♪♪ My level of anxiety increases when I received … my schedule for CELBAN

Dear Kim,

Hi Kim. How are you also. Me, I think I’m good for the last couple of days but since last Thursday my level of anxiety increases when I received a letter from CELAS that my scheduled for CELBAN Writing, Reading, and Listening is on October 29 and CELBAN Speaking is on October 30 of this year.

I arrived here at Winnipeg only last April 13, 2013 with my family and stayed here for only 6 months. I’m 43 yrs old and a wife and mother of 3 children. My son is 15 yrs old which is now in Grade 10 and my twins (both girls) will be turning 10 this October 25 and they are now in Grade 5. I was a dialysis nurse in the Philippines before I went here. So to pursue my nursing career here I need to take CELBAN, which is the first requirement for all nursing courses here. Last August I sent them my application and for 2 months I’ve waited, they emailed me that I need to wait for my slots. Some friends told me that I need it to follow up. So I called the number included in their email and they told me that maybe my schedule will be February or March next year. It was good to hear so I have more time to prepare. But unfortunately it not happened and earlier scheduled was given to me which is end of this month as I’ve told you. I tried to call them last Friday to reschedule it for at least November or December but the person who managed the schedule is on vacation and will return this Tuesday. To tell you honestly I’m not yet prepared. I’m starting to review CELBAN only last week when I borrowed some materials in the library.

Also I had not taken any CLB or English Assessment when I arrived here. Only in … College I’ve done it when I was planning to take Health Care Aide course. It’s their requirement and according to them the result of my English assessment was good and it’s above average.

That’s why I tried to google some sites that will help me to prepare before taking CELBAN examination if they cannot canceled it.

More power and hope you can give me advice on what to do before taking CELBAN exam.

Dear L,

I understand your anxiety. I would be anxious with these dates as well. In all honesty, although I can provide free resources there is little support I can provide you in this amount of time. I agree that February or March are better dates, providing you more time to prepare. You already know this, but I often sent the following links to help people understand how important it is to prepare:

While reading these posts on my blog may increase your anxiety and stress, I hope you instead feel validated. Mind you, many people benefit from taking the CELBAN, even if they do not pass, the first time. It allows people to be comfortable and not stressed while taking the exam, but also allows people to become familiar with the exam. Most people who have taken the exam once, before coming to me, have more dedication and work harder on their assignments.

So, if you can post pone the exam, that is great, but if not, that is fine too. But I recommend that you seriously consider the courses I offer. You can get more information at www.celbanprep.info.

Kim