Technical Problems During CELPIP: What to Do and How to Report Them
By Natania · Booking and test day · Published · 3 min read
A frozen screen, a crackling headset or a microphone that seems not to record is the last thing you want in a three-hour test that matters for your immigration plans. Problems are uncommon, but knowing what to do keeps a small issue from becoming a lost result. The most important rule: report it on the day. This post is based on CELPIP's published policy as of October 2026; check the official CELPIP website for the current wording.
What happens if my computer has technical problems during CELPIP?
Raise your hand and tell the test centre staff immediately, while the test is running. If the problem may have affected your result, also report it through your CELPIP account within 24 hours of the test. CELPIP says it takes no corrective action on issues reported after scores are released or more than 24 hours after the test, whichever comes first.
- Stop and raise your hand as soon as you notice the problem; do not try to fix it yourself.
- Tell the staff exactly what happened and in which section or task.
- Before you leave, make sure the staff have noted the issue.
- Within 24 hours, sign in to your CELPIP account, open the registration's Actions menu and choose Report a Test Day Issue.
- Describe the problem, the section and task, roughly when it happened, and what the staff did.
What kinds of problems should I report?
- The screen freezes, the test restarts or a section ends early.
- The headset sound is quiet, uneven, crackling or missing in one ear.
- The microphone does not seem to record, or the recording check fails.
- Loud noise or a disturbance in the room that affected a section.
- A recording that did not play, or played with a fault, in Listening.
Report anything that may have affected your performance, even if staff fixed it quickly. A note on the day costs you nothing; an unreported problem cannot be considered later.
How can I prevent equipment problems?
Take the headset and microphone checks before the test seriously. Adjust the headset so it is comfortable, set the volume, and speak at a normal level during the microphone check. If anything sounds wrong, tell staff before you start: it is much easier to fix then.
Can I ask for a re-evaluation instead?
A re-evaluation is a different thing: it asks raters to look at your Writing or Speaking again, and CELPIP lets you request it within six months of the test. It is not the way to report a test-day problem. Listening and Reading re-evaluations rarely change scores, because those sections are computer rated.
What if I am sick or cannot attend on test day?
Contact CELPIP as early as you can and read the policy that applies. Rescheduling has a deadline, often about a week before the test, and missing the test usually means losing the fee.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get a free retest if my computer failed?
CELPIP reviews each reported issue and decides what to do. Report it on the day and in your account within 24 hours so it can be reviewed.
Can I change my CELPIP test date after booking?
Usually yes, up to the rescheduling deadline and with a fee. Check the current policy in your CELPIP account or on the official website.
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.