The CELPIP General Test, lasting approximately 3 hours, assesses four core skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Below, I provide a detailed breakdown of each section, incorporating 2025 updates, practical examples, and expert tips to help test-takers excel, all informed by Celpipstore’s extensive experience in preparing candidates for success.

Overview of the CELPIP General Test (3 Hours)

The CELPIP General Test evaluates English proficiency across four sections, each designed to reflect real-world communication scenarios in Canada. In 2025, the test maintains its structure but includes minor enhancements, such as updated task prompts to align with current Canadian contexts (e.g., workplace scenarios, community interactions) and improved accessibility features for test-takers with disabilities. The sections are:

1. Listening (47–55 minutes)
2. Reading (55–60 minutes)
3. Writing (53–60 minutes)
4. Speaking (15–20 minutes)

Each section tests specific skills, with tasks ranging from multiple-choice questions to open-ended responses. Celpipstore emphasizes that time management and familiarity with the computer-based interface are key to achieving a high Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score.

CELPIP Speaking Test Format (15–20 Minutes)

The Speaking section assesses a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in spoken English. It consists of one practice task and eight scored tasks, each with 30 seconds of preparation time and 60–90 seconds of speaking time. 

In 2025, the Speaking section has been refined to include more culturally relevant prompts, such as discussing Canadian workplace etiquette or community events, reflecting the test’s focus on practical language use.

Tasks in the Speaking Section

• Practice Task: A warm-up task (30 seconds preparation, 60 seconds speaking) to familiarize candidates with the microphone and interface. No marks are awarded.
• Task 1: Giving Advice: Advise a friend or family member (90 seconds). Divide your response into three parts: establish your credibility, provide advice, and explain why your advice is better than alternatives. Example: Advise your cousin on choosing a Canadian university by highlighting program quality and warning against less reputable options.
• Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience: Share a personal story (60 seconds). Introduce yourself briefly, describe the experience, and close concisely. Example: Describe attending a Canadian cultural festival, focusing on key moments like food or performances.
• Task 3: Describing a Scene: Explain a picture (60 seconds). Summarize the scene broadly, then focus on one or two key elements. Example: Describe a busy Canadian farmers’ market, highlighting a vendor and a customer.
• Task 4: Making Predictions: Predict what happens next in a picture (60 seconds). State the context in one sentence, then predict actions with reasons. Example: Predict that a person in a snowy park will build a snowman, citing weather conditions.
• Task 5: Comparing and Persuading: Compare two options and persuade someone (60 seconds). Acknowledge the alternative, state your choice, and provide reasoning. Example: Convince a friend to join a hiking club over a book club for health benefits.
• Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation: Choose between two challenging options and explain your choice (60 seconds preparation, 60 seconds speaking). State your decision, give reasons, and propose a solution. Example: Choose between missing a family event or a work deadline, justifying your choice with a compromise.
• Task 7: Expressing Opinions: Share your opinion on a topic (90 seconds). State your stance, provide detailed reasons, and close firmly. Example: Argue for mandatory recycling in Canadian cities, citing environmental benefits.
• Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation: Explain an unrealistic scenario (60 seconds). State the purpose of your call, describe the situation, and add details. Example: Describe a futuristic Canadian city with flying cars to a friend.

2025 Updates: New prompts reflect Canadian diversity, such as Indigenous cultural events or urban sustainability initiatives. Celpipstore recommends practicing with varied scenarios to adapt to these changes.

Tips from Celpipstore:

• Use the 30-second preparation time to outline your response in three parts: introduction, main content, and conclusion.
• Avoid filler words (e.g., “um,” “like”) to maintain fluency.
• Practice with Celpipstore’s mock tests to simulate the computer-based recording system.

CELPIP Listening Test Format (47–55 Minutes)

The Listening section evaluates comprehension of spoken English in Canadian contexts, featuring six parts and one practice task. Audio clips, played once, range from 1–3 minutes, followed by multiple-choice questions. In 2025, the section includes updated accents (e.g., Indigenous Canadian, South Asian Canadian) to reflect Canada’s multicultural landscape.

Tasks in the Listening Section

• Practice Task: Listen to a short statement (30 seconds) and choose the closest matching sentence from four options. Example: Identify a statement about a community event.
• Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving: Three conversations (1–1.5 minutes each) with 8 questions total (3, 3, and 2 questions). Example: A conversation about a lost package, with questions about the issue and solution.
• Part 2: Listening to Daily Life Conversation: One conversation (1–1.5 minutes) with 5 questions. Example: Two friends discussing a weekend plan, with questions about activities.
• Part 3: Listening for Information: A 2–2.5-minute clip with 6 audio-based questions. Example: A talk about a Canadian national park, with questions about features or locations.
• Part 4: Listening to a News Item: A 1.5-minute news report with 5 written questions. Example: A report on a Canadian election, asking about candidates or policies.
• Part 5: Listening to a Discussion: A 1.5–2-minute video clip with 8 questions. Example: A group discussing a community project, with questions about opinions.
• Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints: A 3-minute monologue with 6 written questions. Example: An opinion on urban development, asking about the speaker’s stance.

2025 Updates: Video-based tasks in Part 5 now include closed captions as an accessibility option, and questions may focus on nuanced details like tone or intent. Celpipstore advises practicing with diverse audio sources to adapt to new accents.

Tips from Celpipstore:

• Take notes during longer clips (Parts 3, 5, 6) to capture key details like names, places, or numbers.
• Focus on the speaker’s purpose and tone, as 2025 questions may test these aspects.
• Use Celpipstore’s audio practice tools to improve note-taking under time pressure.

CELPIP Reading Test Format (55–60 Minutes)

The Reading section tests comprehension of written English through four parts and a practice task. Texts range from 150–400 words, reflecting Canadian contexts like emails, articles, or diagrams. In 2025, texts incorporate contemporary topics, such as renewable energy or Canadian healthcare policies.

Tasks in the Reading Section

• Practice Task: A short text with one multiple-choice question to familiarize candidates with the format.
• Part 1: Reading Correspondence: An email or letter (e.g., a complaint to a business) with 11 questions, including fill-in-the-blanks and comprehension. Example: An email about a service issue, asking about the writer’s intent.
• Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram: A diagram (e.g., a map or chart) with 8 questions matching text to visual elements. Example: A community center map, asking about room functions.
• Part 3: Reading for Information: An informational text with 9 questions matching paragraphs to statements. Example: An article on Canadian wildlife, identifying species or habitats.
• Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints: An opinion-based text with 10 questions, including identifying arguments or tone. Example: An editorial on public transit, asking about the author’s stance.

2025 Updates: Part 2 now includes interactive diagrams (e.g., clickable maps) on the computer interface, and Part 4 emphasizes critical thinking questions about author intent. Celpipstore recommends practicing with complex texts to improve speed.

Tips from Celpipstore:

• Skim texts first to identify the main idea, then focus on details for specific questions.
• Practice time management, as Parts 3 and 4 require careful reading within tight time limits.
• Use Celpipstore’s reading mocks to familiarize yourself with interactive diagrams.

CELPIP Writing Test Format (53–60 Minutes)

The Writing section assesses the ability to write clear, organized responses in formal and semi-formal contexts. It includes two tasks, both typed on the computer. In 2025, prompts reflect current Canadian issues, such as workplace policies or community initiatives, and scoring emphasizes task fulfillment and coherence.

Tasks in the Writing Section

• Task 1: Writing an Email (27 minutes, 150–200 words): Write a formal or semi-formal email addressing a specific scenario. Example: Complain about a hotel stay, detailing issues, impacts, and solutions.
• Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions (26 minutes, 150–200 words): Respond to a survey with opinions and reasoning. Example: Share views on a proposed Canadian recycling program, justifying your stance.

2025 Updates: Task 1 now includes prompts requiring responses to Canadian government or community scenarios (e.g., requesting municipal services). Task 2 emphasizes balanced arguments with examples. Celpipstore notes that high-scoring responses (CLB 9+) use varied vocabulary and clear structure.

Tips from Celpipstore:

• Plan your response (3–4 minutes) to address all prompt points: issues, impacts, and suggestions (Task 1) or opinions and reasons (Task 2).
• Use formal language for Task 1 (e.g., “I am writing to express my concern”) and semi-formal for Task 2 (e.g., “I believe”).
• Practice with Celpipstore’s timed writing tool to improve typing speed and accuracy.

Key Strategies for CELPIP Success in 2025

1. Leverage Celpipstore Resources: Celpipstore offers updated 2025 practice tests with realistic prompts, simulating the computer-based interface for all sections.
2. Master Time Management: Allocate time per task (e.g., 8–10 minutes per Reading part, 25 minutes per Writing task) to avoid rushing.
3. Focus on Canadian Contexts: Familiarize yourself with Canadian topics (e.g., multiculturalism, environmental policies) to understand prompts better.
4. Practice Note-Taking: For Listening and Reading, take concise notes to capture key details without losing focus.
5. Simulate Test Conditions: Use Celpipstore’s mock tests to practice under timed conditions, especially for Speaking and Writing.

Example Scenario: Preparing with Celpipstore

Consider Priya, a 2025 CELPIP candidate aiming for CLB 9 for Canadian immigration. Using Celpipstore’s practice tests, she:

• Practiced Speaking Task 7 by recording opinions on Canadian healthcare, improving fluency.
• Used Celpipstore’s Listening Part 5 video clips to take notes on discussions, boosting her accuracy.
• Wrote sample emails for Writing Task 1, addressing prompts like complaining about a community service, refining her structure.
• Analyzed Reading Part 4 editorials on Celpipstore, enhancing her ability to identify viewpoints.

Priya’s preparation with Celpipstore’s tailored resources helped her achieve her target score, securing her Express Entry application.

The CELPIP General Test in 2025 remains a robust assessment of English proficiency, with updates enhancing its relevance to Canadian contexts. By understanding the format of the Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections and leveraging Celpipstore’s expert resources, candidates can approach the test with confidence. 

As the member of Celpipstore, I encourage test-takers to practice diligently, focus on time management, and use our platform’s tools to achieve their desired CLB scores for immigration, citizenship, or professional goals.