MapleSpeakThe listening test at a glance
| Part | Name | Questions | About |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Listening to Problem Solving | 8 | 8 min |
| 2 | Listening to a Daily Life Conversation | 5 | 5 min |
| 3 | Listening for Information | 6 | 6 min |
| 4 | Listening to a News Item | 5 | 5 min |
| 5 | Listening to a Discussion (video) | 8 | 9 min |
| 6 | Listening to Viewpoints | 6 | 8 min |
| Total | 38 | 46–55 min |
Three rules shape the whole test:
- Once only. Every recording plays one time and can’t be paused.
- Questions come after. You don’t know what will be asked while you listen.
- Notes are allowed. You get paper and a pen, and nobody reads your notes.
How the questions work
Every question has four choices. The format changes halfway through:
- Parts 1 to 3: after the recording, you hear each question and read the four choices, one question at a time, with 30 seconds to answer. You can’t go back.
- Parts 4 to 6: all the questions are on one screen, and you can answer them in any order within one time limit.
Wrong answers cost nothing, so never leave a question blank.
The six parts, and what to listen for
Part 1: Problem Solving
A conversation in three short sections between two people solving a problem, such as a tenant and a landlord, or two coworkers planning an event. Questions follow each section.
Listen for: the problem, each suggestion, and the decision at the end. People often change their minds, so the last word counts.
Part 2: Daily Life Conversation
A conversation about an everyday situation, for example at a store or between friends.
Listen for: who the speakers are, what one of them wants, and how the other responds. Feelings and intentions are often asked about.
Part 3: Listening for Information
One person explains something to another, such as a guide describing a program or a staff member explaining a process.
Listen for: numbers, dates, steps in order and conditions (only if, except when).
Part 4: News Item
A short news report about a local event.
Listen for: what happened, where, who was involved and what happens next. News reports put the main point in the first sentence.
Part 5: Discussion
A video of three people discussing a topic, such as colleagues in a meeting.
Listen for: each person’s position and who agrees with whom. Watch faces and gestures; they help you track who is speaking.
Part 6: Viewpoints
A longer talk that presents an issue and different opinions about it, like a radio segment.
Listen for: the main argument, the opposing view, and the reasons for each. Signal words such as however, critics say and on the other hand mark the turns.
A note-taking method that works
Because questions come after the audio, the goal of notes is not to write everything. It is to remember who said what, and in what order.
- Divide the page by speaker. For conversations, draw a line down the middle and put each person on one side. For part 5, use three columns.
- Write nouns and numbers, not sentences. “Fri 6pm → Sat 2pm, $40” is enough.
- Use arrows for changes. A changed plan or opinion is a favourite question.
- Mark feelings with one symbol. A + or − next to a reaction helps with questions about attitude.
- Keep listening while you write. If you miss something, let it go and catch the next point.
CELPIP listening score chart
A computer scores listening. Your raw score is adjusted for the difficulty of your version of the test, then converted to a level. Paragon publishes this approximate chart and notes that the cut-offs shift slightly between versions.
| CELPIP level | Correct answers out of 38, approximately |
|---|---|
| 10–12 | 35–38 |
| 9 | 33–35 |
| 8 | 30–33 |
| 7 | 27–31 |
| 6 | 22–28 |
| 5 | 17–23 |
| 4 | 11–18 |
| 3 | 7–12 |
| M | 0–7 |
Listening needs a few more correct answers than reading for the same level: about 27 for level 7 instead of about 24. For citizenship, you need CELPIP 4 in listening; for Express Entry programs, usually 7 or more. The CELPIP score chart shows what each level unlocks.
How to practise
- Use the official material first. Paragon’s two free practice tests include listening transcripts, and the free Listening Pro study pack explains each part.
- Practise without pausing. At home it is tempting to replay. Don’t: the test won’t let you.
- Check with the transcript afterwards. Find the exact line that answers each question you missed.
- Listen to Canadian English every day. Local news, call-in radio and podcasts with several speakers are close to parts 4 to 6.
Listening is first on test day, so it sets the tone. Our four-week study plan covers all four skills.
Sources
Test format and timing: celpip.ca, test format and scoring and Paragon’s Listening Pro study pack (2026). Scoring and approximate score chart: celpip.ca, test results. Free resources: celpip.ca, free resources. Checked October 7, 2026.
Questions
Can you replay the audio in CELPIP listening?
No. Each recording plays once and can’t be paused, so take notes while you listen.
Are notes allowed in CELPIP listening?
Yes. You get paper and a pen, and nobody reads or scores your notes.
How many questions are in CELPIP listening?
38 scored questions across six parts. The test may also include one unscored part, and you can’t tell which one it is.
How many correct answers do I need for CLB 7 in CELPIP listening?
Paragon’s approximate chart puts level 7 at about 27 to 31 correct answers out of 38. The exact cut-off changes slightly between test versions.
Do I see the questions before the audio?
No. In every part, the questions come after the recording. In parts 1 to 3 they appear one at a time with 30 seconds each; in parts 4 to 6 they are all on one screen.