Language testing – Skilled trades

To prove your language skills, you must take a language test given by an agency that is approved by CIC. You must

• Arrange for testing by an approved agency (see below). You will have to pay the costs.
• Include the results of your test with your immigration application. If you do not, we will not process your application and we will return your fees.

When taking the test, you will be given the option to have the agency send your test results directly to an institution or organization. Do not ask for your language test result to be sent directly to CIC. Submit your official test result along with your application. Photocopies are not acceptable.

What happens next

• Different language testing agencies have different ways of scoring your results.
• You can look at the charts below to find out what results are needed to meet the language requirement.
• CIC will use the test results as proof of your language proficiency.
• Language test results must not be more than two years old when CIC receives your application.

Language tests we accept

CIC has approved certain agencies to do language testing and provide results for people who apply under the Federal Skilled Trades Program. These tests are:

English

CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program

CELPIP has two tests: “CELPIP-General (CELPIP-G)” and “CELPIP-Academic (CELPIP-A).” You must take the “CELPIP-G” test.

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

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

French

TEF: Test d’évaluation de français

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

• compréhension écrite,
• compréhension orale,
• expression écrite, and
• expression orale.