer review of your Writing and Speaking.
- For Listening and Reading, your level reflects your total correct answers, but the report does not show which parts were weak.
- For Writing and Speaking, raters score Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability or Listenability, and Task Fulfillment, and the level you see is the result of those ratings. Check your own report for any extra detail it includes.
- Do not focus on an average of the four sections. IRCC requirements are set per skill, so the lowest section usually matters most.
To find out why a section came out where it did, you need practice material that shows detail: a practice test you can review question by question, and Writing and Speaking feedback broken down by dimension.
Check your levels against your goal
Once you have your levels, compare each one with your program's minimum and with your CRS target. Write them side by side so the gap is obvious.
| Goal | What to check |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker | CLB 7 or higher in all four sections |
| Canadian Experience Class | CLB 7 or CLB 5 in all four, depending on your job's TEER level |
| Canadian citizenship (ages 18–54) | CLB 4 or higher in Listening and Speaking |
| Maximum CRS language points for most profiles | CLB 9 or higher in all four sections |
Program rules can change, so confirm the current requirement on the IRCC website before relying on your result.
Using your results with IRCC
When you create an Express Entry profile or submit an application, IRCC asks for the details of your test result and, later, a copy of the report. Follow IRCC's current instructions for which details to enter and which documents to upload.
- IRCC accepts CELPIP results for two years from the test date.
- Your results must still be valid on the day you submit your application for permanent residence.
- Enter your levels exactly as they appear on the report. A mismatch can cause problems later in the process.
- If you take the test more than once, you choose which valid result to use.
If a result seems wrong
If you believe a Writing or Speaking result does not reflect your performance, Paragon offers a re-evaluation for a fee. Check the official CELPIP website for the current process, deadlines and price before you request one.
Before paying, be honest about the evidence. If your practice scores in that section were consistently higher, a re-evaluation may be worth considering. If your practice scores were around the same level, a focused retake is often the better use of time and money.
What to do next
If you met your target, save a copy of the report and note the date it expires for IRCC purposes. If you did not, treat the report as a starting point: the section furthest from your target is where to begin.
CELPass shows the kind of detail an official report does not: Writing and Speaking practice answers scored on each of the four dimensions, with mistakes labelled, and an estimated CLB range. The sample report shows what that looks like.
Frequently asked questions
Does the CELPIP score report show an overall score?
IRCC requirements are set per section, so the level for each section is what matters. Do not rely on an average to decide whether you qualify.
How long does it take to get CELPIP results?
Results are usually posted to your online CELPIP account within a few business days. The official results page no longer lists a paid faster option.
Can I see which questions I got wrong on CELPIP?
No. The report shows a level for each section, not your individual answers. Use practice tests you can review question by question to find your weak spots.
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.