CELPIP for Canadian Citizenship: The LS Test, the Score You Need and Other Proof

Who needs to prove their language skills#

You need proof of English or French with your citizenship application if you are between 18 and 54 years old on the day you sign it. Adults 55 and older and children under 18 don’t need language proof and don’t take the citizenship test.

The level is CLB 4 in speaking and listening (NCLC 4 in French). Reading and writing are not assessed for citizenship. IRCC describes this level as being able to:

• take part in short, everyday conversations about common topics;
• understand simple instructions, questions and directions;
• use basic grammar, including simple structures and tenses;
• know enough common words and phrases to answer questions and express yourself.

CLB 4 is the top of Stage I, basic language ability, and the CLB calls it fluent basic ability. It is a modest bar, but it has to be shown on paper: without accepted proof, IRCC returns the whole application.

The CELPIP score you need#

IRCC accepts two CELPIP tests for citizenship:

If citizenship is your only goal, the LS test does the job for $100 less and in less than half the time. Take the full CELPIP-General only if you also need reading and writing scores for something else, such as a professional licence.

In listening, Paragon’s approximate chart puts level 4 at about 11 to 18 correct answers out of 38, and level 5 at 17 to 23. Because the ranges overlap and shift between test versions, aim for 20 or more correct in practice so a hard test version doesn’t push you down to 3.

How the CELPIP-General LS test works#

The LS test is the listening and speaking parts of CELPIP-General, taken on a computer in one sitting. There is no interview with an examiner: you speak into a headset and your recordings are rated later.

The listening test includes some unscored trial questions that look like the others, so give every question your best answer. A blank counts as wrong, so never leave one empty.

The LS test is offered only in Canada. Results are posted in your CELPIP account 2 to 4 business days after the test, as a PDF score report you upload with your application. More on that in our guide to CELPIP results.

What CLB 4 speaking sounds like#

Here is CELPIP speaking task 1, giving advice, answered at two levels. Both answers were written for this guide; they are not official samples.

Your friend just moved to your city and wants to save money on food. Give your friend some advice.

The CLB 4 answer has errors (“big store is cheaper”, “eat in restaurant”), but the advice is clear and on topic, and it keeps going. That is what CLB 4 asks for. The CLB 6 answer adds reasons, linking words and a friendly close. For citizenship, you only need the first.

Two habits matter most at this level: keep talking until the timer ends, even with simple sentences, and answer the question that was asked. A short, relevant answer beats a long one that drifts. Our speaking guide shows the timing and a sample answer for all eight tasks.

Other tests IRCC accepts for citizenship#

IELTS Academic is not accepted for citizenship, only General Training. If you are choosing between the two English tests, our CELPIP vs IELTS comparison explains the differences, especially in speaking.

You may not need a test at all#

A language test is only one kind of proof. IRCC also accepts:

• Results you used for permanent residence. Include a copy of the CELPIP, IELTS, PTE Core, TEF or TCF results from your PR application, even if they have expired, as long as they meet the citizenship minimum. For CELPIP-General taken on or after April 1, 2014, that is 4 or higher in listening and speaking.
• Education in English or French. If you completed, or are attending, a secondary or post-secondary program taught in English or French, in Canada or abroad, send a diploma, transcript or certificate. Documents in another language need a certified translation that shows the language of instruction.
• Government-funded language classes. A LINC or CLIC certificate showing CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening, for training on or after November 1, 2012. For training between January 2008 and October 2012, tick the box on your application and IRCC checks it electronically.
• Some provincial programs. Certain certificates from British Columbia (ELSA), Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec are accepted at the equivalent of CLB 4. The exact documents and dates are on canada.ca.

If you have none of these, book a test, or join a free government-funded language class if your English isn’t at CLB 4 yet.

IRCC can still check your English#

Sending proof is the main step, but IRCC says it also notes how well you speak whenever you talk to a citizenship official during the process. If needed, an official can assess your language in person.

This is separate from the citizenship test, which checks your knowledge of Canada: 20 questions, and you pass with 15 correct. You can take that test in English or French. If you fail it three times, you are invited to a hearing with an officer, which can include questions to assess your language.

How to prepare for the LS test#

1. Do one free sample test. CELPIP’s free online sample shows the screens, the timer and the question types, so nothing is a surprise on test day.
2. Practise speaking on the clock. Each task gives you 30 to 60 seconds to prepare and 60 to 90 seconds to speak. Practise filling that time with simple, clear sentences.
3. Learn the eight task types. Each one has a simple structure: say what you think, give two reasons or ideas, and finish. Our speaking sample answers show one for each.
4. Listen to everyday English. Local radio, news and podcasts at normal speed help more than slow learner audio. Our listening guide has a note-taking method.
5. Answer every listening question. Blanks score zero; a guess might not.

Sources#

Who needs language proof and what it means: canada.ca, citizenship eligibility. Accepted proof, tests and scores: canada.ca, proof of language (steps 1 to 5). Citizenship test and hearings: canada.ca, test results. CLB stages: Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB). CELPIP-General LS format, fee and availability: celpip.ca, Canadian citizenship, celpip.ca, CELPIP-General LS and celpip.ca, overview. Listening score chart: celpip.ca, test results. Checked October 9, 2026.

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