CELPIP-LS for Canadian Citizenship
Get safely above CLB 4 in Listening and Speaking
If you are 18 to 54 on the day you sign your citizenship application, IRCC asks for proof of CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening. CELPIP-General LS is the two-skill test built for it. Practise it here on the real format, with a CLB level for each skill — and check first whether you need a test at all.
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.
Do you even need a test?
Five questions, IRCC's own rules. Nothing you click is saved.
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.
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 LS mocks 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. Single-skill Listening and Speaking practice tests let you work on the lower one.
Free, or with a pass
Free with an account: one full LS mock, with Listening scored and one Speaking task marked. A pass opens every LS mock and practice test, with every Speaking task marked. Already have a CELPIP-General pass? It opens this too.
The knowledge test is a separate test
Most applicants aged 18 to 54 also take the citizenship knowledge test — 20 questions on Discover Canada, 45 minutes, 15 to pass. It does not test your English. Practise it free.
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 in speaking and in listening, in English or French. On CELPIP that means a level 4 or higher in both skills.
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.
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.
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.