Test Preparation Services (TPS)
Information on Taking the CELPIP exam in Ottawa and the path for finding a tutor or self-studying Ottawa
Ottawa
Ontario |
TPS - CELPIP Exam Prep in Ottawa
Being a new test, it is not as easy for people in Ottawa to study or take the CELPIP exam as other tests, but it is getting easier. Please make visit our page on the exam itself just to familiarize yourself with the CELPIP test.
Issues to Consider Before Choosing CELPIP
CELPIP is a new exam and a few issues need to be considered:
1. Why do I need it?
In general, the following groups will take these specific CELPIP tests.
a. Permanent Residence application -- General CELPIP (listening, reading, speaking and writing)
b. Citizenship application-- General CELPIP L&S (only listening and speaking)
c. Certain Occupation Associations
A big advantage for Canadian citizen applicants is that you can skip the reading and writing components, which is something you cannot do with IELTS.
2. Am I okay with a computer test?
All four components (ie listening, reading, writing and speaking) are done on computer and in particular, this means that you have to get over any shyness of speaking into a computer or typing in an essay.
3. Am I budget conscious?
CELPIP is cheaper than IELTS. CELPIP General is $265 ($40 savings from IELTS' $309 price), CELPIP General L&S is $185.
4. Do I mind if self-study resources are limited?
CELPIP does not have a lot of practice material but you can order it through official CELPIP site. This is the main disadvantage. there is simply no other practice material aside from what Paragon Testing offers. By comparison, IELTS is loaded with practice material not just in the form of textbooks but in the form of free practice from the web.
5, Am I OK with multiple choice questions?
All the questions in the reading and listening sections are in multiple choice format so if you are fine with that then consider CELPIP as your option.
6. Do you have spelling problems?
If you have prblems with spelling this format can be very helpful becasue the IELTS test will penalize you
1. Why do I need it?
In general, the following groups will take these specific CELPIP tests.
a. Permanent Residence application -- General CELPIP (listening, reading, speaking and writing)
b. Citizenship application-- General CELPIP L&S (only listening and speaking)
c. Certain Occupation Associations
A big advantage for Canadian citizen applicants is that you can skip the reading and writing components, which is something you cannot do with IELTS.
2. Am I okay with a computer test?
All four components (ie listening, reading, writing and speaking) are done on computer and in particular, this means that you have to get over any shyness of speaking into a computer or typing in an essay.
3. Am I budget conscious?
CELPIP is cheaper than IELTS. CELPIP General is $265 ($40 savings from IELTS' $309 price), CELPIP General L&S is $185.
4. Do I mind if self-study resources are limited?
CELPIP does not have a lot of practice material but you can order it through official CELPIP site. This is the main disadvantage. there is simply no other practice material aside from what Paragon Testing offers. By comparison, IELTS is loaded with practice material not just in the form of textbooks but in the form of free practice from the web.
5, Am I OK with multiple choice questions?
All the questions in the reading and listening sections are in multiple choice format so if you are fine with that then consider CELPIP as your option.
6. Do you have spelling problems?
If you have prblems with spelling this format can be very helpful becasue the IELTS test will penalize you
Home Tutoring
To ensure that the teacher knows the exam and has real materials to use you must check out the specific qualifications of your tutor. If you’d prefer studying it in the comfort of your home, with a tailor-made lessons, please check the CELPIP tutor Ottawa page for availability.
Outside of the Home Tutoring
Taking Classes
The preparation classes in groups. One advertised is by GEOS which charges $2200 for a 120 hour. All are unaccredited which does not mean they are necessarily bad, but it does mean that they are allowed to help you purchase materials from Paragon but they are not allowed to give you copies or reproduce their official CELPIP material. Do not accept any training that works at getting you to memorize answers to previous CELPIP test questions because if the training center is caught, this could result in you having your results nullified.
Self-Study
Self-study in any area, is limited since CELPIP is relatively new and closely controls the practice material offered. Your best bet is to check online. Paragon Testing sells books and tests but for free online stuff on CELPIP, check out our CELPIP exam page and get information on study tips, and a CELPIP blog that features strategies, skills and topics and information on recent exams. I have a page of CELPIP practice exam links as well as external links to other blogs such as Wenku and one called Yingyu. Both of these are in Chinese but you can translate them and they do give some very interesting information and practice.
Test Taking
The test can be taken only at authorized CELPIP examiner locations so check the locations and dates and times from our site or get it directly from the official CELPIP Site. Be mindful that tests are not given as frequently as IELTS or TOEFL.