CELPIP General Test Format & Timing
The CELPIP®-General test assesses listening, reading, writing and speaking in one computer-based sitting lasting about 2 hours 50 minutes. The sections contain six listening parts, four reading parts, two writing tasks and eight speaking tasks.
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Choose a free practice taskCELPIP General test sections and times
| Section | Time | Scored structure |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 46–55 minutes | 6 parts; 38 questions |
| Reading | 43–56 minutes | 4 parts; 38 questions |
| Writing | 53 minutes | 2 tasks |
| Speaking | About 15 minutes | 8 tasks |
Listening and reading may also include unscored items. The test is computer-based, including recorded speaking responses.
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The six CELPIP listening parts
The listening section takes 46–55 minutes and includes 38 scored questions. Additional unscored items may appear; you cannot identify them during the test.
Part 1: Problem Solving
8 scored questions. Follow a problem, the possible solutions and the decision.
Part 2: Daily Life Conversation
5 scored questions. Track everyday plans, details and what speakers mean.
Part 3: Listening for Information
6 scored questions. Understand an explanation and identify relevant details.
Part 4: News Item
5 scored questions. Separate the main event from supporting facts in a report.
Part 5: Discussion
8 scored questions. Distinguish the views and reactions of the speakers.
Part 6: Viewpoints
6 scored questions. Follow a developed position, its reasons and implications.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP test-taker guide
Reading parts: what each one tests
- Correspondence: understand a message and its reply.
- Apply a Diagram: connect a schedule, diagram or information sheet to a situation.
- Information: identify which paragraph supports a statement.
- Viewpoints: distinguish arguments, attitudes and supporting details.
Choose a reading practice set.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP test-taker guide
Writing tasks: email and survey response
Task 1 is an email with a situation, a reader and requested points, with 27 minutes to respond. Task 2 asks you to choose and explain a survey preference, with 26 minutes to respond. Both ask for about 150–200 words.
Email task guide · Survey task guide
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Speaking tasks: communicate for different purposes
- Giving Advice
- Talking about a Personal Experience
- Describing a Scene
- Making Predictions
- Comparing and Persuading
- Dealing with a Difficult Situation
- Expressing Opinions
- Describing an Unusual Situation
Use the speaking samples for task-specific preparation and response times.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP Speaking Pro study pack
Try an original task on this page
Original fictional practice scenario. Any prices, quantities and events below belong to the scenario.
You pay $90 a month to park until 8 p.m. in a privately operated lot in Medicine Hat, but a notice says the gates will close at 6 p.m. for two weeks of resurfacing. Your shifts end at 7:30 p.m., and the nearest alternative lot charges $8 per evening. The owner has offered credit for unused days, but you need a parking arrangement confirmed before work starts on Monday.
Write an email to the parking lot owner, Mr. Ekow Mensah.
- Clarify how the temporary closing time conflicts with your parking agreement.
- Outline the practical and financial effects on you.
- Request a suitable remedy before resurfacing begins.
Draft your response below. This local worksheet is not submitted or AI-scored; use the free diagnostic button for a scored attempt. Text remains on this page and is not saved.
Word count: 0
Self-check: identify the reader, cover the requested points, explain the impact and make the request clear.
Compare the original estimated level-9 model
Dear Mr. Mensah,
Your resurfacing notice creates a problem with my monthly parking arrangement. I pay $90 for access until 8 p.m., but the proposed 6 p.m. gate closure will remove the evening access I rely on for two weeks. I would appreciate clarification about how monthly customers will be accommodated.
My shifts end at 7:30 p.m., leaving no way to collect my car before the gates close. Although I appreciate your offer of credit for unused days, the nearest alternative charges $8 per evening. I would therefore still need to find a space and pay the additional cost. The credit alone leaves me in a bind.
Could you arrange temporary parking that permits collection after 7:30 p.m.? If that cannot be provided, I would welcome an agreement covering the difference between the unused-day credit and the alternative lot's charges. Please confirm the arrangement before resurfacing starts on Monday. Having a clear answer beforehand would allow me to plan my commute and avoid discovering that my car is inaccessible after work.
Thank you for reviewing the options.
Sincerely,
Halima
The label illustrates an estimated practice level. Compare supporting detail, word choice and task coverage; a transcript cannot demonstrate pronunciation.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP Writing Pro study pack
Related resources and task guides
- Explore the topic hub
- CELPIP Speaking Samples: All 8 Tasks
- CELPIP Writing Samples: Levels 7, 9 & 11
- CELPIP Listening Practice: Parts & Scores
- Writing Task 1 guide
- Writing Task 2 guide
- Speaking Task 1 guide
- Speaking Task 2 guide
- Speaking Task 3 guide
- Speaking Task 4 guide
- Speaking Task 5 guide
- Speaking Task 6 guide
- Speaking Task 7 guide
- Speaking Task 8 guide
Frequently asked questions
What are the CELPIP-General sections?
The sections are listening, reading, writing and speaking, completed in a computer-based sitting.
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How long is CELPIP-General?
CELPIP-General takes about 2 hours 50 minutes overall. Section timing includes 46–55 minutes for listening, 43–56 for reading, 53 for writing and about 15 for speaking.
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What are the writing tasks?
Task 1 is Writing an Email. Task 2 is Responding to Survey Questions.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP Writing Pro study pack
Are all listening and reading items scored?
No. These sections may contain unscored development items that cannot be distinguished from scored items during the test.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP test-taker guide