CELPIP Prep in Alberta: Your Top Questions, Answered by an Instructor

-Guest post by Bryan Bramwell, Online CELPIP Instructor at Vision Learning Centre, Peace River.

Am I Ready for the CELPIP Exam?

As a preparatory CELPIP instructor for two years now, the question I get asked most often is, “Do you think I am ready to take the CELPIP exam?”  I always share with my students that if I do not feel that they are ready to write the exam I will tell them.  Money is tight for everyone these days and to spend 300$ to write this exam knowing you will not succeed does not look favourably on me as your instructor.  So yes, I always share with my students if I think they are prepared and ready.

Do I Need a Perfect Score (12/12) to Pass CELPIP?

Another question that is asked quite often is, “Do I need to get the highest mark (12/12) in all sections to pass?”  When I first started working on developing the CELPIP preparation course, I thought it would be a fun exercise to see how I would succeed in the exam.  Well, let’s just say that I would not have gotten 12/12 in all sections and I have been speaking English since my first few words as an infant.  What students need to focus on is the first “P” in CELPIP.  It stands for “Proficiency” not “Perfection.”  Even the most learned linguistic scholars make mistakes in the English Language.  Strive for “Proficiency” not “Perfection” while preparing for the CELPIP.

How Can I Prepare for CELPIP at Home?

Lastly, students ask quite often, “What can I do at home to prepare for the CELPIP?”  In the classes I teach, homework is always provided, so firstly, complete any work your instructor provides.  If nothing is provided, here are some things I would recommend to better practice the main components of the exam -  Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. 

Listening Prep Activities

Sit down and listen to English speaking radio or television.  If you are using the television, turn on the close-captioned to your native language and read what is being said in English.  Listen to the words of the songs or the dialogue on the television.  Make a list of words you know and a list of words you do not know.  The ones you did not know, go and look them up later.

Reading Prep Activities

Read whatever English material you can find.  Stories, articles, food labels, recipes, even reading instructions of how to assemble an item is still reading!  The Listening and Reading components are about increasing your English Language vocabulary and comprehension which will assist greatly in the last two sections.

Writing Prep Activities

You are about to write an email to your best friend who still lives in your home-country and does not know a word of English. After you write the email in your mother tongue, re-write the email in English.  It will be time consuming but through the practice of translating from your primary language into English you will develop stronger writing skills.

Speaking Prep Activities

This “should” be the easiest to practice outside of class time.  Dedicate an hour a day to speaking primarily English.  Speak with family members, co-workers or any customers you see in your line of work.  I know there is a “fear” of making mistakes or not knowing what words to use in the conversation, but that is the importance of practice - to overcome these obstacles by just trying!  I know within the work setting it is easy to speak to your colleagues if you all speak the same mother tongue but this is a prime opportunity to have conversations with those you feel most comfortable- why not all agree that for that one hour, English is all that will be spoken. As the cliche goes - “Practice Makes Perfect.”

These questions are ones that I hear most frequently and the advice I provide.

Do you have questions about the CELPIP that you would like to have answered?  Feel free to drop an email and I will get back to you as soon as I can with an answer.  If I do not know the response, I will try to guide you in the right direction.

Bryan has been teaching CELPIP prep classes for Alberta since 2023 and previously worked as a CELPIP test examiner. Known for his calm, supportive teaching style, he helps adults build confidence and achieve their English goals one class at a time.

If you’re getting ready for the CELPIP in Alberta, our CELPIP preparation classes in Peace River can help you feel confident and ready.

If you have questions about the CELPIP, you can reach Bryan at

bryan@visionlearningcentre.com

📍 Location: Vision Learning Centre, Peace River

💲 Cost: $60 for a 6-week ONLINE course

👨‍🏫 Instructor: Bryan Bramwell

👉 Learn more or register: CELPIP Preparation and Testing – Vision Learning Centre

📞 Call: 780-624-4220 for help registering or to ask a question.