Language test preparation in Canada for international students

In Canada, as in bilingual country, you can take tests of all levels. Language exams in Canada are provided by English and French programs. The first ones are:

• TOEIC,
• TOEFL,
• IELTS
• Cambridge exam: CAE, CPE, FCE.

The French tests are presented by the traditional DELF and DALF (they differ only in the difficulty level). Canadian DELF and DALF are identical to French ones, allowing you to assess the level of:

• Reading,
• Writing,
• Listening,
• Speaking,
• Knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.

Similar language skills are assessed in English tests. IELTS, TOEFL are considered the most popular, in Canada they are held in the same scheme, as in Britain, the United States.

The French DELF and DALF tests are conducted mainly in Quebec: in this region, most of the francophone and bilingual universities of the country are located.

It goes without saying that qualitative preparation is necessary for successful passing of language tests. Modern test preparation programs allow you to update knowledge, develop skills necessary for successful testing. Also, living in the country at least for 1 to 8 month helps to overcome communication barriers.

SMAPSE experts provide the list of more than 20 best Canadian schools and colleges where foreign students can take high-quality preparation courses. Are you going to the French part of the country? We will help you to choose a course for DELF or DALF. Planning to study, work in English-speaking regions? We bring to your attention international programs for language exams.

It is not difficult to choose appropriate language schools in Canada due to convenient SMAPSE catalogue. Necessary filters (by type of program, school, location of the latter) are provided in the left panel of the catalogue. Do you need help in the selection? SMAPSE specialists are ready to advise you on the phone, in the online chat. You can send an application for individual consultation by e-mail.

Language tests in Canada are tests that assess your proficiency in English or French. They are used for a variety of purposes such as immigration, study and employment.

There are several language tests accepted in Canada. For English, these are IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) and PTE Core, a four-skills general test recognized by the Canadian government (IRCC) for permanent residency and citizenship applications. For French, these are TEF (Test d'Évaluation de Français) and TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français).

Language tests are one of the assessment criteria for Canadian immigration programs. High test scores can increase your chances of successful immigration because they can add points to your immigration score.

The minimum score to pass depends on the immigration program and the applicant's category. It is usually 6.0 on IELTS for English and 7.0 for French, which corresponds to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 for English and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 for French — the threshold required of university graduates. For college graduates a minimum of level 5 may be accepted. However, some programs may have higher requirements.

Yes, you can take a language test in another country and the results will be recognized by the Canadian immigration authorities, as long as the test is recognized in Canada and you comply with the test requirements. Be sure to check that the test and test center you choose are approved by Canadian immigration authorities.

The cost of taking a language test depends on the type of test and the location in which you take it. Prices can range from 150 to 300 USD or more. It is recommended to check the official websites of the test organizations for up-to-date information on prices.

Before taking the test, it is recommended that you take assessment tests or use online resources that offer free language tests. Many test organizations also provide practice tests to help you determine your current level.

Yes, there are many schools and centers in Canada that provide language test prep courses. These courses may include intensive lessons, study materials, and opportunities to communicate in a foreign language. Teachers and tutors can also help you prepare and develop skills.

The assessment time for a language test can vary depending on the organization administering the test and the number of applications waiting to be assessed. It usually takes from a few weeks to a month. The official websites of the test organizations can provide information on approximate timelines.

Yes, many organizations provide a review service for an additional fee. If you have reason to believe that your results have been incorrectly assessed, you can request a review. This can be particularly useful if the results are important to your immigration or study plans.

Canada recognizes several language tests for study, work and immigration in both official languages. The table below compares the main options and what each one is used for.

Canada continues to expand the list of accepted language tests and to speed up their formats. Several exams are now recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and deliver results within days rather than weeks.

CELPIP. This English exam is approved by IRCC for immigration to Canada and by the DHA for Australia. The self-paced test is completed in a single sitting of three hours or less, and results are available in two to four days. Two versions are offered — CELPIP-General and CELPIP-LS — and the exam is accepted for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) as well as permanent and temporary residency applications.

TOEFL iBT. The updated version of the test is preferred by 91% of surveyed educators, and 97% would recommend it to others. Scores can arrive in as little as three days.

PTE Core. A four-skills general test recognized by the Canadian government for IRCC permanent residency and citizenship applications. It is taken on computer, with score reports typically issued within 48 hours.