Canadian Experience Class: Who can apply – Language testing organizations

Official language testing

The best way to provide proof of language skills is to take a language proficiency test given by an organization that is designated by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to provide language test results. If you do so, you will be certain you meet the minimum language requirements.

You must

• Make arrangements for testing by a designated organization. You will have to pay the costs.
• Include the results of your test with your immigration application.

What happens next

• You can use the equivalency charts to see exactly what level on the Canadian Language Benchmark your results are at.
• The test results will be used by CIC as conclusive proof of your language skills.
• You can use language test results for one year from the time you took the test.

Approved language tests

Currently, only two language testing agencies have been designated by CIC to provide language test results for the Canadian Experience Class. Others may be added later and will then be listed here.

Designated language testing agencies

English Language

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

The University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate, IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia and the British Council administer this test.

Note: IELTS has two options for the reading and writing tests: “General Training” and “Academic.” You must take the “General Training” option.

French Language

TEF: Test d’évaluation de français

The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry administers these tests.

Note: You must submit results from the following TEF tests as proof of your French language skills:

• compréhension écrite
• compréhension orale
• expression écrite
• expression orale