CELPIP-General vs CELPIP-General LS
For Express Entry and other permanent residence applications, take CELPIP-General: it tests listening, reading, writing and speaking, and IRCC accepts only this version for PR. CELPIP-General LS tests listening and speaking in about 1 hour 10 minutes and is meant for citizenship, where adults aged 18 to 54 show CLB 4 in both.
Recommended
Pick what the result is for to see which test you need.
- Permanent residence
- General
- Canadian citizenship
- General LS
Should I take CELPIP-General or CELPIP-General LS?
Take CELPIP-General if the result is for permanent residence, including Express Entry — LS cannot replace it. Take CELPIP-General LS if you only need proof of English for Canadian citizenship, or another organisation accepts listening and speaking alone. If you already hold accepted language proof, you may not need a new test at all.
- Permanent residence, including Express Entry: CELPIP-General.
- Canadian citizenship (ages 18–54): CELPIP-General LS is enough; a CELPIP-General result also counts.
- A licence, employer or school: ask which version they accept before you book — many need all four skills.
How are CELPIP-General and LS different?
| CELPIP-General | CELPIP-General LS | |
|---|---|---|
| Skills tested | Listening, reading, writing, speaking | Listening, speaking |
| Total time | Under 3 hours, one sitting | About 1 h 10 min, one sitting |
| Listening | 46–55 min | Included |
| Reading | 43–56 min | — |
| Writing | 53 min (2 tasks) | — |
| Speaking | About 15 min (8 tasks) | Included |
| Express Entry / PR | Accepted | Not accepted |
| Citizenship | Accepted (level 4+ in listening and speaking) | Accepted (level 4+) |
| Results online | 2–4 business days | 2–4 business days |
Both versions are computer-delivered and done in one sitting, with no separate speaking appointment, and both report a CELPIP level for each component.
How much do CELPIP-General and LS cost?
| Test | Product page | Overview page |
|---|---|---|
| CELPIP-General | $290 + taxes (Canada) | $299 + taxes where applicable (Canada) |
| CELPIP-General LS | $195 + taxes (Canada) | $199 + taxes (Canada) |
Why two prices?
On 2026-10-19, celpip.ca’s product pages listed $290 and $195, while its test overview page listed $299 and $199. The price shown at checkout is the one you pay. Prices outside Canada are different.
Sources: CELPIP-General (opens in a new tab), CELPIP-General LS (opens in a new tab) and the test overview (opens in a new tab), all checked 2026-10-19.
Can CELPIP-General LS be used for Express Entry?
No. Express Entry scores and checks all four skills, so IRCC designates CELPIP-General — not LS — for permanent residence. An LS result cannot be entered in an Express Entry profile. How CELPIP levels convert to CLB.
Which CELPIP test do I need for citizenship?
If you are 18 to 54 on the day you sign your citizenship application, IRCC asks you to show speaking and listening at CLB 4 or higher. A CELPIP-General LS or CELPIP-General result of level 4 or more in both counts.
IRCC also accepts other certificates, diplomas and tests as language proof, so check whether you already have something that works before you book.
Questions people ask
Is CELPIP-General LS easier?
I’ll apply for PR later — should I take LS now to save money?
How long is a CELPIP-General result valid for PR?
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Unofficial practice and estimates — not affiliated with Paragon or IRCC, and not legal advice. Read the disclaimer