The CELPIP English language proficiency test has been formally accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for visa purposes, marking a significant expansion of recognised English testing options for migration to Australia.
Originally developed at the University of British Columbia in Canada, CELPIP has been used for more than 15 years by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and is currently the largest English proficiency test used for migration to Canada.
Acquired by Prometric in 2020, the test has experienced significant international growth and is now delivered in more than 200 test centres worldwide, supported by Prometric’s global testing network and technology platform.
Visa categories and acceptance
According to the announcement, CELPIP is now accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for visa subclasses including:
- Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage
- Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate
- Permanent residency visa subtypes
Beyond Australia, CELPIP is also accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, as well as professional associations, licensing bodies, and universities, colleges and vocational institutions internationally.
Fully computer delivered format
The CELPIP Test is entirely computer delivered and completed in a single sitting. It assesses four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking .
Unlike some other English proficiency tests, CELPIP does not require face to face interaction with an examiner for the speaking component. Test takers respond to on screen prompts using a microphone headset. Because the test is fully computer based, results are typically available online within three to four days of the test date.
Test structure
The CELPIP Test format is structured as follows:
| Module | Duration | Content |
| Listening Test | 46 to 55 minutes | Listening to conversations, discussions, and news reports; answering questions based on audio clips. |
| Reading Test | 43 to 56 minutes | Reading different types of texts (e.g., letters, articles, advertisements); answering comprehension questions. |
| Writing Test | 53 minutes | Completing two writing tasks: writing an email and responding to survey questions. |
| Speaking Test | 15 minutes | Responding to various prompts, including giving advice, expressing opinions, and describing situations. |
Score alignment with DHA levels
The following chart outlines CELPIP levels and how they correspond to English language classifications set by the Department of Home Affairs:
| CELPIP Level | CELPIP Test Level Descriptor | Australia DHA Level |
| 12 | Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts | Superior English – At least: • CELPIP 10 for Listening • CELPIP 10 for Reading • CELPIP 12 for Writing • CELPIP 10 for Speaking |
| 11 | Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts | |
| 10 | Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts | Proficient English – At least: • CELPIP 9 for Listening • CELPIP 8 for Reading • CELPIP 10 for Writing • CELPIP 8 for Speaking |
| 9 | Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts | |
| 8 | Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts | |
| 7 | Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts | Competent English – At least a CELPIP 7 for each component |
| 6 | Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts | |
| 5 | Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts | Vocational English – at least a CELPIP 5 for each component |
| 4 | Adequate proficiency for daily life activities | / |
| 3 | Some proficiency in limited contexts | / |
| 2 | Limited ability in contexts related to immediate needs | / |
| 1 | Insufficient information to assess | / |
| 0 | Insufficient information to assess | / |
Preparation and next steps
Test takers have access to a range of preparation resources, including more than 100 hours of free webinars, a free sample test, a free practice test upon account creation, and additional study materials.
With formal recognition by the Department of Home Affairs, CELPIP now joins Australia’s recognised English testing framework, providing migrants with an additional pathway to demonstrate the language proficiency required for skilled, graduate and permanent visa programs.
Learn more about the CELPIP Test at celpip.au
