What is the CELPIP-General LS test?

The Listening and Speaking parts of CELPIP-General, taken on their own for citizenship. Paragon puts it at about 1 hour 10 minutes: Listening is 38 questions in 46 to 55 minutes, Speaking is 8 tasks in 15 minutes. Results are online within 2 to 4 business days.

Why aim above CLB 4 rather than at it?

IRCC looks at speaking and listening separately, and both must be at 4 or higher. A mock result that only just reaches 4 leaves no room for a nervous test day, so practise until both skills are comfortably above the line.

Do I need a language test at all?

Not always. IRCC also accepts proof of a secondary or post-secondary program in English or French, LINC or CLIC training at CLB 4 or higher, and — if they are high enough — the test results you sent with your permanent residence application, even if they have expired. Use the checker on this page.

What is free, and what does a pass add?

Free with an account (no card): one free Listening and Speaking mock (the CELPIP-General LS test IRCC accepts) in which Listening is scored and one Speaking task is marked. A pass opens every Listening and Speaking mock test, with every Speaking task marked. Already have a CELPIP-General pass? It opens this too.

I have a CELPIP-General pass on ExamStep. Do I need another?

No. An active CELPIP-General pass opens CELPIP-LS for Canadian Citizenship too.

Is this the official CELPIP test?

No. These are practice tests in the CELPIP-General LS format, written for ExamStep, and the levels they give are estimates. CELPIP is a trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises; ExamStep is not affiliated with Paragon or IRCC. Only Paragon issues CELPIP scores.

CELPIP-LS for Canadian Citizenship

Get safely above CLB 4 in Listening and Speaking

See passes ·from CA$12.99

If you are 18 to 54 on the day you sign your citizenship application, IRCC asks for proof that you can speak and listen at CLB 4 or higher — level 4 on the Canadian Language Benchmarks. CELPIP-General LS is the CELPIP test with just those two parts, Listening and Speaking, taken for citizenship. Practise it here in the same format and get an estimated CLB level for Listening and for Speaking — and check first whether you need a test at all.

See passes ·from CA$12.99

Try a free mock test →Do I even need a test?

Check first

Do you even need a test?

Five questions, IRCC's own rules. Nothing you click is saved.

Question 1

How old will you be on the day you sign your citizenship application?

A guide to IRCC's published rules, not legal advice — IRCC decides what it accepts, and some people can ask for a waiver. Every rule above was checked on canada.ca on 25 September 2026. Nothing you click here is sent or saved.

How you practise

What IRCC asks for

CLB 4 or higher in speaking and in listening — each skill on its own.
Only if you are 18 to 54 on the day you sign; adults 55 and over and minors under 18 do not need it.
The proof goes in with your application. IRCC returns an application that arrives without it.
CELPIP-General LS is accepted at 4 or higher in listening and speaking (so is the full CELPIP-General).

IRCC: who must prove it, language proof, accepted tests. Checked 25 September 2026.

The real test, and ours

Listening	38 questions, 46 to 55 minutes
Speaking	8 tasks, 15 minutes
Whole test	About 1 hour 10 minutes, one sitting
Paragon's fee	$199 + applicable taxes
Level needed	CELPIP 4 = CLB 4, in both skills

Paragon: CELPIP for Canadian citizenship and the score comparison chart. Checked 25 September 2026.

Our Listening and Speaking mock tests follow that format: the Listening parts and the eight Speaking tasks on the real clock, Listening scored automatically and Speaking marked on the official CELPIP criteria, reported as a CLB level for each skill.

Questions people ask

What language level do I need for Canadian citizenship?

If you are 18 to 54 on the day you sign your application, CLB 4 or higher (Canadian Language Benchmarks level 4) in speaking and in listening, in English or French. On CELPIP that means a level 4 or higher in both skills.

ExamStep is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Paragon Testing Enterprises, the Government of Canada or IRCC. CELPIP is a trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises. Our levels are practice estimates, not official scores.