Applicants for Canadian immigration through the Express Entry Program must prove their language skills by taking approved language tests
BENEFITS of CHOOSING CCII:
At CCII, we provide information about the test centres and test location across the globe; and also furnish our clients with all the necessary information to assist them in registering for the tests.
In addition, we help our clients pass the tests by providing them with updated electronic practice test manuals with extensive test samples and answer keys.
In Nigeria, 2 agencies administer the IELTS tests:
- IDP IELTS Australia -through the MOD IELTS Centre
- British Council
Which language test is required for Canada?
Most applications to Canada through the economic immigration programs require the results of a language test in order to apply. The version of the test that you need to take, and the required scores, depend on the type of program.
For immigration applications, there are currently two authorized test providers in English: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP). If you want to take your language test in French, you must take the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)
The results of any of these tests are valid for immigration applications. The validity of the tests is 2 years.
IELTS, CELPIP and TEF all assign a score for each of four language abilities: listening, reading, writing and speaking International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
There are two IELTS test types: The General Training Test and Academic Test. For immigration, you have to take the IELTS – General Training Test.
Commonly referred to as the IELTS, this test is designed to evaluate English-language proficiency. The IELTS exam is offered at test centres in many countries around the world and is the most commonly used exam for Canadian immigration. There are two versions of this test, the General IELTS and the Academic IELTS. Immigration programs will require applicants to submit results from the General IELTS Exam. The test is comprised to test four abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Each ability is given a score out of nine points. For more information about this exam, please consult the official website for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
There are two CELPIP test types: The General Test and the General LS Test. For immigration, you have to take the CELPIP – General Test.
CELPIP was designed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Unlike the IELTS, which are designed for international English proficiency, the CELPIP was designed for Canadian English, which contains elements of British English and American English, as well as Canadian accents.
The CELPIP is one of two approved tests for demonstrating English-language proficiency for Canadian immigration. This test is currently available in four countries: Canada, the Philippines, United Arab Emirates, and the United States. The test evaluates four abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Each ability is scored out of 10 points. For more information about this exam, please consult the official website for the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program(CELPIP).
There are two types of TEF available: the TEF and the TEFAQ. We usually recommend that you take the TEF. The TEFAQ is only accepted for Quebec immigration, while the TEF is accepted by both Quebec and federal immigration
Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)
The Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) is one of two approved tests for demonstrating French-language proficiency for immigration to all provinces and territories other than Quebec. This test is available in many countries around the world. The test evaluates four abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Each ability is scored uniquely, using the language scoring system outlined in the Test Score Equivalency chart. For more information about this exam, please consult the official website for the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF).
Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada)
The Test de connaissance du français (TCF) is one of two approved tests for demonstrating French-language proficiency for immigration to all provinces and territories other than Quebec. This test is available in many countries around the world. The test evaluates four abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Each ability is scored uniquely, using the language scoring system outlined in the Test Score Equivalency chart. For more information about this exam, please consult the official website for the Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada).
Quebec Immigration – Language Testing
For those who wish to immigrate to Quebec, it may be necessary to prove French-language proficiency and/or English-language proficiency. Quebec’s immigration programs require French proficiency to be demonstrated through one of the following French examinations:
- Test d’évaluation du français adapté pour le Québec (TEFAQ)
- Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCF-Québec)
- Test d’évaluation du français (TEF)
- Test d’évaluation du français pour le Canada (TEF Canada)
- Test de connaissance du français (TCF)
- Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)
- Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF)
Quebec immigration programs requiring English-language proficiency will only accept results from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Test Scores – CLB Equivalencies
In order to assess how language scores translate to Canadian immigration, the Government of Canada created a system called the Canadian Language Benchmark Levels (CLB Levels). The CLB system converts scores from the three federal language tests (listed above) into the same equivalencies, so they can be compared to each other. There are 10 CLB Levels. The higher someone scores, the more points they will receive in points assessments and ranking systems. Refer to the language test equivalency charts below to determine how your scores stack up.
IELTS – CLB Equivalency
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| 10 | 8 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 6 | 5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 |
CELPIP – CLB Equivalency
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
TEF – CLB Equivalency
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| 10 | 263-277 | 393-415 | 316-333 | 393-415 |
| 9 | 248-262 | 371-392 | 298-315 | 371-392 |
| 8 | 233-247 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 349-370 |
| 7 | 207-232 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 310-348 |
| 6 | 181-206 | 271-309 | 217-248 | 271-309 |
| 5 | 151-180 | 226-270 | 181-216 | 226-270 |
| 4 | 121-150 | 181-225 | 145-180 | 181-225 |
TCF – CLB Equivalency
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| 10 | 549-699 | 16-20 | 549-699 | 16-20 |
| 9 | 524-548 | 14-15 | 523-548 | 14-15 |
| 8 | 499-523 | 12-13 | 503-522 | 12-13 |
| 7 | 453-498 | 10-11 | 458-502 | 10-11 |
| 6 | 406-452 | 7-9 | 398-457 | 7-9 |
| 5 | 375-405 | 6 | 369-397 | 6 |
| 4 | 342-374 | 4-5 | 331-368 | 4-5 |
