Sep 27 / Key Course team

CELPIP Score Table: Understanding Your CELPIP Test Results

The CELPIP test (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is a popular English proficiency exam used for immigration, citizenship, and professional designation purposes in Canada.

One crucial aspect of the CELPIP test that candidates often want to understand is the CELPIP score table and how to interpret their results.

This guide will help you understand the scoring system, what each score means, and how to use this information to improve your performance.

What is the CELPIP Score Table?

The CELPIP test results are presented as a score on a scale from 1 to 12 for each of the four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Each score level corresponds to specific descriptors that reflect a test taker’s English language proficiency in real-life situations.

Here’s a breakdown of the CELPIP score table for each level:

Interpreting the CELPIP Score Table

Each score in the CELPIP score table corresponds to a level of English proficiency in real-life scenarios.
Here’s what your score could mean:
  • Scores 12-10: These are considered advanced scores. If you achieve these, you have a high command of the English language and can handle complex communication in professional, academic, and everyday contexts.
  • Scores 9-7: These scores are considered adequate for most immigration and professional purposes. You have a good grasp of English but may need improvement in handling more challenging language tasks.
  • Scores 6-4: These scores indicate a need for improvement. You can handle basic communication but may struggle in professional or unfamiliar settings. Many candidates in this range seek further preparation to improve their scores.
  • Scores 3-1: These scores suggest significant language barriers. Candidates at this level will likely need extensive study and practice to achieve the proficiency required for immigration or employment.

How is the CELPIP Test Scored?

The CELPIP test evaluates your skills across four language components:


  • Listening: Assesses your ability to understand spoken English in different contexts.
  • Reading: Tests your comprehension of written texts in various formats.
  • Writing: Evaluates your ability to express yourself clearly and accurately in written English.
  • Speaking: Measures your ability to communicate verbally in English.


Each section is scored independently, and the results are provided on the same CELPIP 12-point scale.
Your overall proficiency is reflected in these scores, and they determine whether you meet the requirements for immigration or professional certification.

CELPIP Listening Score Interpretation (Detailed)

The CELPIP Listening section consists of 38 scored questions, with the possibility of one additional unscored section that is not disclosed.
Each question varies in difficulty and point value, meaning harder questions are worth more points than easier ones.
Your CELPIP level is determined by a computer, taking into account both the total number of points earned and the difficulty of the questions you answered.
As a result, two test-takers with the same number of correct answers may receive different levels, depending on the difficulty of the questions they encountered.

CELPIP Reading Score

The CELPIP Reading task includes 38 scored questions, and there may be one hidden, unscored question.

Since there is no negative marking, it's advisable to attempt every question.

Each question has a different level of difficulty and is worth varying points, meaning harder questions are worth more.

The computer calculates your CELPIP level based on both the points you earn and the difficulty of the questions.

Due to the varying difficulty, it's possible to receive different score levels even with the same number of correct answers.

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Understanding Your CELPIP Writing Score

The CELPIP Writing section is scored based on several key factors that assess your ability to write clearly and effectively in English.

There are two writing tasks in the test: 
Writing an Email and Responding to Survey Questions.

Trained raters evaluate each task, and your score is determined by the following criteria:

How the CELPIP Speaking Score is Calculated

Before determining the final score, three independent raters from Paragon Testing review the CELPIP speaking tasks.

Each task is evaluated across four dimensions—Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability, and Task Fulfillment—using a five-level performance scale.

Raters assign scores by identifying specific evidence in the test taker's response that matches the descriptions in the rating scale.Once the initial ratings are complete, the scores are further examined.

If there are discrepancies between the raters' scores, a benchmark rater is assigned to reassess the task.

The benchmark rater is an experienced and reliable evaluator who is unaware of the original ratings.

The final scores for each dimension are then converted into the CELPIP scale using a set of criteria established by English language experts.

The CELPIP score table is a helpful guide for understanding your English skills and knowing where to improve.

Whether you need a higher score for immigration or professional certification, understanding your scores is the first step to success.

If you want to improve your score, our CELPIP Preparation Course is here to help.

You’ll get step-by-step lessons, practice tests, and personal feedback from experienced teachers to boost your performance in every section of the test.

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This is your chance to raise your CELPIP score and achieve your goals.
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