The CELPIP-General, an English test that Paragon Testing Enterprises organizes, has four sections done in one sitting on a computer: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. celpip.ca’s CELPIP-General page lists 46–55 minutes for Listening, 43–56 for Reading, 53 for Writing and 15 for Speaking. Other celpip.ca material gives different ranges for some sections and different totals for the whole test, so the registration page is the place to confirm the length of a sitting. Listening and Reading are scored by computer, and Writing and Speaking by trained raters.
What are the four sections of the CELPIP-General test?
celpip.ca lists the four components in this order, each with a time allotted:
| Section | Time allotted | Parts or tasks | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 46–55 minutes | 6 parts, 38 questions | Computer |
| Reading | 43–56 minutes | 4 parts, 38 questions | Computer |
| Writing | 53 minutes | 2 tasks | Trained raters |
| Speaking | 15 minutes | 8 tasks | Trained raters |
Source: celpip.ca’s CELPIP-General page and results page, read November 4, 2026.
These are the minutes printed on the CELPIP-General page. The December 2025 Guidebook for Test Takers, also on celpip.ca, lists different ranges for some sections. For the whole test, one celpip.ca page says the test takes under 3 hours and another says 2 hours and 50 minutes, so the length of a sitting is best confirmed on the registration page. The shorter CELPIP-General LS is covered in CELPIP for citizenship.
Why does the format matter?
The test is done on a computer in one sitting, with no separate Speaking session, and test takers read the answer choices in Listening and the questions in Speaking on screen. The test time does not stop for any reason, including washroom breaks (celpip.ca’s test day information, read November 4, 2026). The clock keeps running and each section has its own time allotted, so pacing is part of the format as much as the questions are.
How can you practise this format before test day?
celpip.ca describes a free online sample test that lets test takers become familiar with the format and timing, see the types of questions and see the correct answers for Listening and Reading, and it says every CELPIP account includes one set of 2 practice tests at no charge. Express Prep (expressprep.ca), which offers preparation for the CELPIP test, has a test simulator that it created for its students, and its trial page offers a quick walkthrough of the simulator (read November 4, 2026).
What are the six Listening parts and four Reading parts?
celpip.ca lists the parts by name, with the number of questions in each:
| Section | Part | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving | 8 |
| Listening | Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation | 5 |
| Listening | Part 3: Listening for Information | 6 |
| Listening | Part 4: Listening to a News Item | 5 |
| Listening | Part 5: Listening to a Discussion | 8 |
| Listening | Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints | 6 |
| Reading | Part 1: Reading Correspondence | 11 |
| Reading | Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram | 8 |
| Reading | Part 3: Reading for Information | 9 |
| Reading | Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints | 10 |
celpip.ca says Reading and Listening questions are in the multiple choice or similar format and that the scoring is done by computer: each answer is either correct or incorrect, and a question left blank is scored as incorrect.
The Listening and Reading tests also contain unscored items used for test development. They can appear anywhere in the test, in the same format as the scored items, and a test taker cannot tell them apart (celpip.ca’s test format and scoring page). Strategies for each part are in preparing for Listening and Reading.
What are the Writing and Speaking tasks?
Writing has two tasks in 53 minutes: Task 1: Writing an Email and Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions. Speaking has eight tasks in 15 minutes: 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 and Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation.
celpip.ca says qualified raters, trained to apply standard scoring rubrics, score the Writing and Speaking components. How CELPIP scoring works explains what the raters assess and how levels are reported. For pacing each response, see pacing a Speaking response.
What does test day look like?
celpip.ca says test takers must arrive 45 minutes before the test and bring the original, valid identification used to register. The identification is scanned and a picture is taken, which is printed on the score report. The identification is the only personal belonging allowed in the test room. A pen and notepaper are provided and returned at the end, and each workstation has a standard QWERTY English keyboard.
FAQ
How long is the CELPIP-General test?
The section times (46–55, 43–56, 53 and 15 minutes) are the ones the CELPIP-General page publishes, but other celpip.ca material lists different ranges for some sections, and the pages disagree on the total: under 3 hours on one, 2 hours and 50 minutes on another. Confirm the length of your sitting on the registration page, and arrive 45 minutes before the test (celpip.ca, read November 4, 2026).
Can I take a break during the CELPIP test?
A test taker who needs a washroom break raises a hand, but the test time does not stop for any reason, and on returning the test taker completes another security check. celpip.ca says a test taker away from the workstation for longer than 20 minutes has the test terminated.
What happens if I arrive late on test day?
celpip.ca says check-in closes 15 minutes before the scheduled start time and that latecomers are denied entrance and are not eligible for a refund or transfer. The same page asks test takers to arrive 45 minutes before the test.
Is the Writing section typed or handwritten?
It is typed. celpip.ca describes the test as computer-delivered, says each workstation has a standard QWERTY English keyboard, and says each Writing task shows a word counter. A pen and notepaper are also provided on test day and must be returned at the end of the test.
What is the difference between CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS?
celpip.ca describes CELPIP-General as covering speaking, reading, listening and writing, used for permanent residence applications and professional designations, and CELPIP-General LS as covering speaking and listening, used for citizenship applications and professional designation. The page asks test takers to confirm which version they are required to take.
The bottom line
- The CELPIP-General has four sections, done in one sitting on a computer: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking (celpip.ca, read November 4, 2026).
- celpip.ca’s CELPIP-General page lists 46–55 minutes for Listening, 43–56 for Reading, 53 for Writing and 15 for Speaking, but other celpip.ca material gives different ranges for some sections and different totals for the whole test, so the registration page is the source to check.
- Listening has 6 parts and Reading has 4, each with 38 questions in the multiple choice or similar format, scored by computer.
- Writing has 2 tasks and Speaking has 8, scored by trained raters.
- Test takers arrive 45 minutes before the test, and the test time does not stop for breaks.
Express Prep offers preparation for the CELPIP test, including a 7-day trial of its simulator. The trial becomes a paid monthly subscription unless you cancel before day 7; current price and terms: Express Prep trial page.
General information, not immigration advice. For your case, talk to a licensed consultant (RCIC) on the CICC public register, or a lawyer, Quebec notary or licensed paralegal in your province.
Published by Express Prep, which offers preparation for the CELPIP test. Last updated November 4, 2026.