MapleSpeakThe short answer
| CELPIP-General | IELTS General Training | |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted by IRCC | Express Entry and citizenship | Express Entry and citizenship |
| How you take it | All on computer, one sitting | On computer in Canada; speaking with an examiner |
| Speaking | 8 tasks recorded by the computer, 15 min | Face-to-face interview, 11–14 min |
| Total time | About 3 hours | About 2 h 45 min |
| Results | 2–4 business days | Usually 1–2 days in Canada |
| Fee in Canada | $299 + tax | About $335–$361 + tax, by centre |
| Scores | Levels that equal CLB directly | Bands converted to CLB with a table |
Fees and results times are what each test’s official site lists for Canada in October 2026. Check them before you book.
Speaking: a computer or a person
This is the difference most people feel. In CELPIP, you read or see a task, prepare for 30 to 60 seconds, and speak to the computer until the timer ends. Nobody reacts, and raters score the recordings later. In IELTS, you talk to an examiner in a three-part interview, with follow-up questions.
- CELPIP may suit you if you get nervous in front of people, like a fixed structure, and can keep talking without feedback.
- IELTS may suit you if talking to a computer feels strange, and you do better in a real conversation where the other person keeps it going.
CELPIP speaking has eight different task types in 15 minutes, from giving advice to describing a picture. Our speaking guide shows each one with a sample answer.
Writing: email and survey, or letter and essay
| CELPIP-General | IELTS General Training | |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | An email, 150–200 words, 27 min | A letter, at least 150 words |
| Task 2 | A survey answer: choose an option and explain, 150–200 words, 26 min | An essay, at least 250 words |
| Total | 53 min | 60 min |
CELPIP’s second task is shorter and more practical than the IELTS essay. If long, formal essays are your weak point, that matters. See our guides to CELPIP writing task 1 and task 2.
Listening and reading
In both tests you hear each recording once and answer questions on what you heard and read.
- CELPIP: listening has 6 parts and 38 questions in 46 to 55 minutes, including a video discussion. Reading has 4 parts and 38 questions in 43 to 56 minutes, all multiple choice.
- IELTS General Training: listening takes about 30 minutes and reading 60 minutes, with 40 questions each and several question types, such as matching and short answers.
CELPIP’s questions are all multiple choice and the texts are everyday situations at work, at home and in the community. Details in our listening and reading guides.
IELTS to CLB and CELPIP: the official table
IRCC converts each test to CLB skill by skill. CELPIP levels equal CLB levels directly. IELTS bands follow this table:
| CLB | CELPIP | IELTS listening | IELTS reading | IELTS writing | IELTS speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 10–12 | 8.5–9.0 | 8.0–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 |
| 9 | 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Two things stand out. CLB 7 is a flat 6.0 in IELTS, which many people reach. CLB 9 in IELTS needs 8.0 in listening, a full band higher than the other skills, so listening often decides whether an IELTS result reaches CLB 9. In CELPIP, CLB 9 is simply a 9 in every skill. Use our CELPIP score chart and calculator to see the Express Entry points for your levels.
How to choose
- Try both formats once. CELPIP has free practice tests on celpip.ca, and IELTS has free sample questions on ielts.org. Take one of each on a timer.
- Compare where you lose points. If the IELTS essay or interview is your weakest part, CELPIP removes it. If talking to a computer threw you off, IELTS may suit you better.
- Look at your CLB target. For CLB 9, compare your IELTS listening with the 8.0 it needs.
- Check dates near you. Both tests run at test centres; availability varies by city.
One more option: IRCC also accepts PTE Core for Express Entry and citizenship.
What changed in 2026
- IELTS on paper ended in Canada on May 7, 2026. IELTS General Training in Canada is now on computer, with speaking still face to face.
- IELTS Online, with speaking by video call, is for IELTS Academic only, so it can’t be used for IRCC.
- TOEFL Essentials has been designated by IRCC but was not yet accepted for applications when we checked.
- For Express Entry, results must be less than two years old when you create your profile and when you apply.
Sources
Accepted tests and conversion table: canada.ca, language test results. Citizenship: canada.ca, proof of language. CELPIP format, fee and results: celpip.ca and celpip.ca, overview. IELTS format: ielts.org. IELTS in Canada, fees and the end of paper tests: IDP Canada, cost and IDP Canada, paper test discontinued. TOEFL Essentials: ets.org. Checked October 7, 2026.
Questions
Is CELPIP easier than IELTS?
Not in general. Many people find CELPIP more comfortable because everything is on a computer in one sitting and the tasks are everyday situations. Others prefer IELTS because they would rather speak with a person. The best choice is the test whose format suits you.
What IELTS score equals CLB 7?
IELTS General Training 6.0 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking equals CLB 7, according to IRCC.
What IELTS score equals CLB 9?
Listening 8.0, reading 7.0, writing 7.0 and speaking 7.0 in IELTS General Training equal CLB 9. In CELPIP, CLB 9 is a 9 in each skill.
Does IRCC accept IELTS Academic or IELTS One Skill Retake?
For Express Entry, IRCC accepts IELTS General Training, not Academic, and it does not accept One Skill Retake results.
Which test gives results faster?
In Canada, IELTS on computer usually takes 1 to 2 days. CELPIP posts results in 2 to 4 business days, according to celpip.ca.