CELPIP - Canadian English Language Proficiency English Program and IELTS - International English Language Testing System are both language proficiency tests which can make a big difference in your Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). Both these tests are accepted by Immigration and Citizenship Canada. Now the question arises which one is easier and which one to choose?

I will try and formulate the entire pattern of both these language tests in the following points:

The CELPIP and IELTS are both approved and accepted by CIC- Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

IELTS is used for study, work and immigration where as CELPIP is designed specifically to assess key language skills required for Canadian Permanent Residency and Citizenship.

The key test components of both these tests are in the following manner:

The CELPIP scoring is 1 to 12 for each section where as IELTS scoring is 1 to 9 for each section.

The Listening section in CELPIP is 47-55 minutes; 7 components, a total of 40-46 questions (40 scored) where as in IELTS 30 minutes; 4 components, a total of 40 questions all scored.

The reading section in CELPIP is 55-60 minutes; 4 components, 38-45 questions (38 scored) where as in IELTS 60 minutes; 3 components, 40 questions.

The writing section in CELPIP is 53-60 minutes; 2 components: Writing an Email and Responding to Survey Questions where as in IELTS 60 minutes; 2 components: Writing a Letter and Responding to a Point of View, Argument or Problem.

The speaking section in CELPIP is 15-20 minutes; 8 components, a total of 8 short-answer question where as in IELTS 11-14 minutes; 3 components: Introduction, Individual Speech and Two-Way Discussion.

The CELPIP is computer based test where IELTS is paper based test.

The Listening and Reading sections in CELPIP contain a few unscored items that are used for test development and improvement. According to the CELPIP website, unscored items are indistinguishable from the regular scored questions and can be found anywhere within those two test sections.

Before deciding on which exam you wish to give you must also focus on the location and price.

CELPIP is conducted in one 3-hour sitting on the computer so it is easy to keep track of how much time is left for each of the tasks. When going by sections, CELPIP seems to have longer Listening and Speaking sections and a slightly shorter Writing section.

IELTS test takers, on the other hand, do not necessarily complete all the test components on the same day. Although three of the test sections are completed in the same test room, the Speaking section is done separately at a different time, day and possibly location (it can be taken up to a week before or after the other sections). There is also no automatic computerized time tracking.

I have just presented the test pattern of both the tests. There is hardly any difference in the difficulty levels of both these tests. It is for you to decide on which pattern suits your requirement according to your capability.