Test-Taking Strategies

2nd Edition 2016

CELBAN Introduction
The Canadian English Language Benchmarks Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN) was designed and
developed by the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB) in collaboration with nursing
regulators and language testing specialists. Test content and design continues to evolve over time with the
input of language specialists, nursing professionals and psychometricians.
The CELBAN test assesses four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Test takers are asked to
complete language tasks similar to tasks a nurse might face in real life.
The CELBAN Group Test comprises three sections: listening, writing and reading. The CELBAN
Speaking Test comprises four different types of spoken interactions, which are conducted with two
speaking assessors.

What to Expect on Test Day

Knowing what happens on test day will help you prepare for taking the CELBAN test. This document
outlines important information about test day, test format, strategies and criteria for self-assessment so
that you can prepare yourself in advance of the test. This may also help to minimize nervous feelings.
Test Day

Sign
In

Show ID &
Confirmation Email
Sign in
Store
personal
belongings

Test

Group Test
(3 hours)
Speaking Test
(30 minutes)

Sign
Out

Sign out
Gather personal
belongings
Exit test site

On test day, you will be expected to:

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled test.

Present two pieces of identification.

Sign in and out of the test location.

Leave all personal belongings in a dedicated area.

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CELBAN Test Format

There are two parts to the CELBAN test: a group test (listening, reading and writing) and a speaking test.
Group Test (3 hours)

Listening
Reading
Writing

Speaking Test (30 minutes)

Speaking

Group Test
There are separate test booklets for each of the CELBAN Group Test components (listening, reading,
and writing):

Listening Comprehension Test Booklet

Reading Comprehension Test Booklet

Skimming and Scanning Test Booklet (Part of Reading)

Writing Test Booklet

NEW IN OCTOBER 2016: Before 2016, test takers used a test booklet and separate answer sheets.
Test takers were advised to write only on the answer sheets. Test materials now have been integrated.
Each test taker receives a test booklet which contains the questions and the answer sheets together.
This simplified booklet allows test takers to easily mark their answers and make notes, as needed.
You will be asked to complete tasks that require different types of answer formats. Read and listen to
the instructions for each task carefully.

Speaking Test
For the CELBAN speaking test, you will experience two types of tasks: oral questions and role-play
scenarios. The oral questions and the role play instructions will be provided orally, but there will also be
some written instructions in the form of handouts for the role plays.

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What are the Details of the CELBAN Test?

The group test is a paper-and-pencil test that evaluates your ability to read, write and listen. Several
different test items are used in the group test: multiple choice questions where you must choose the best
answer, fill-in-the-blanks with the correct word, short answer questions, and report writing. The speaking
test is a face-to-face assessment which includes role-plays. The chart below shows the details of the test:

Group Test
Administration
Conditions

Speaking Test

The Group Test is a written exam administered to a group. There are audiovisual segments for the listening, projected to the group, and reading
passages in a test booklet. Each test taker receives a test booklet which will
be collected at the end of the exam.

The Speaking Test is

conducted by two
trained CELBAN
speaking assessors.

Language
Skill

Listening
Task Types

There are five video

scenarios (in various
settings including hospital,
home, clinic, and medical
office) and four audio
scenarios (phone calls and
shift-to-shift reports).
Scenarios include
interactions between
nurses and patients,
family members, and
other professionals.

Question
Format

Length

Reading

Writing

The reading test includes a

skimming and scanning
section (10 minutes) and a
reading comprehension (40
minutes) section.

The writing test includes a

form that must be
completed and a short
written report.

Text includes various

formats such as charts,
patient notes, manuals, and
information texts related to
health issues.

short answer questions

form-filling (10 minutes)

(skimming and scanning)

report writing

(some in chart format)

multiple choice questions

(reading comprehension),
including a cloze exercise

(20 minutes)

50 minutes

Test takers will be asked to

answer questions to
demonstrate ability to
narrate, describe,
summarize, synthesize,
state and support opinion,
and advise.
In the role plays the test taker
is asked to interact with one
of the assessors who acts as
a standardized patient. Test
takers must ask questions to
obtain information, give
instructions, and offer
explanations.

multiple choice
questions

45 minutes

Speaking

30 minutes

oral questions and

role plays

20 to 30 minutes

See the following page for details on the rating process for each of these test sections.

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Language
Skill

Listening
Rating
Process

Multiple choice questions

are rated using a
validated score key and
automated conversion
calculation.

CELBAN Test Taking Strategies

Reading

Writing

Multiple choice and short

answer questions are
rated using a validated
score key and automated
conversion calculation.

The Writing test is

marked by a single rater
using a validated rubric.
For quality assurance
purposes, spot checks
are regularly performed.

Speaking
Speaking test is conducted
and scored by two raters
and recorded for future
reference if needed by
assessors to verify score. In
the case of a discrepancy
a third rater will review the
results.

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Listening Comprehension
Listening Comprehension Test Format
During the CELBAN listening section, you will answer multiple choice questions, also referred to as
MCQs. MCQs appear in two formats:

Questions with multiple options following a text.

An entry in a form or chart with multiple options.

All of the questions will appear in your test booklet. You will be asked to circle the best option as an
answer to a question or information required in a chart or form.
For example:
TYPICAL MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

CHART-BASED MULTIPLE CHOICE

The colour of the sky is usually:

a) Blue, grey and white
b) Red, blue and green
c) Blue, pink and purple
d) Black and white

Patient name:

a)
b)
c)
d)

Andrea
Stephanie
Lisa
Gisele

Listening Comprehension Strategies

Listening scenarios are played only once.
Pre-read questions.

You will have time before viewing/listening to the scenarios to preread the questions. Use this time to pre-read questions.
Mark answers in the test booklet as soon as you hear the
information you need.

Do not wait until the scenario

ends to mark your answers.

You will view the video, read the questions and select your answers
at the same time.
If you think it may be difficult to watch the video, concentrate on the
questions and answers at the same time; then, listen to the video
and occasionally look at the video, but focus more on reading and
answering the questions.
Practise before the test to find out what strategies work for you.

At the end of each scenario you

will have time to check your
answers.

CELBAN Test Taking Strategies

Use this dedicated time to check your answers. Finish checking

your answers at the end of each scenario when the time is up.
Do not use the time allotted for pre-reading the next tasks
questions.
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Writing
Writing Test Format
During the CELBAN writing section, you will be asked to complete two writing tasks in two different
ways.

Task A: Fill out a form. Record information in point form in a chart format.

Task B: Write a descriptive piece of writing. You will use complete sentences in paragraph
form.

Writing Strategies
Be sure that your handwriting is easy to read (legible).
Follow the instructions carefully regarding the format of your answers.
Remember, Task A and Task B require different formats.
Practise for Task A by filling out forms, and for Task B, by writing descriptive paragraphs.
Time yourself.

Writing Rating Criteria

The criteria listed below are used to rate your writing. You can use these criteria to self-assess your writing.
Criteria for Self-Assessment Task A: Fill out a Form
Spelling
Legibility

Do spelling problems make it difficult for others to understand your writing?

Is your handwriting neat and easy to read?
Or, does it make it difficult to understand your writing?

Point form

Do you use point form effectively? Do you omit unnecessary words and include
necessary words to convey information clearly?

Main points

Do you include the important main points when you fill in forms?

Supporting details

Do you include important supporting details when you fill in forms?

Criteria for Self-Assessment Task B: Descriptive Writing

Effectiveness
Grammar
Fluency
Vocabulary
Content

Is key information accurate and clear?

Is the language you use generally correct grammatically?
Are you able to use complex structures correctly?
Are ideas organized well? Have you used language appropriately to connect ideas?
Have you used vocabulary that is appropriate and relevant?
Have you used word forms correctly?
Have you included main ideas and supporting details?

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Reading
Reading Test Format
There are two parts to the reading test: Skimming and Scanning, and Reading Comprehension. These
are both explained on this and the next pages.

Skimming and Scanning Test Format

What is skimming? Skimming is reading quickly to determine the main idea of a text.
What is scanning? Scanning is reading quickly to find specific details in a text.

Skim and Scan: text, questions and space for marking your answers are provided in the test
booklet. Skim and scan the text for specific information required to answer the questions.

Skimming and Scanning Strategies

There is a short amount of time, so plan your time well.
Look at the text quickly (skimming) and determine the purpose.
Read each question and try to find the information required quickly (scanning).
Difficulty answering a question? Go to the next question. You can always go back to the
unanswered question later if time allows.
Be careful when copying information from the text. If information is copied incorrectly, it will be
marked wrong.
Make sure that you use correct spelling. Copy accurately from the text when appropriate.
Make sure that you include the full name if the text gives the full name. (e.g., If the text refers
to John Doe, and the answer requests name, your answer should be John Doe, not just
John or Doe.)
Do not include extra information in your answer. (e.g., If the question only asks for the street
address, do not include the city.) Extra information will be marked wrong.
Make sure you include the full information in your answer. (e.g., If the question only asks for
the birth date, make sure you include month, date and year; do not omit one of these.)
Make sure that your handwriting is legible (easy to read).

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Reading
Reading Comprehension Test Format
There are four reading comprehension tasks. You will need to demonstrate a range of comprehension
skills. These may include finding main ideas, finding supporting details and making inferences. In order
to answer the questions, you will need to read the texts thoroughly, not just skim and scan.
The last task is a cloze exercise (fill-in-the-blanks). Read the entire passage once through quickly,
ignoring the blanks to get the gist (the general content of the text). Then read again for meaning, line by
line to select the best option from the multiple choices provided to fill in the blanks.

MCQ (three tasks) choose the best multiple choice option for each item in the test booklet.

Fill-in-the-blanks (one task) you will be provided with a text that has fill-in-the-blank options.
Choose the best option out of four and mark it in the test booklet.

Reading Comprehension Strategies

Choose an answer, even if you have to guess. The item will be marked wrong if left
unanswered.
Do not choose two answers. If two answers are indicated, the item will be marked wrong.
If you change your mind about an answer, make sure that you fully erase the first answer.
If you think your original answer is incorrect, but you are not sure whether or not to change it
leave the original answer.

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Speaking
Speaking Test Format
During the speaking test, you will interact in person with two trained CELBAN speaking assessors. It
will take about 30 minutes. The assessment will be recorded in case there is a need to review the
scoring.
The speaking test has four different types of spoken interactions:

Opening and introductory questions about familiar, every day topics

Role plays with nursing scenarios and/or nursing-related topics

Discussion questions about concepts, ideas opinions

Conclusion

During the question portions of the test, one assessor will be conversing with you while the other will be
taking notes. During the role play, one of the assessors will take on the role of a patient or a nurse, and
test takers will assume a nurse role.
Remember that throughout the speaking test, including the role plays, we are assessing your language
skills, not your clinical skills. Focus on communicating your intent and meaning clearly and purposefully.
Speaking Strategies
Speak in your normal voice, but be sure that your volume is loud enough to be easily heard
by the assessors.
Take your time. Listen carefully to the questions and answer the specific questions being
asked, and organize the information you use in the answer so that the assessors can follow
your meaning.
Be sure to listen to directions and follow them closely. Also read the role play cards carefully.
In an assessment you must address the topic and the situation provided to you or you will
lose points on topic relevance.
Do not worry about making mistakes in medical knowledge. In this interview, your language
proficiency is being assessed, not your medical knowledge. However, correct and accurate
non-technical, nursing-related vocabulary is required to get a strong score.
If you normally use reading glasses, bring them to the CELBAN speaking test, since there will
be some written instructions for you to read during the interview.

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CELBAN Speaking Tasks

The speaking tasks on the CELBAN speaking test represent authentic tasks based on an in-depth analysis
of the language demands of the nursing profession across Canada.
During the CELBAN speaking test, you might be asked to carry out any of the following speaking tasks.
The best way to prepare is to practice the speaking tasks listed below:

Tell a story.

Report an incident.

Provide a description.
Present a comparison.

Ask for or gather information (i.e. from a client/patient).

Give instructions or educate (i.e. from a client/patient).

Encourage, motivate and persuade.

Discuss an issue and give/ support an opinion.

Explain a problem and propose or hypothesize about possible solutions.

Speaking Rating Criteria

The criteria listed below are used to rate your speaking. Consider these criteria when practicing for the test.
Criteria for Self-Assessment Speaking
Communication

Intelligibility

Grammar

Are you able to communicate effectively in carrying out the tasks required of you?
Are you able to take initiative for an interaction with some confidence?
Is your pronunciation clear? How about the stress and intonation of your sentences?
Do other people usually understand your speech without much effort?
Is the language you use generally correct grammatically?
Are your sentences short and simple, but accurate, or long and complex and accurate?
Do you use appropriate and accurate vocabulary to discuss different topics?

Vocabulary

Fluency

Is your vocabulary basic (you can talk about everyday, familiar topics) or more advanced
(you can talk about concepts, ideas and other abstract topics)?
How much do you hesitate and pause when you are speaking?
Is the tempo of your speech fairly even?

Organization

Do you present main ideas and clearly support them with a rationale and/or evidence?

Connecting Ideas

Do you introduce and conclude topics appropriately, and use connecting words and
phrases to connect ideas?

Initiative

Do you have the language skills to help you take initiative and engage confidently?

Strategies

Do you apply communication strategies to help you communicate effectivelly?

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CELBAN Role Plays

The idea of taking part in a role play can be intimidating if you have not done a role play before. You
can practice by conducting a mock interview with a family member or a friend. Use the list of tasks on
the previous page to guide you.
To prepare for a successful interaction, get in the habit of practising the communication strategies listed
below:
Role Play Strategies
Establish rapport and engage the role player.
Use appropriate tone, level of formality and vocabulary for the situation.
Ask for clarification (ask further questions) to make sure you understand.
Explain the reasons for your questions and instructions.
Support any suggestions or directions with a rationale.
Dont be afraid to correct yourself.
Be empatheric but firm.
Affirm the person to whom you are speaking.

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CELBAN Test Preparation

How to Prepare for CELBAN
CELBAN is a made-in-Canada test. It is referenced to the Canadian Language Benchmarks and
reflects nursing practice in Canada. Canadian health care is patient-centred and team-oriented and
thus requires strong communication competencies.
CELBAN is a task-based assessment. We are interested in your communicative ability, so we evaluate
how you perform a task using the English language. The best way to prepare for a test like CELBAN is
to develop the language skills that we describe in this Test Taking Strategies guide. These language
skills will help you become a clear and more confident communicator, so think about preparing for
CELBAN as professional development.
In Canada, the culture of learning relies on self-direction. This means adults, and even children, are
expected to be engaged and take responsibility for their own learning. To this end, the Centre for
Canadian Language Benchmarks and the CELBAN Centre have prepared a number of resources to
which you can refer when preparing to take CELBAN.
The following resources are available to help you prepare for CELBAN:
CELBAN Tip Sheets
The CELBAN Centre website has information that can help you prepare for test day. CELBAN Tip
Sheets describe some strategies to improve test performance. Each one-page tip sheet focuses on one
skill area or general studying or test-taking strategy. Sample questions feature tasks that you will have
to complete as part of the CELBAN test and in your nursing practice. Visit www.celbancentre.ca.
Online Self-Assessment
The CCLB has developed an Online Self-Assessment to help you gauge if you are ready to take CELBAN.
Visit www.celbancentre.ca to access this resource.
English as a Second Language (ESL) language Training Programs
The best way to gain accuracy in language use is to get some professional help. An ESL program, a
private tutor, or online self-directed learning programs are all good options. Focus on your spelling
accuracy (especially of medical terms), your sentence structure (your speaking and writing must be
clear, one of the easiest way to be clear is to use correct grammar!), and organization (use an
organizing principle to guide you when communicating, for example: introduce, support, conclude, or
choose three main points and keep your communication focused on those, or use a technique like
SBAR situation, background, assessment and recommendation).
Working in a Health-Related English-Speaking Environment
Being immersed in English will help your fluency and confidence. Listen and learn from professionals
around you. Be active and ask questions.
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Nursing Bridging Education

Canadian nursing practice can be quite different from nursing practice in other countries. This might
include the scope of practice (what a nurse is allowed to do and expected to do with and for patients)
and standards for communication. Canada has a patient-centred approach to care. Language and
communication skills are therefore a core competency.
A patient-centered care approach requires nurses to understand patients needs and desires for their
health care and wellbeing, as well as to communicate with patients and their families about shared
health care goals and priorities. Good communication underlies effective teamwork and enables
efficient delivery of health care services. But most importantly, sound communication skills help health
practitioners meet legal and ethical requirements related to documenting patient interviews,
assessments, care plans, and treatment outcomes.
Nurses need to be proficient at communicating effectively and flexibly, in a variety of media and
contexts. Nurses must practice safely, with integrity and professionalism, communicating across
language, cultural, generational, and situational barriers.
There are programs available across Canada that provide orientation and language & communication
training to internationally educated nurses. If you have the opportunity to join one of these programs,
this is recommended. Participation in such a program is great practice for CELBAN, especially when
the program offers the Institutional CELBAN.
Test Preparation Programs
Although there are some test preparation courses available at school boards, colleges, and through
private providers we do not endorse any test preparation programs. If you decide to invest in such a
program make sure that the program is reputable and that you get good references.

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CELBANTM is the property of the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks.

This Test Taking Strategies Booklet was prepared by:

2004, 2014, 2016 Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks