Author: miranda bud
📜 Introduction: When Canada’s Express Entry (EE) program temporarily waived its language score requirements due to the pandemic, I decided to take the CELPIP exam. With limited preparation information available, I’m sharing my experience to provide reassurance. The good news: CELPIP isn’t as daunting as it may seem.
📝 Registration: Registering can be a challenge, especially in affected areas. Be persistent, set alarms, and frequently check the official website. Some exam centers may remain open despite the pandemic.
🏥 About the Exam Center (LA): I attended the LA center and found it to be manageable. The exam center opened at 9:00, but I was allowed in at 8:15. Be prepared to wear a mask throughout the exam. Restroom breaks are possible but plan them during the writing section. Keep in mind that exam rooms are small, and some candidates might experience speaking delays. Also, you can’t change clothes in the room.
📋 Exam Format: The exam follows a sequence of listening, reading, writing, and speaking. There are ungraded sections for listening and reading. For listening, focus on dialogues, news, and opinions. Use the 30-second background wisely. Watch the timer carefully; it doesn’t beep. You’ll hear each question only once, so prioritize listening to the questions before the options.
📚 Reading Section: The reading section consists of four parts, including additional questions. Trust your initial instincts, and you should have enough time to complete it.
📝 Writing Section: In the writing section, you’re limited to 200 words. Prioritize concise writing, sentence structure, and word choice. Listening to questions while writing isn’t recommended.
🎤 Speaking Section: The speaking section can be noisy, so stay focused. Complete it in under 15 minutes, emphasizing clarity and relevance in your responses.
💡 Bonus Tips:
- For the comparison question, you have 60 seconds to prepare.
- Remember that practice makes perfect, so consider taking a mock test to familiarize yourself with the format.
In conclusion, the CELPIP exam is a viable option for Express Entry into Canada. Best of luck with your preparations and the exam! 🇨🇦🌟