CELPIP vs IELTS for Australian PR: Which Gets You 10 or 20 Points?
By Megan · Scores and immigration · Published · 3 min read
For points-tested PR visas such as the 189, 190 and 491, your English test is worth up to 20 points. Since 7 August 2025, CELPIP-General has been accepted alongside IELTS, which raises a practical question: which test gets you to 10 or 20 points with less effort? The answer depends on your strongest and weakest skills. 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.
Is CELPIP or IELTS better for Australian PR?
Neither is better for everyone. CELPIP asks for less in Speaking and Reading and more in Writing, while IELTS asks for the same band in all four skills, so the better test is the one whose highest line falls on your strongest skill.
Both are accepted for the same visas and earn the same points: Competent English meets the minimum, Proficient earns 10 points and Superior earns 20.
What CELPIP and IELTS scores do I need for 10 and 20 points?
Proficient English (10 points) needs IELTS 7 in each skill or CELPIP 9 / 8 / 10 / 8. Superior English (20 points) needs IELTS 8 in each skill or CELPIP 10 / 10 / 12 / 10 (Listening / Reading / Writing / Speaking).
| English level | Points | IELTS (Academic or General Training) | CELPIP-General |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competent | 0 (meets the minimum) | 6 / 6 / 6 / 6 | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 |
| Proficient | 10 | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 | 9 / 8 / 10 / 8 |
| Superior | 20 | 8 / 8 / 8 / 8 | 10 / 10 / 12 / 10 |
Which skill decides your points on each test?
On CELPIP it is usually Writing, which needs 10 for Proficient and 12, the top of the scale, for Superior. On IELTS it is whichever skill is your weakest, and for many test takers that is Writing or Speaking at band 7 or 8.
| Your profile | Likely better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Strong writer, nervous speaker | CELPIP | Speaking needs only 8 for Proficient, recorded on a computer rather than face to face |
| Fluent speaker, Writing stuck at IELTS 6.5 | IELTS | CELPIP Writing 10 is usually harder than IELTS Writing 7 |
| Even skills, close to 7 in all four | IELTS | One Skill Retake can fix a single band that falls short |
| Prefers everyday topics to academic ones | CELPIP | Tasks are practical: emails, opinions, everyday situations |
Does IELTS One Skill Retake give IELTS an edge for PR?
Yes, if you expect to miss one skill by a small margin. Home Affairs accepts IELTS One Skill Retake for most visas for tests taken from 7 August 2025; CELPIP has no single-skill retake, so missing one CELPIP line means sitting the whole test again.
Is Superior English easier on CELPIP or IELTS?
For most people, IELTS. CELPIP Superior needs a perfect 12 in Writing, which few test takers reach, while IELTS Superior needs band 8 in every skill.
CELPIP is the stronger choice for Proficient when Speaking is your weak skill. If you need the full 20 points and Writing is not your best skill, IELTS is usually the safer target.
How do the CELPIP and IELTS tests differ on test day?
CELPIP is taken entirely on a computer in about three hours, with Speaking recorded into a headset. IELTS Speaking is a face-to-face interview with an examiner, and the rest can be on paper or computer.
CELPIP also uses Canadian everyday English, and there are fewer CELPIP centres in Australia, so check dates in your city before you commit.
How do I choose between CELPIP and IELTS for PR?
Take a timed practice test in each, compare every skill against that test's line for the level you need, and book the test where your weakest skill is closest to its line.
Frequently asked questions
Do CELPIP and IELTS give the same PR points?
Yes. Points depend on the English level you reach (Competent, Proficient or Superior), not on which accepted test you took.
Can I use IELTS General Training for Australian PR?
Yes. Home Affairs accepts both IELTS Academic and General Training at the same scores for Competent, Proficient and Superior English.
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.