CELPIP vs. IELTS: Which Test Should International Students Take After Graduation?
Just finished your studies and planning your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)? Here’s why your choice of English test matters more than ever during your transition to the workforce.
I know exactly how it feels. You’ve just finished your final exams, your convocation is around the corner, and instead of celebrating, you’re looking at a mountain of paperwork for your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and your future Express Entry profile.
When you’re a student, every dollar counts, and your time is even more precious as you start the job hunt. Picking the wrong English test can mean wasted money and a lower score that might hurt your chances when you're ready to apply for residency later.
Since I’m also navigating the Canadian education system, I’ve broken down the "CELPIP vs. IELTS" debate specifically for graduates like us.
💡 The "Graduation Week" Summary
- Choose CELPIP if: You’ve spent the last two years writing essays on a laptop, you're used to Canadian accents from your professors, and you want a built-in spell-checker.
- Choose IELTS if: You prefer a face-to-face interview style and don't mind the "British/Australian" accents that sometimes pop up in the listening section.
- The Student Verdict: Most graduates find CELPIP more "familiar" because the computer interface feels just like the platforms we use for college exams (like Brightspace or Canvas).
Why the "Student Experience" Favors CELPIP
1. The "Laptop Generation" Advantage
If you’ve spent your entire diploma or degree typing assignments, your "typing speed" is likely faster than your "handwriting speed."
- CELPIP: It is 100% computer-based. You get a timer, a word counter, and the holy grail: Spell-check.
- IELTS: While they have a computer version, many students still take the paper one. No spell-check. One typo in "Management" could cost you a point.
2. Speaking to a Screen vs. a Human
As students, we’ve spent years on Zoom calls and recorded video presentations.
- CELPIP: You speak into a headset. It’s private, and there’s no one judging your body language.
- IELTS: You sit across from an examiner. For some, this feels like a scary job interview. If you’re already stressed about finding work, you might not want that extra pressure.
3. Accents You Actually Recognize
In college, you’ve heard the Canadian accent every day.
- CELPIP: The listening clips use local context—people talking about a "Double-Double" at Tim’s or taking the "LRT." It feels like your daily life in Canada.
- IELTS: You might get a clip of someone with a thick Scottish or Australian accent talking about "The Outback." It’s an extra layer of difficulty we don't need right now.
📊 Score Comparison: The Goal Post
Even though you’re applying for a work permit now, most of us take these tests to get our Express Entry profile ready for the future. You want that CLB 9 or higher.
| Section | CELPIP (Typical Student Goal) | IELTS (Typical Student Goal) |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 9 | 7.0 |
| Writing | 9 | 7.0 |
| Listening | 9 | 8.0 |
| Speaking | 9 | 7.0 |
Note: To hit CLB 9 in IELTS Listening, you need an 8.0. That is a very small margin for error. Most students I know find it much easier to hit a 9 in the CELPIP Listening section because the topics are so "Canadian."
Final Thoughts: My Recommendation
If you’ve just survived a Canadian college or university program, stick with CELPIP. You’ve already been trained for it by your professors without even knowing it. The computer format, the local vocabulary, and the "all-in-one-day" schedule make it the perfect choice for a busy new graduate.
I’m currently building a "Student Practice Suite" specifically for people who just finished school. It uses the same academic-style writing prompts you’re used to. Join the waitlist below!