CELPIP vs. IELTS for American?

[bells24]

Does anyone have any insights into whether the CELPIP General vs. IELTS is better for an applicant from the U.S.? I don't mind traveling to Canada to take the CELPIP (live about an hour from border) and both have similar dates available.

I have read that some prefer the CELPIP as far as being totally computer-based, but then the IELTS seems to have the advantage of a human person for the speaking portion (not sure if that leads to better scores or not). I'm curious which one U.S. applicants might have an easier time with? Has anyone taken both and found one to be preferable?

Thanks!

 

[DelPiero07]

CELPIP has easier listening/reading sections IMO as they are multiple-choice. Being computer-based I found writing to be preferable with CELPIP. Regarding the speaking section I felt having a conversation (IETLS) was way better than talking to the computer (CELPIP).

That being said both tests are an absolute joke so I wouldn't stress out if I were you.

 

[bells24]

Thanks for your reply. I'm concerned because we will need the highest possible scores (or close to it) to have enough points to even have a chance at ITA. We signed up for the CELPIP so I'm thinking we'll try IELTS if this doesn't go well. The cost sure is difficult though!

 

[CaliMoon123]

@bells24, how did you end up doing on the Celpip? I'm in the same boat of trying to decide between the 2 tests as a native speaker.

 

[sylas]

I did IELTS. English is my mother tongue. I studied up simply on the formal English writing structure for the essays and I scored a band of 9.0 which is max. I moved to Canada on a temp. work permit, then submitted for PR and I should be PR in Nov/Dec of this year.

If English is your mother tongue and you just brush up a little bit, you'll be fine.

 

[CaliMoon123]

Thanks so much for the advice! Next hurdle is to see which test will actually be offered first in the US... Celpip is offered officially but it's completely sold out in my state.