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:
- Registration desk: Present your ID. Staff verify it matches your booking.
- Photo taken: A photo is taken for identity verification on your score report.
- Belongings stored: You'll be given a locker for your phone, bag, and personal items.
- Scrap paper: You'll receive scrap paper and a pencil for notes during the test.
- 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 8 business days (or 3 business days with the paid Express Rating service). You'll receive an email notification.