- CELPIP-General has four sections in one computer sitting: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, in that order.
- The sections add up to 2 hours 37 minutes at the shortest and 2 hours 59 minutes at the longest, so just under 3 hours.
- Listening has 6 parts, Reading 4 parts, Writing 2 tasks in 53 minutes and Speaking 8 tasks in about 15 minutes.
The CELPIP-General test has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You take all four on a computer in one sitting of just under three hours.
This guide lists every part by its official name, with question counts and timings. All facts come from celpip.ca and the official July 2026 guidebook, checked in October 2026.
How long the test takes
The official guidebook calls it a test of "about 3 hours" in one sitting. Here is how the time breaks down, section by section, in the order you take them:
- Listening: 6 parts, 46 to 55 minutes.
- Reading: 4 parts, 43 to 56 minutes.
- Writing: 2 tasks, 53 minutes.
- Speaking: 8 tasks, 15 minutes.
Add these up and the test runs from 2 hours 37 minutes to 2 hours 59 minutes. The range exists because Listening and Reading vary in length from one test form to another.
That total does not include check-in. CELPIP asks you to arrive 45 minutes early, so plan for close to four hours at the test centre.
Unscored questions
The Listening and Reading sections may include unscored questions. CELPIP uses them to try out new material. They look exactly like the scored ones, and they can appear anywhere in those two sections.
You cannot tell which questions count, so give every question your full effort. The guidebook says the time for unscored content is part of the total test time. It does not take time away from the scored parts.
CELPIP-General LS
There is a shorter version called CELPIP-General LS. LS stands for Listening and Speaking, the only two sections it has. It takes about one hour. People often take it for Canadian citizenship. Our post on CELPIP-General vs LS explains which one you need.
Listening: 6 parts
Listening comes first and takes 46 to 55 minutes. Each recording plays once, and the questions come after it. You get a pen and paper for notes. Every answer is multiple choice.
These are the six parts, with the number of questions the official overview lists for each:
- Part 1, Listening to Problem Solving: 8 questions.
- Part 2, Listening to a Daily Life Conversation: 5 questions.
- Part 3, Listening for Information: 6 questions.
- Part 4, Listening to a News Item: 5 questions.
- Part 5, Listening to a Discussion: 8 questions.
- Part 6, Listening for Viewpoints: 6 questions.
That makes 38 scored questions, plus any unscored ones. The test format page calls Part 6 "Listening to Viewpoints". The guidebook says "for". It is the same part.
Two rules matter here. First, the test moves forward on its own when time runs out. Second, if you click Next early, you cannot go back, and the saved time does not carry over. The passages and questions also get harder as you go.
Part 5 uses video. You watch a discussion between several people, so their faces and body language can help you.
Try a Listening question
Here is an original example in the style of CELPIP Listening Part 2, Listening to a Daily Life Conversation. It was written for this post by CelpMock and is not an official question. In the real test you hear the conversation once and never see the words.
The wrong options all use words you heard. That is typical of CELPIP-style listening, so listen for the reason, not just the keywords. The CELPIP Listening guide covers each part in more depth.
Reading: 4 parts
Reading comes second and takes 43 to 56 minutes. The passage sits on the left of the screen and the questions on the right. You choose most answers from drop-down menus.
These are the four parts and their question counts:
- Part 1, Reading Correspondence: 11 questions.
- Part 2, Reading to Apply a Diagram: 8 questions.
- Part 3, Reading for Information: 9 questions.
- Part 4, Reading for Viewpoints: 10 questions.
That makes 38 scored questions, plus any unscored ones. A countdown timer shows the time left. Like Listening, the parts get harder as the section goes on.
The texts come from everyday life. Questions ask about main ideas, specific details and what a writer implies. See the CELPIP Reading guide for strategies by part.
Writing: 2 tasks
Writing comes third. You have 53 minutes for two tasks, and you type both answers:
- Task 1, Writing an Email: 27 minutes. You write an email about an everyday matter, usually covering about three points.
- Task 2, Responding to Survey Questions: 26 minutes. You choose one of two options in an opinion survey and explain why.
Each task asks for 150 to 200 words. The screen shows a word counter and has spell-check, so use both.
Raters score your writing in four areas: content and coherence, vocabulary, readability, and task fulfilment. Our CELPIP Writing page has sample answers and a template for each task.
Speaking: 8 tasks
Speaking comes last and takes about 15 minutes. You speak into a microphone. Your answers are recorded and rated later.
These are the eight tasks:
- Task 1: Giving Advice
- Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience
- Task 3: Describing a Scene
- Task 4: Making Predictions
- Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
- Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
- Task 7: Expressing Opinions
- Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
Each task gives you a short preparation time, then a fixed speaking time. A blue bar shows how much speaking time is left. Some tasks are text only, and some include a picture.
Task 5 has two screens. On the first, you only make a choice. On the second, you prepare again and then speak.
Speaking is scored in four areas: content and coherence, vocabulary, listenability, and task fulfilment. Listenability covers pronunciation, rhythm, pauses and grammar. The CELPIP Speaking guide lists the timing and a sample question for all eight tasks.
Test day and scoring
What happens on test day
The CELPIP test day page sets out these steps. The order may vary between centres.
- Arrive 45 minutes early. Check-in closes 15 minutes before the start. Late arrivals are turned away with no refund or transfer.
- Check in. Staff scan the original ID you registered with and take your photo. Your photo appears on your score report.
- Store your things. Your ID is the only item allowed in the test room. Phones go in a locker or bag, switched off.
- Take the test. You get a pen and notepaper. You may hear other people speaking or typing.
The official pages list no scheduled break. The timer never stops, even for a washroom break. You raise your hand, staff walk you there, and you pass a security check when you return. If you are away for more than 20 minutes, your test ends.
How scoring works
You get a separate level, up to 12, for each of the four skills. CELPIP levels 4 to 12 match CLB levels 4 to 12. CLB means Canadian Language Benchmarks, the scale IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) uses.
Results appear in your online CELPIP account in 2 to 4 business days. To turn your levels into CLB and check them against a target, use our CELPIP score chart and CLB calculator.
If you want to feel the timers before test day, try our free sample test. It has one part of each section, takes about 50 minutes and gives you a level for each skill.