Introduction
If you failed your CELPIP test, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean your immigration plans are over. Many candidates are in the same position, including someone who shared in a recent online discussion that they were preparing for a 10th attempt.
When your CELPIP score consistently falls below your target, it is likely a sign that you’re not preparing the right way. The good news is that you can retake CELPIP and reach your target score on your next attempt if you change your preparation strategy.
We have prepared over 50 students for CELPIP, and they passed on their first attempt. So, we understand what it takes to prep effectively and what examiners expect.
In this guide, you will learn why you may have struggled in previous CELPIP tests, what options are available to you, and how to improve your score on your next attempt.
What should you do after you fail your CELPIP test?
Take some time before you book another CELPIP test. It is normal to feel disappointed, but see your result as information that shows areas you need to improve to achieve your target score.
Start by reviewing your previous score report. Your CELPIP score report shows your individual score for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, so compare each score with your target. For instance, if 3 sections meet your target while only 1 falls short, this shows you where to focus your efforts.
Review the CELPIP Score Comparison Chart to understand what each score level represents. You should also check the official CELPIP Test Format and Scoring Guide to know how the test is structured.
Consider the following example:
| Component | Your score | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 9 | 9 |
| Reading | 8 | 9 |
| Writing | 7 | 9 |
| Speaking | 8 | 9 |
In this example, Writing needs the most attention because it is the lowest and the largest gap to the target score.
In addition to reviewing your last CELPIP result, take a mock test before you book another test. This will give you a clearer picture of your weakest areas. Identify the question types you find difficult, the sections where you lose time, and the recurring problems in your Writing or Speaking responses.
If you need a refresher on the test structure, read our guide on Everything You Need to Know About the CELPIP Test.
Once you identify the section that needs the most attention, you will know what to focus on. But what options are available after a low CELPIP score?
You can retake the CELPIP test or request a re-evaluation.
After receiving a low CELPIP score, you can either retake the test or request a re-evaluation. To decide which option is right for you, ask yourself 2 questions: How far am I from my target score? Do I believe my result accurately reflects my performance?
So, which option is right for you?
Option 1: retake CELPIP
A retake is a better choice when your current score is 2-3 points below your target or when you score below your target in more than one section. There is currently no limit on how many times you can take the CELPIP test, but you must wait at least 5 days before your next test, weekends and holidays included.
However, we don’t recommend booking another test until you know what you need to do differently. If you take the test again with the same preparation strategy, you will most likely get similar results.
Instead, work on your weakest section under real test conditions, review every mistake, and make sure you understand why it happened before trying again. The official CELPIP sample and practice tests can help you become familiar with the different question types.
Check the official CELPIP policies page for the latest rules before you book, because dates, fees, and booking details can change.
Option 2: request a CELPIP re-evaluation of your score
You can request a re-evaluation when your CELPIP result is close to your target, and you believe it doesn’t accurately reflect your performance. For example, if you scored CLB 8 in Writing but need CLB 9, it may be worth asking for a second review.
You can request a re-evaluation of one or more sections of your CELPIP test within 6 months of your test date, but you must pay the applicable fee when you apply. Check the CELPIP Policies and Forms page for more details.
If your Speaking or Writing score improves after the review, the fee will be refunded. However, you can only request one re-evaluation per section, and results usually take one to two weeks.
If your scores are low across all sections, a re-evaluation is unlikely to make a significant difference. In that case, retaking the test with the right preparation strategy is a better option.
Why should you stop preparing for CELPIP alone?
Mock tests can show you where you lose marks, but they cannot explain why you keep making the same mistakes or show you how to correct them.
This is especially true for Writing and Speaking, where it can be difficult to assess your own responses from an examiner’s perspective. If your score isn’t improving despite your preparation, you need expert feedback to understand what you are doing wrong and the right steps to improve.
An experienced CELPIP tutor can review your responses, identify recurring errors, and develop a preparation strategy based on your target score.
This is what you get in our CELPIP preparation classes. We provide proven strategies and expert support to help you get your target score on your first attempt. Our tutors understand what examiners look for and how to help you meet those expectations.
Here are some of our students’ CELPIP results.
Learn more about PrepMeWell’s test preparation classes to find out what to expect when you prepare for your CELPIP test with us.
Conclusion
You don’t have to take the CELPIP test multiple times to get your target score. With the right preparation and expert guidance, you can pass on your first attempt without a retake or re-evaluation.
If you’re ready to prepare for your next test and want to find out if our preparation classes are right for you, send us a DM. We will be glad to answer your questions.
