CELPIP for citizenship
If you are applying for Canadian citizenship and you are 18 to 54 years old, you must prove you can speak and listen in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level 4 or higher. CELPIP-General LS is the shorter, cheaper CELPIP test built for exactly this — it covers Listening and Speaking only. This page explains which test you need and what the requirement actually asks of you.
01
IRCC asks citizenship applicants aged 18 to 54 to submit proof of speaking and listening ability at CLB 4 or higher. Only those two skills are assessed for this requirement — reading and writing are not part of it. If you already hold a qualifying score from an accepted test, or you completed a secondary or post-secondary program in English or French, you may already have the proof you need.
02
IRCC lists CELPIP-General (CELPIP-G) and CELPIP-General LS (CELPIP-G LS) as accepted proof for citizenship, at level 4 or higher in listening and speaking. That means CELPIP-General LS is enough on its own for citizenship. You would only take the full CELPIP-General if you also need Reading and Writing scores for something else — most commonly permanent residence or Express Entry, which usually ask for far higher levels than citizenship does.
03
CELPIP-General LS is the Listening and Speaking halves of the same computer-delivered test. Listening has 6 parts and 38 scored questions in 46–55 minutes; unscored content may also appear. Speaking has 8 tasks in 15 minutes, recorded into a microphone rather than delivered to an interviewer. There is no separate speaking appointment.
04
If you have been preparing for Express Entry, the citizenship threshold will feel low: CLB 4 describes everyday conversational ability, not advanced fluency. That is worth knowing, because it changes how you should prepare. The goal is steady, clear communication on familiar topics — not memorised advanced vocabulary. Practising realistic Listening and Speaking tasks under time is a better use of your preparation than studying for a level far above what you need.
Reference chart
| CELPIP-General | CELPIP-General LS | |
|---|---|---|
| Skills tested | Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking | Listening and Speaking only |
| Base fee (before tax) | $295 CAD | $199 CAD |
| Accepted for citizenship | Yes | Yes |
| Accepted for PR / Express Entry | Yes | No — four skills required |
Questions learners ask
Use these answers to shape a realistic practice plan and understand what NorthPrep can—and cannot—do.
Yes. IRCC lists both CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS as accepted proof of language ability for citizenship, at level 4 or higher in listening and speaking. Confirm the current requirement on the official IRCC page before you book. IRCC: language proof for citizenship
CLB 4 describes the ability to handle everyday conversations on familiar topics — understanding common spoken English and responding clearly enough to be understood. It is well below the levels typically needed for Express Entry, where applicants often target CLB 7 or higher.
Not necessarily. IRCC also accepts proof that you completed or are attending a secondary or post-secondary program taught in English or French, in or outside Canada. Check the official guidance for the full list of documents before paying for a test. IRCC: accepted language proof
Yes. A free NorthPrep account includes practice for every skill, so you can complete realistic Listening and Speaking tasks under time and review them before deciding whether you need more preparation.
Keep exploring
CELPIP fees and cost
Read the guide
CELPIP test format
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Listen for meaning
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Speak with structure
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Put the guide into practice