MYCELPIP

CELPIP General vs General LS 2026: Which Test Do You Need?

By MyCELPIP Editorial Team · Updated August 8, 2026

CELPIP offers two main test versions: CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS. They are not interchangeable for every purpose.

Quick answer: for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry, IRCC requires CELPIP-General. For Canadian citizenship language proof, IRCC accepts qualifying results from CELPIP-General or CELPIP-General LS for Listening and Speaking.

Always confirm the exact requirement for the program or organization receiving your result.

Official references: CELPIP Test Format, IRCC Express Entry language tests, and Canada citizenship language proof.

CELPIP-General

CELPIP-General tests all four abilities:

  • Listening;
  • Reading;
  • Writing;
  • Speaking.

The current CELPIP format lists the component times as:

  • Listening: 46–55 minutes;
  • Reading: 43–56 minutes;
  • Writing: 53 minutes;
  • Speaking: 15 minutes.

The complete test is delivered on computer in one sitting.

Who normally needs CELPIP-General?

CELPIP-General is the relevant CELPIP version for Canadian permanent residence applications where IRCC requires four-skill English results, including Express Entry.

It may also be accepted for other immigration, education, professional, or visa purposes. Check the receiving authority because acceptance is not identical everywhere.

CELPIP-General LS

General LS tests only:

  • Listening;
  • Speaking.

It is designed for purposes where Reading and Writing results are not required, most notably Canadian citizenship language proof.

Canada's citizenship instructions currently accept CELPIP-General or CELPIP-General LS results meeting the required Listening and Speaking level for eligible applicants.

General vs General LS comparison

FeatureCELPIP-GeneralCELPIP-General LS
ListeningYesYes
ReadingYesNo
WritingYesNo
SpeakingYesYes
Express Entry PRYes, when using CELPIPNo
Canadian citizenship language proofCan be acceptedCan be accepted
Test lengthUnder 3 hoursAbout 70 minutes on the current Test Format page

How much do the tests cost in Canada?

As of this August 2026 review, CELPIP's current Test Format and Test Overview pages display:

  • CELPIP-General: CAD $295 + applicable taxes;
  • CELPIP-General LS: CAD $199 + applicable taxes.

Some other CELPIP pages still display older figures, which is a good reminder that fees can change and official pages may not all refresh simultaneously. Check the live registration page before paying.

International pricing varies.

Which test should you take for Express Entry?

If you are using CELPIP for Express Entry, take CELPIP-General.

IRCC's current Express Entry language-test page specifically states that applicants using CELPIP must take the CELPIP-General test.

General LS does not provide Reading or Writing scores, so it cannot satisfy the four-skill Express Entry language requirement.

Which test should you take for Canadian citizenship?

For citizenship, Canada currently accepts qualifying CELPIP-General or CELPIP-General LS results for Listening and Speaking.

The current citizenship language-proof information lists a CELPIP result of 4 or higher in Listening and Speaking for tests taken after April 1, 2014, subject to the rest of the citizenship eligibility rules.

Do not choose a test version based only on cost. Choose the version accepted for the application you are actually submitting.

Is General LS easier?

It is shorter because it tests only two skills, but "easier" is the wrong comparison. General LS exists for a different testing purpose.

If you need four skills for PR, taking the shorter LS test does not solve the requirement.

If you need only qualifying Listening and Speaking evidence for citizenship, General LS may be the more direct option.

Preparing for the right version

For CELPIP-General, use all four MyCELPIP skill areas:

Then combine them in a full CELPIP-General mock test.

If you are preparing only for General LS, concentrate on the current Listening and Speaking formats using the Listening guide and Speaking guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use CELPIP-General LS for Express Entry?

No. IRCC's current Express Entry instructions specify CELPIP-General.

Can CELPIP-General be used for citizenship language proof?

Canada's current citizenship guidance lists both CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS as acceptable test evidence when the required Listening and Speaking results are met.

Is General LS only Listening and Speaking?

Yes.

Are Canadian CELPIP fees fixed forever?

No. Fees can change. Verify current pricing on the official CELPIP registration/test-format pages before booking.