Who can have a free English test with CCNB-NS? What proof do I need?

1. Permanent Residents of Canada
   Proof: Permanent Resident Card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence document
2. Protected Persons and Refugees
   Proof: Notice of Decision
3. Individuals affected by the conflict in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip
   Proof: Valid Work Permit with MOME2023
4. Canadian Citizens born outside of Canada
   Proof: Canadian Passport, Citizenship Certificate, or Citizenship Card
5. Nova Scotia Nominees and their dependents
   Proof: Confirmation of Nomination letter
6. Individuals awaiting statutory CIC checks
   Proof: Valid Work Permit and proof of Permanent Residency application (e.g., letter or email from IRCC showing they are awaiting statutory checks)
7. International post-secondary graduates
   Proof: Valid International Graduate Work Permit
8. Refugee Claimants / Asylum Seekers
   Proof: Valid Refugee Protection Claimant Document, Valid Temporary Work Permit, or Valid Acknowledgement of Claim (AOC)
9. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Applicants and their dependents
   Proof: Endorsement letter of Atlantic Immigration Program (e.g., Letter of Designation from IPG)
   For dependents: Work Permit and proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, settlement plan, etc.)
10. Immigrants under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)
    Proof: Valid Work Permit with CUAET Visa

Can I use the results of my CLB assessment at CCNB-NS for proof of language for Citizenship, enrollment in a Canadian College or University or employment purposes?

No.   CLBPA test results should not be used for immigration, employment or academic purposes. The purpose of the CLBPA is to place learners in free government-funded language programs or bridging programs with a language component.

The following options are available for proof of language skills for citizenship purposes:

1. Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs (online and in-class) issue certificates accepted for this purpose.
   
   
2. Approved language tests by IRCC:

• CELPIP – Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
• IELTS General – International English Language Testing System
• PTE Core – Pearson Test of English
• TOEFL Essentials – Test of English as a Foreign Language

Please visit your educational institution’s website for language requirements for your professional program such as Admission requirements | NSCC.

How can I apply for a free test?

• Submit an online application via iCent: iCent app – Assessment Registration
  Note: Proof of immigration status is required (JPG format image)
• Visit our office between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for assistance with the online application process.

How long do I have to wait before I can take my test?

• We strive to keep waiting times short—usually no longer than one week.
• Appointments are available during the following time slots:
  9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.,
  1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.,
  4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Thursdays)

How should I prepare for my test?

• Schedule your test on a day when you have no other appointments.
• Get plenty of sleep the night before.
• Do a relaxing activity before coming.
• CLBPA is a low stakes placement test. There are no practice tests or study materials provided for test takers.

What do I need to bring on the test day?

Just yourself and your immigration documents (e.g., Canadian passport, Permanent Resident card, nominee letter, AIPP designation letter, work permit, and proof of Permanent Residency application).

Is childcare available?

No. Please make arrangements for someone to look after your children while you take the test.

What can I expect on the test day?

Your visit will last approximately 2.5 hours and includes:

• A language assessment:
  • 10–15 minutes speaking interview
  • 25 minutes listening
  • 35 minutes reading (multiple choice)
  • 35 minutes writing
• A short meeting (Language Education Counselling) with your assessor to discuss your results and program eligibility (10–15 minutes).

What can I use my test results for?

You can use your CLBPA results to:

• Understand your English proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing
• Enroll in government-funded language and bridging courses such as LINC classes at ISANS or in-person and online EAL courses at YREACH, VCLA or ACLA
• Apply for English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and Adult Learning Programs (ALP) at NSCC.
• Set personal language learning goals

How long are my test results valid for?

Your test results are valid for up to 24 months.

If I disagree with the assessor’s marks, what do I do?

Inform us as soon as possible. We will arrange for a second assessor to review your test papers and notify you of the decision promptly.

If I live outside the Halifax Regional Municipality, can I still take the test?

Yes. We offer testing services throughout Nova Scotia. You can meet an assessor face-to-face or take a computer-based version of the test from your home.

What parts of Nova Scotia do you serve?

We serve all of Nova Scotia, including:

• Cape Breton Region
• Amherst Shore
• Annapolis Valley Region
• Antigonish and Pictou Counties
• Colchester and Hants Counties
• Southwest and Yarmouth Area
• South Shore Area

Can I take the computer-based English test from home?

Yes. We will send you a list of questions to determine if this format suits you. You must have the required equipment and strong digital and English skills to take the test online.