Difference Between CELPIP General and LS (Listening & Speaking)
If you are planning to take the CELPIP test for immigration, work, or citizenship purposes in Canada, you may come across two versions of the exam: CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS. While both are official tests approved by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), they serve different purposes and test different skills.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between CELPIP-General and CELPIP-LS, so you can choose the right test for your needs.
Overview of the CELPIP Tests
CELPIP-General Test: A fully computer-delivered test that measures all four language skills – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
CELPIP-General LS Test: A shorter version that measures only Listening and Speaking skills.
Both tests are computer-based, meaning you read passages on a screen, listen to recordings through headphones, and respond using a keyboard and microphone.
Key Differences Between CELPIP-General and CELPIP-LS
| Feature | CELPIP-General | CELPIP-General LS |
|---|---|---|
| Skills Tested | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Listening, Speaking |
| Test Duration | About 3 hours | About 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Number of Sections | 4 sections | 2 sections |
| Purpose | Permanent Residency (PR) applications, professional purposes, some academic uses | Canadian Citizenship applications |
| Accepted by IRCC | Yes – for Permanent Residency (Express Entry, PNP, etc.) | Yes – for Citizenship only |
| Test Availability | Widely available at CELPIP test centres worldwide | Available mainly in Canada and select locations |
| Score Report | CLB levels for all 4 skills (1–12) | CLB levels for Listening & Speaking only |
Who Should Take CELPIP-General?
You should take CELPIP-General if you need:
- Permanent Residency (PR) through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or other immigration streams.
- Work permits or professional licensing, where proof of English proficiency is required.
- A test that evaluates all four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
In short: CELPIP-General is the right choice for immigration to Canada as a permanent resident.
Who Should Take CELPIP-LS?
- You should take CELPIP-General LS if you need:
- Canadian Citizenship: IRCC only requires proof of Listening and Speaking for citizenship applications.
- A shorter and less expensive test focused only on oral communication.
In short: CELPIP-LS is the right choice for Canadian Citizenship applications.
CELPIP Test Format Breakdown
CELPIP-General
- Listening: 47-55 minutes
- Reading: 55-60 minutes
- Writing: 53-60 minutes
- Speaking: 15-20 minutes
Total time: about 3 hours
CELPIP-General LS
- Listening: 47-55 minutes
- Speaking: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes
Scoring System
Both tests use the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) scale from 1 to 12.
CELPIP-General gives you CLB scores in all 4 skills.
CELPIP-LS gives you CLB scores only in Listening and Speaking.
Which Test Should You Choose?
Planning for PR or work in Canada? → Take CELPIP-General.
Applying for Canadian Citizenship? → Take CELPIP-LS.
Choosing the wrong test can delay your application, so make sure you pick the version required by IRCC for your immigration pathway.
Final Thoughts
Both CELPIP-General and CELPIP-LS are designed to test real-life English skills in everyday Canadian contexts. The main difference lies in which skills are tested and the purpose of the test.
CELPIP-General → for Permanent Residency & professional needs.
CELPIP-LS → for Canadian Citizenship.
Before booking your test, always double-check the requirements from IRCC or the program you are applying to.
If you’d like to understand the complete structure of the CELPIP exam, including all modules and question types, check out our detailed guide: Everything About CELPIP Exam Pattern.
