CELPIP for Canadian citizenship
For citizenship you need CLB 4 in Listening and Speaking — not CLB 9, and no Reading or Writing. The CELPIP-General LS test covers exactly those two skills.
- You need: CLB 4 in Listening and in Speaking
- Listening: 6 parts, 38 questions, about 47–55 minutes
- Speaking: 8 tasks, about 15–20 minutes
Get ready in three steps
- Free citizenship diagnostic — your Listening and Speaking level and a plan to your test date
- Listening practice and Speaking practice
- Full LS practice test, scored against CLB 4
Questions people ask
Who needs a language test for Canadian citizenship?
Most applicants aged 18 to 54 must show they can speak and listen in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher. A test result such as CELPIP-General LS is one of the accepted ways to prove it.
What score do I need on CELPIP for citizenship?
CLB 4 or higher in both Listening and Speaking. CELPIP levels match CLB levels one to one, so a CELPIP level 4 in each skill is CLB 4.
What is on the CELPIP-General LS test?
Only Listening and Speaking — no Reading or Writing. Listening has 6 parts and 38 questions (about 47–55 minutes); Speaking has 8 tasks (about 15–20 minutes). Both are taken on a computer in one sitting.
Can I take the full CELPIP-General test instead?
Yes. The full four-skill CELPIP-General is also accepted; for citizenship only your Listening and Speaking scores matter.
What does CLB 4 sound like?
You can follow short, everyday conversations and instructions, and talk about familiar topics in simple sentences. You do not need advanced vocabulary — clear answers that stay on topic matter most.
How should I prepare?
Find your level first, then practise the two skills on the test. Listening improves fastest with real test-style audio; Speaking improves with timed answers and feedback on each one. Finish with a full LS practice test a few days before your exam.
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