The Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test assesses your English according to a national, standardized system of measuring English language proficiency in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
The CLBPT test results can be used for placement into:
language training programs
workplace training programs with a language component
Health Care Assistant/Aide Programs
Clients and referring organizations are responsible for using the test for the approved purposes only.
We offer both in-person CLBPT testing and a CLBPT online test option.
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Book your Test
CLBPT In-Person
The in-person CLBPT testing takes place at the MOSAIC Vancouver office located at 2555 Commercial Drive, close to the Commercial-Broadway Skytrain station. We also offer tests at our MOSAIC Surrey location at 7134 King George Boulevard .
The test is held during the week and on Saturdays. After sign-in procedures and instructions, you will spend about 2 hours in assessment.
Cost: $140
CLBPT Remote
This is an online remote version of the CLBPT test that allows you to take the test from your own home through an online interface, making it easy to interact with one of our licensed assessors. Remote tests are private testing sessions conducted one-on-one with one of our assessors over Zoom.
* You must be within Canada to take the remote test. You also need access to a computer with stable internet connection and the ability to operate a computer proficiently.
Cost: $160
About the Test
The Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT) is a streamlined language assessment test that results in useful information for learners, educators, and assessors.
The CLBPT evaluates the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
The reading and writing are done in an exam hall and take 1 hour to complete.
The listening and speaking are done with a live assessor and take approximately 20 minutes.
In-person Test: You will be placed in the exam room with other test takers with more than enough space for social distancing. You will do the Writing test first for 30 minutes and then a Reading test for 30 minutes.
It’s possible that you will be asked to go with the assessor for the Speaking and Listening portions before or after these tests. The Speaking and Listening portions of the test are done in a separate room with a live speaking assessor.
CLBPT Remote: Reading test is 30 minutes and the Writing test is 30 minutes. Both are done on the online website platform with assistance by the invigilator. The Speaking and Listening tests are done together in a separate breakout room with the assessor. It is 15-20 minutes long.
Getting Your Results
Test results are usually available within 2 business days of the test.
You will receive an official MOSAIC test score sheet with the marks for all four sections that you can then use for proof of language level for various programs. For referred clients the test result will also be sent to the employment counsellor/case manager within two business days.
If your test has been paid for by an outside organization, you will receive your result sheet directly from that organization.
If you wish to send scores directly to an organization, please fill out the request form by clicking HERE. There is a charge of $25.
Cancel or Transfer Your Test Date
You may transfer or cancel your test according to the following policies:
More than 11 days before your test (excluding the test date): No charge
Less than 11, but more than 5 days from the test date (excluding the Test date): $20
Within 5 days of the test day (excluding the test date): Cancellations are not accepted
To make a request to cancel or reschedule your test, please fill in the form by clicking the button below
Request a Re-Take of Individual Sections
You can apply for a re-take of one or more sections (Writing, Reading, Speaking, and Listening) if you were unable to meet your program’s requirements during your initial test. Please fill out the request form by clicking the link below. Re-takes of one or sections can only be done in person.
Candidates must fill out the form for each section that they would like to re-take. For example, if you only need to re-take one section, such as Reading, fill out the form once. If you need to re-take two sections, such as Writing and Listening, fill out the form twice, once for each section that you would like to re-take. We can schedule your re-take of one or more sections for the same time.
Please remember that your case will be evaluated for eligibility by our admin team first. If your request is eligible for a re-take of one or more sections, you will be contacted by our admin team with some options of dates and times to schedule your re-take. The Admin fee is non-refundable, even if your request does not qualify for re-evaluation.
*Please note that a re-take of one or more sections can only be done in person.
Re-taking the Test
If you do not meet your program’s language requirements after taking the test, you may take the CLBPT test up to 2 more times after your initial assessment. It is then up to your program to advise on the next steps.
Candidates can register for another test through our registration portal on the website. If you would like to to only re-take one or two sections, please fill out re-take form above. *A re-take of one or more sections can only be done in person.
For the CLBPT Remote test, you may only take the test a total of two times. If you want to re-take the test again after that, you must appear for an In-Person test.
*Candidates do not have to wait 3 months before re-taking the test.
Prepare for the Test
There is no class, forum, online platform for studying or practicing the CLBPT. To prepare for the CLBPT, you should improve your English speaking, reading, writing, and listening in general. Please see below for some general ESL websites you can use to practice:
MOSAIC Engage offers low-cost English classes for newcomers who want to improve their English communication skills. Classes are offered in-person or online at convenient times to suit your work and family life balance. Learn more by visiting our English classes program page.
Private Testing Sessions
Are you an organization that needs to test a lot of clients at once? We can schedule separate and private test sessions for your clients.
A minimum of 8 clients are required to take advantage of this service. Please submit a quote with the following form by clicking the link below and we will reach out within 3 business days with testing options.
Other Important Information
Please note that the CLBPT taken through MOSAIC Engage CANNOT be used for:
Entrance into the LINC English program. If you require further information to enter the LINC program please see info here.
Certification of language for Citizenship and Immigration Canada (see the CIC for language requirements for citizenship).
Entry into non-benchmarked college or university programs.
Exit assessment from any program.
Proof of language proficiency for employment purposes.
Proof of language progression during a language training period to inform reports to funders
CCLB, licensed CLBPT assessment centres and certified CLBPT language assessors are not liable when results are used for purposes outside the scope of the tool.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the CLBPT or CLBPT online test with MOSAIC engage, or require assistance registering, contact us by phone, email, or in-person.