CELPIP Speaking Score Chart 2025
CELPIP Speaking tests your ability to communicate naturally in Canadian situations. The test has 8 tasks completed in 15-20 minutes.
You record responses without an interviewer. Each task tests different skills: giving advice, telling stories, describing scenes, and expressing opinions.
Your score determines your CLB level for Canadian immigration. Most Express Entry programs need CLB 9 (CELPIP score 9) in speaking.
CELPIP Speaking Score Chart with CLB Conversion
This chart shows how CELPIP Speaking scores convert to CLB levels for immigration.
| CELPIP Speaking Score | CLB Level | IELTS Band | Speaking Ability | Performance Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | CLB 12 | 9.0 | Native-like fluency | Perfect pronunciation, natural flow |
| 11 | CLB 11 | 8.5 | Near-native fluency | Minimal accent, spontaneous speech |
| 10 | CLB 10 | 7.5 | High fluency | Clear speech, rare hesitations |
| 9 | CLB 9 | 7.0 | Effective speaker | Good pace, minor pronunciation issues |
| 8 | CLB 8 | 6.5 | Good speaker | Generally clear, some pauses |
| 7 | CLB 7 | 6.0 | Adequate speaker | Understood despite errors |
| 6 | CLB 6 | 5.5 | Developing speaker | Frequent pauses, accent affects clarity |
| 5 | CLB 5 | 5.0 | Basic speaker | Simple sentences, many hesitations |
| 4 | CLB 4 | 4.0 | Limited speaker | Difficulty maintaining conversation |
CELPIP Speaking Test Format: Complete Breakdown
The speaking test has 8 tasks completed in 15-20 minutes. You speak into a microphone without an interviewer.
Each task begins with preparation time (30-60 seconds) to read the prompt and organize thoughts. Then you have recording time (60-90 seconds) to speak your response.
The 8 tasks test different communication skills:
| Task | Type | Prep Time | Speaking Time | Key Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | Giving Advice | 30 sec | 90 sec | Being specific & practical |
| Task 2 | Personal Experience | 30 sec | 60 sec | Past tense accuracy |
| Task 3 | Describing Scene | 30 sec | 60 sec | Detailed description |
| Task 4 | Making Predictions | 30 sec | 60 sec | Future tense & reasoning |
| Task 5 | Comparing | 60 sec | 60 sec | Balanced comparison |
| Task 6 | Difficult Situation | 60 sec | 60 sec | Dealing with conflict |
| Task 7 | Expressing Opinion | 30 sec | 90 sec | Supporting arguments |
| Task 8 | Describing Unusual | 30 sec | 60 sec | Creative explanation |
⏰ Total Test Time: 15-20 minutes of recorded responses across all 8 tasks.
CELPIP General and CELPIP-LS: Speaking Requirements
Both CELPIP General and CELPIP-LS tests include the same speaking section. The 8 tasks, timing, and scoring are identical.
CELPIP General: Tests all four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking). Required for Express Entry, provincial nominee programs, and permanent residency.
CELPIP-LS: Tests only listening and speaking. Used for specific citizenship applications. The speaking format is exactly the same as CELPIP General.
No matter which test you take, the speaking section follows the same format and scoring system.
How CELPIP Speaking Score Is Calculated: The 4 Criteria
Trained evaluators assess your responses using four equal criteria. Each contributes 25% to your final score.
1. Content/Coherence: Did you fully address the task? Are your ideas organized logically? Evaluators check if you completed all requirements and presented ideas clearly.
2. Vocabulary: Do you use varied and appropriate words? Evaluators look for natural word choice that fits the situation. Simple, accurate vocabulary beats complex but incorrect words.
3. Listenability: Can evaluators understand you easily? This includes pronunciation, pace, and fluency. Accents are fine if they don't affect understanding.
4. Task Fulfillment: Did you use the right tone and style? Advice needs friendly tone. Professional situations need formal language. Match your communication to the task.
Important
All four criteria matter equally. Good pronunciation alone won't get high scores. You need balanced performance across all areas.
The Real Reasons Speaking Scores Don't Improve
Many test-takers struggle with specific patterns that prevent higher scores.
Using memorized templates: Evaluators recognize scripted responses immediately. Templates sound unnatural. Instead, practice natural conversation patterns for each task type.
Wrong tone for the situation: Using formal language when giving advice to a friend sounds strange. Match your language to the task. Friendly tasks need casual language. Professional tasks need formal tone.
Poor time management: Many speakers talk slowly, then rush at the end. This ruins fluency. Keep steady pace throughout. It's better to finish early with clear speech than rush to fill time.
Cultural misunderstandings: Canadian communication values politeness and compromise. When handling conflicts, suggest friendly discussion first, not immediate complaints to authorities.
Proven Approaches for Each Speaking Task
Each task requires specific strategies. Master these approaches for better scores.
Task 1: Giving Advice (90 seconds)
Talk like you're helping a friend. Use casual language: "You know what might help?" Give 2-3 specific suggestions. Share personal experience if relevant.
Task 2: Personal Experience (60 seconds)
Tell a complete story with beginning, middle, and end. Use past tense consistently. Include details to make it interesting.
Task 3: Describing a Scene (60 seconds)
Organize your description logically. Move from left to right or foreground to background. Describe people's actions, not just objects.
Task 4: Making Predictions (60 seconds)
Base predictions on what you see. Use future forms: "will probably," "might," "likely to." Explain your reasoning.
Task 5: Comparing (60 seconds)
Mention both options fairly. Choose one and explain why. Use comparison language: "while," "whereas," "on the other hand."
Task 6: Difficult Situation (60 seconds)
Show Canadian conflict resolution. Suggest direct but polite communication first. Offer compromise solutions.
Task 7: Expressing Opinion (90 seconds)
State your position clearly. Give 2-3 supporting reasons. Acknowledge other viewpoints briefly.
Task 8: Unusual Situation (60 seconds)
Be creative but realistic. Explain what's unusual. Describe how people might react.
Essential Canadian Communication Patterns
CELPIP tests Canadian social and professional communication styles. Understanding these patterns improves your scores.
Polite language: Canadians soften requests. Instead of "You should," say "You might want to consider." Use "maybe" and "perhaps" to sound less direct.
Inclusive thinking: Acknowledge different perspectives. Say "Different approaches work for different people" or "Everyone has different experiences."
Conflict resolution: Start with friendly discussion. Say "I'd have a chat with them first" before suggesting formal complaints.
Workplace communication: Even when giving direction, frame it collaboratively: "What do you think about...?" or "Should we consider...?"
Speaking Mistakes That Prevent Higher CLB Levels
Avoid these common errors that reduce scores.
Overusing formal phrases: "In my humble opinion" and "Last but not least" sound artificial. Use simple language: "I think" and "Finally."
Wrong register: Don't use academic language for friendly advice. Don't be too casual in professional situations.
Rushed endings: Don't rush through conclusions. Better to end naturally than scramble to fill time.
Monotone delivery: Vary your intonation. Canadian English uses rhythm and melody, not flat pronunciation.
Over-explaining: Trust that evaluators understand basic concepts. Don't define simple words.
Best CELPIP Speaking Tips for Higher Scores
These proven tips work across all 8 tasks.
Tip 1: Use preparation time wisely. Don't plan exact words. Think of 2-3 main points. Jot down keywords if allowed.
Tip 2: Start speaking naturally. Have opening phrases ready: "That's interesting..." or "Well, I think..." Avoid long pauses at the beginning.
Tip 3: Keep steady pace. Don't rush or speak too slowly. Imagine talking to a Canadian friend. If you finish early, that's fine.
Tip 4: Use natural hesitation. Say "um" or "let me think" instead of long silence. Brief fillers sound more fluent than dead air.
Tip 5: Self-correct quickly. If you make a mistake, fix it and continue: "I go – sorry, went – to the store." Don't restart everything.
Tip 6: Match your tone to the task. Friendly for advice. Professional for workplace. Consider who you're speaking to.
Tip 7: Be specific. Instead of "try different things," say "try healthcare or technology jobs." Details show vocabulary range.
Tip 8: Avoid templates. Natural responses beat perfect but robotic ones. Practice approaches, not exact scripts.
Tip 9: Listen to Canadian English. CBC Radio and Canadian podcasts help you learn natural patterns.
Tip 10: Record yourself. Listen for pace, hesitations, and tone. You'll notice patterns you miss while speaking.
Test Day Strategy
Speak as if talking to a real person in that situation. Focus on natural communication, not impressing evaluators with complex language.
Canadian Pronunciation Patterns
Clear pronunciation helps listenability scores. Focus on these key areas.
Key sounds: Canadian "about" sounds like /əˈbaʊt/. Clear 'r' sounds at word ends: "water," "better." Pronounce final consonants: "want" not "wan."
Intonation: Rising tone for polite questions. Slight rise for uncertain statements. This shows consideration for others.
Rhythm: Stress content words (nouns, verbs). De-emphasize function words (the, a, to). Practice with Canadian podcasts.
Connected speech: Natural linking improves fluency. "Kind of" becomes "kinda." "Going to" becomes "gonna" in casual speech.
Realistic Timeline for Speaking Score Improvement
Speaking improvement takes time and consistent practice. Set realistic goals.
Weeks 1-4: Replace templates with natural patterns. Focus on completing tasks clearly. Expected improvement: 0.5-1 CLB level.
Weeks 5-8: Work on pronunciation and fluency. Practice hesitation strategies. Develop steady pacing. Expected improvement: 0.5-1 CLB level.
Weeks 9-12: Master Canadian communication patterns. Practice complex tasks. Focus on cultural appropriateness. Expected improvement: 0.5-1 CLB level.
Weeks 13-16: Achieve consistent performance. Practice under test conditions. Eliminate error patterns. Expected improvement: 0.5 CLB level.
Total realistic improvement: 2-4 CLB levels in 16 weeks with 30-45 minutes daily practice.
Breakthrough Moment
Most learners see sudden improvement around weeks 6-8 when they stop translating mentally and start thinking in Canadian English patterns.
Best Resources for CELPIP Speaking Practice
Effective practice requires exposure to Canadian English and regular feedback.
Canadian radio: CBC Radio shows natural conversation. "Cross Country Checkup" for opinions. "The Current" for discussions.
YouTube: Canadian lifestyle vlogs show casual speech. News channels demonstrate clear pronunciation.
Conversation groups: Community centers offer conversation circles. Libraries host English practice groups.
Daily practice: Morning: Listen to 10 minutes of Canadian content. Lunch: Record 2-3 task responses. Evening: Review recordings for improvement areas.
Maximizing Performance Under Pressure
Test day success requires managing technology, time, and nerves.
During microphone test, speak at normal volume. Too soft won't be heard. Too loud may distort.
Have opening phrases ready to reduce hesitation. Use preparation time for main points, not exact words.
If you make mistakes, correct naturally and continue. Don't restart or apologize extensively.
Keep steady pace. Better to speak naturally and finish early than rush through points.
Between tasks, breathe and reset. Each task is independent. One weak response doesn't affect others.
Essential Strategy
Speak to a real person in that situation, not to an evaluator. Natural communication beats perfect but artificial responses.
Explore All CELPIP Score Charts
Master all four CELPIP skills to maximize your CLB level. Each skill requires different strategies and preparation approaches. Explore our comprehensive score chart guides for each section:
CELPIP Reading Score Chart
Understand the 4-part reading structure and time management strategies for each section. Learn how to maximize your reading CLB level.
CELPIP Writing Score Chart
Learn the scoring rubric for email and survey tasks with word count requirements. Master both writing tasks for CLB 9+.
CELPIP Listening Score Chart
Navigate 6 listening parts with accent patterns and effective note-taking methods.
CLB Score Calculator
Interactive tool: Convert your CELPIP or IELTS scores to CLB levels for immigration programs. Calculate your Express Entry CRS points instantly.
Your Path to Speaking Excellence
CELPIP Speaking success comes from natural, appropriate communication for each task.
Start with natural communication patterns. Replace templates with authentic Canadian conversation. Focus on Tasks 1 and 7, which carry extra weight.
Remember: Canadian communication values politeness, collaboration, and balanced perspectives. These are learnable skills that improve your scores.
Speaking improvement needs consistent practice and patience. The skills you develop help throughout your Canadian experience.
Begin today with 30 minutes of Canadian conversation exposure and task practice. Consistency creates performance. Your CLB 9+ speaking score awaits on the other side of focused preparation.
Common Questions About CELPIP Speaking Scores
Clear answers to frequent concerns about speaking assessment and improvement