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CELPIP Reading Course · Lesson 1 of 8

How CELPIP Reading Works and Is Scored

By CELPass Editorial Team · 2 min read · Updated

CELPIP Reading takes about 55–60 minutes and has four parts with 38 questions. Each part has its own timer, which changes how you should pace yourself.

The four parts

PartTextQuestionsTime
1A personal message and a reply11about 11 min
2A diagram with an email about it8about 9 min
3An informational text in paragraphs A–D9about 10 min
4An opinion article and a reader's comment10about 13 min

How it is scored

Your number of correct answers is converted to a level from M to 12, which matches the same CLB level. There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so never leave a question blank. The test may also include unscored research questions, which you cannot identify, so treat every question as if it counts.

Separate timers change the strategy

Unused time in one part does not carry over to the next. Finishing Part 1 early gives you nothing extra for Part 4. So in every part, use your time fully: if you finish early, go back and check the questions you were least sure about.

Key points

  • Four parts, 38 questions, each part separately timed.
  • No penalty for wrong answers: answer everything.
  • Use spare time in a part to check that part.

Exercise

True or false?

  1. If you finish Part 2 early, you get more time for Part 3.
  2. A blank answer and a wrong answer are worth the same.
  3. Part 4 has the most time.
Show answers
  1. False
  2. True, so always guess
  3. True, about 13 minutes

Practise with free questions

Free questions in the CELPIP format, with answers and no account needed. Try a few now, while the lesson is fresh.

All lessons in this course

  1. How CELPIP Reading Works and Is Scored
  2. The Question Types and How to Approach Each
  3. Part 1: Reading Correspondence
  4. Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram
  5. Part 3: Reading for Information
  6. Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints
  7. Paraphrase and Trap Answers
  8. Pacing and Your Test-Day Plan

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.