Before You Leave Home
What to bring: - Valid government-issued photo ID (the same one you used to register) — this is mandatory. No ID = no test. - Confirmation email (printed or on your phone) — they may ask for your registration number.
What NOT to bring: - No phones, smartwatches, or electronics in the testing room - No food or drinks (water bottles may be restricted) - No notes, books, or study materials - No bags (you'll store them in a locker)
Arrive 30 minutes early. If you arrive late, you may be denied entry with no refund. The check-in process takes 10–15 minutes.
Check-In Process
When you arrive at the test centre:
1. Registration desk: Present your ID. Staff verify it matches your booking. 2. Photo taken: A photo is taken for identity verification on your score report. 3. Belongings stored: You'll be given a locker for your phone, bag, and personal items. 4. Scrap paper: You'll receive scrap paper and a pencil for notes during the test. 5. Seat assignment: You'll be directed to a specific computer station.
The testing room has individual computer stations with headphones and a microphone for the speaking section. You'll do a brief audio check before starting to make sure your mic and headphones work.
The Test Timeline
The CELPIP-General test takes approximately 3 hours:
| Section | Duration | Details | |---|---|---| | Listening | ~47 min | 6 parts, 38 questions | | Reading | ~55 min | 4 parts, 38 questions | | Writing | ~53 min | Task 1 (27 min) + Task 2 (26 min) | | Speaking | ~20 min | 8 tasks, 60–90 sec each |
Important: There is an optional unscored break (10 minutes) between Reading and Writing. Take it. Stand up, stretch, use the washroom. Your brain needs a reset before writing.
The order is always: Listening → Reading → Break → Writing → Speaking. You cannot change the order or skip sections.
During the Test
The computer interface: - Each section has its own timer visible on screen - You can navigate between questions within a part (but not between parts) - The speaking section records automatically — a countdown shows when recording starts - No spell check in the writing section
Tips for the room: - Other test takers may be at different points — you might hear someone speaking while you're still reading. The headphones help block noise. - If you have a technical issue, raise your hand. Staff will help without penalty. - Take your break even if you feel fine — mental fatigue hits harder in Writing and Speaking.
After the test: You can leave immediately. Results are available online within 4–5 business days (sometimes as fast as 3 days). You'll receive an email notification.