CELPIP preparation for Australian visas requires understanding both the test format and the specific score thresholds set by the Department of Home Affairs. The scores aren't uniform across skills. Writing requires Level 10 for Proficient English and Level 12 for Superior, while Speaking only needs Level 8 and 10 respectively.

This means your preparation strategy must prioritise accordingly. Generic "improve your English" advice won't cut it. You need targeted practice on specific task types.

For complete test details, see our CELPIP guide for Australian visas.

The 8 Speaking Tasks Explained

The Speaking section lasts 15-20 minutes. You speak into a microphone with no human examiner present. Each task has preparation time (30-60 seconds) and speaking time (60-90 seconds).

Task 1: Giving Advice (90 seconds speaking) You'll help someone solve a problem. Example: A friend is nervous about starting a new job. Structure your response with two clear suggestions and explain why each helps.

Task 2: Talking About a Personal Experience (60 seconds) Share a relevant story from your life. The prompt gives context. Focus on what happened, how you felt, and what you learned.

Task 3: Describing a Scene (60 seconds) You'll see an image and describe what's happening. Cover the setting, people, actions, and atmosphere. Don't just list objects.

Task 4: Making Predictions (60 seconds) Using the same image from Task 3, predict what will happen next. Make logical predictions based on visual evidence and explain your reasoning.

Task 5: Comparing and Persuading (60 seconds) Compare two options and convince someone to choose one. This has two parts: the comparison itself, then persuading the listener.

Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation (60 seconds) Explain how you'd handle a challenging scenario. Show problem-solving skills and appropriate communication.

Task 7: Expressing Opinions (90 seconds) Answer a "Do you think...?" question. State your position clearly, provide two supporting reasons, and acknowledge the other side briefly.

Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation (60 seconds) Describe something unexpected or out of the ordinary. Use descriptive language and explain why it was unusual.

The 6 Listening Parts Breakdown

The Listening section runs 47-55 minutes with 38 questions. Audio plays once only. Difficulty increases from Part 1 to Part 6.

Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving (8 questions, 8 minutes) Short dialogues where people work through everyday issues. Focus on solutions being discussed.

Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation (5 questions, 5 minutes) Casual conversation between two people. Pay attention to attitudes and opinions, not just facts.

Part 3: Listening for Information (6 questions, 6 minutes) A monologue like a tour guide or announcement. Note specific details: times, dates, locations.

Part 4: Listening to a News Item (5 questions, 5 minutes) A news report or broadcast. Identify the main story, key facts, and any opinions expressed.

Part 5: Listening to a Discussion (8 questions, 9 minutes) A video of a group conversation. Watch for body language and note each speaker's position on the topic.

Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints (6 questions, 8 minutes) The most challenging section. A complex monologue presenting opinions with supporting evidence. Questions often require inference.

All speakers use Canadian accents. If you're unfamiliar with North American English, practise with Canadian media before your test.

Writing: Where Most Points Are Lost

According to the Department of Home Affairs, Writing requires the highest CELPIP levels for Proficient and Superior English. Many applicants underestimate this section.

Task 1: Email Writing (27 minutes, 150-200 words) You'll respond to a situation requiring an email. Match your tone to the context. A complaint to a company differs from a request to a friend.

Structure: Opening purpose statement, supporting details with specifics, clear closing action.

Task 2: Survey Response (26 minutes, 150-200 words) Choose between two options and justify your choice. State your selection immediately. Don't make the reader guess.

Structure: Clear choice statement, Reason 1 with example, Reason 2 with example, Brief conclusion.

The built-in spell-check catches spelling errors but not grammar mistakes or unclear sentences. Allocate 2-3 minutes at the end to proofread.

Preparation Timeline

The Migration Instrument LIN 25/016 specifies exact CELPIP scores needed for each English level. Use these as your targets when planning preparation time.

4 weeks minimum for Competent English (Level 7) If you're comfortable with everyday English, four weeks of focused practice should suffice.

6-8 weeks for Proficient English (Levels 8-10) The jump from Level 7 to Level 8-10 requires significant improvement, especially in Writing.

8+ weeks for Superior English (Levels 10-12) Level 12 in Writing represents near-native fluency. The Superior English requirements demand CELPIP Level 12 for Writing but only Level 10 for other skills. Plan accordingly.

Weekly Structure:

  • Days 1-2: Listening and Reading practice
  • Days 3-4: Writing tasks with self-review
  • Days 5-6: Speaking practice (record yourself)
  • Day 7: Full practice test under timed conditions

Key Mistakes to Avoid

Speaking to the screen like it's a person who responds. The computer records but doesn't react. Practice speaking into a microphone without feedback.

Running out of time on Writing. Many applicants write too slowly and can't proofread. Practice completing tasks in 22-24 minutes, leaving time for review.

Ignoring Part 6 of Listening. This section trips up many test-takers. The inference questions require understanding what's implied, not just what's stated.

Not using official practice tests. Creating a free CELPIP account gives you access to two full practice tests. These mirror the actual exam format.

How Desire Immigration Can Help

Mrs. Manisha Bhutani (MARN 2217756) and our team at Desire Immigration offer CELPIP coaching designed specifically for Australian visa requirements. We focus on the sections that matter most for your target score level.

Our Melbourne offices in Truganina, St Albans, and the CBD provide both in-person and online coaching. Book a consultation to assess your current level and build a preparation plan.

FAQs

How long should I prepare for CELPIP?

Minimum 4 weeks for Competent English, 6-8 weeks for Proficient, 8+ weeks for Superior. Your starting level and target score determine the timeline.

Which CELPIP section is hardest?

Writing requires the highest scores for Proficient (Level 10) and Superior (Level 12) English. Listening Part 6 (Viewpoints) is the most challenging listening section due to inference-based questions.

Can I retake just one CELPIP section?

No. You must retake the entire test. This makes targeted preparation essential to avoid multiple attempts.

What's the best way to practice CELPIP Speaking?

Record yourself responding to prompts. Listen back critically. The test requires speaking to a microphone without human interaction, so practice that exact format.

Are there free CELPIP practice tests?

Yes. Create a free account on the official CELPIP website to access two complete practice tests with instant results for Listening and Reading sections. Study Australia confirms CELPIP is now accepted for student visas alongside skilled migration pathways.