The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program is a testing tool that measures listening, reading, writing and English speaking skills. CELPIP assesses a person’s English language skills in all the categories and the results are issued with marks that range from 1 to 12 and the criteria vary based on the program that the person wishes to enter. The language criteria for entering the pool is different for each candidate based on their program, but once they are entered into the pool, every candidate is ranked through the same points system. 

Preparing for the CELPIP test will make the process a lot less daunting and the following tips will help you feel confident so that you can achieve the scores you need for immigration: 

The first step is to pay very close attention to the recordings because audio files will be played only once. Listening closely will be very helpful so that you don’t miss anything, however, it can still be difficult to remember everything you hear which is why you must take notes. Writing down key points will make the test a lot less stressful and help you remember all of the important information that will be useful to you. Practice makes perfect so try taking notes when listening to the radio or while watching news programs to help you prepare. 

Tests are often stressful, but remaining calm and relaxed will help you achieve better results. If you can’t understand a word or a sentence, do not lose focus and continue listening carefully because you may still be able to understand the main points even if there’s a word or two that you’re unfamiliar with. Concentrating too hard on what you missed will cause you to miss other information that may be even more important, so stay focused and you’ll still be able to succeed. 

Related: CELPIP VS IELTS: Which test should you take?

If you’re having difficulty answering a question, move on so that you don’t waste all of your time on one section. Answer the other questions and if there’s the time, in the end, you can go back to the question you did not answer and work on it if everything else has been completed. Time management is very important so you have to be careful if you want to get through the test on time and answer as many questions as you can. 

There is a multiple-choice section of the CELPIP test and there is no penalty for wrong answers, so whenever you’re unsure of the answer, make a guess. Try the process of elimination when you don’t know an answer and get rid of options that you know are wrong to increase your chances of guessing correctly and you may get it right. 

These tips will prove to be very useful, but if you need more assistance with your CELPIP exam and are in the Vancouver area contact the DEA Canadian College for more ways to prepare!

Related: CELPIP VS IELTS: Which test should you take?