Dear Kim,
Dear S,Welcome to both Canada and CELBANPrep! My first question I ask people, is about their score on previous or other English Proficiency exams. There is a reason for doing this. It allows me to know where a person is when it comes to English, and to assess how ready a person is to take CELBANPrep.
It is notable and commendable that you have such a great score. A 5 and 6 means that you are very comfortable with the language, and can get along quite well in every day life with a language level akin to high school. I am wondering, have you looked into the required scores to become a nurse? In most provinces the required scores on the CELBAN are: listening 10, reading 7, writing 7, speaking 8.
When most people look at that they think, oh it is only one or two points. But this is not so. There is a big difference in the language skill of a person with a 6, a 7, an 8. It takes lots of time, preparation and practice to increase a score by one point.
The difference between a 5-6 and a 7-8-10 is the difference between the vocabulary and writing skills of a person in high school compared to a person in University. In most provinces your English score is also a university entrance score, if you are required to take upgrading type courses. So it is very important to improve your English in all areas to a 7, to have the greatest success on the exam. At this point in time it may be better for you to look for local resources where you can work on your professional English language skills. I also recommend you check out:
I highly recommend the Study Guides for guidance on how to improve your vocabulary and speed by reading and listening to academic and medical sources. They are only $4.99. It will take time and practice to get your scores high enough to pass the CELBAN.
When you have improved your skill level, and have a greater confidence at an advanced level, then I would recommend you take CELBANPrep to prepare for the exam. Alternatively you can choose to take CELBANPrep, but expect to spend about a year improving your English skills before taking the exam. Remember you are only allowed to take the exam 3 times, and it will expire in 2 years. The process of becoming a nurse takes longer than 2 years, so you must ensure you have one chance available when your exam expires in two years!
In the mean time work hard and focus on your grammar to improve your score in reading, writing and speaking.
Do you have access to local resources at an intermediate or advanced English level?
Kim
