College of Canadian Immigration Practitioners of Canada

present the CIPC CERTIFICATE / DIPLOMA / DEGREE for CIC recognitions to CSIP
members in Canada immigration industry
members who are considered under the Granddfather clause ( three years practice) are exempted from writing this test and will obtain diploma immediately
When it comes to Immigration Practitioners identity and recognitions is vastly important. Leaving a lasting impression sets you apart from your competitors. Identity from the very beginning - from educations and certifications - helps to break through in the marketing fields. It is the way to be Immigration Practitioners and unique and at the same time meet your Client's expectations, being catchy without being odd .This is our Pro credo.
We create only special -made ,original immigration programs for your daily needs ,speciality done to reflect your distinctive immigration practice and identity. CSIP is and your sensitive to your needs, aims and preferences. We'll do the best of your ideas for your recognitions in this industry , or - if you don't have any - we'll simply do the best. In the shortest possible time. This is our way.
Marketing an immigration practitioners break-through often makes gaps in your recognition,but not this time. In addition to the affordability of our immigration program design, we provide really exclusive immigration and education services: no extra fees are taken for revisions and you can be sure that you are getting the best recognition by the CIC and the CIC clients, which you want, for a full recognition.
And this is only one of our advantages for our society CSIP and your profession! Questions Frequently Asked About the CSIP Immigration Competency Tests CICT at the College of immigration practitioners of Canada CIPC
CIPC COLLEGE OF IMMIGRATION PRAC Page 1 of 11
http://www.csip.ca/CIPC%20immigration%20program%20.html 5/21/2006
This document is intended to provide more detailed answers to a number of questions immigration practitioners commonly ask about the Immigration Competency Test. We have been asked all of the questions below, in some cases by nearly every member phoning to enquire about the test.
1. What is the purpose of writing the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT at CIPC ?
2. How do I know that writing the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT is the
appropriate thing for Immigration practitioner to do?
3. How much does the CICT CSIP Immigration Competency Test cost?
4. Are sample tests available?
5. Does CSIP provide tutorial help for applicants preparing the write the CSIP Immigration
Competency Test CICT?
6. Which books would you recommend Member use to prepare to study for the CSIP
Immigration Competency Test CICT?
7. How long is the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
8. How many questions are there on the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
9. What alternatives to the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT are available?
10. When is the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT available?
11. Where is the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT available?
12. I have an appointment to write the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT, but
something has come up and I can't make my appointment. What should I do?
13. I did an Immigration assessment test at UBC or Seneca equivalent or somewhere else
recently, and they told me I had a good grade level Does this mean I don't need to study
for the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
14. Do I receive "academic credit" for writing the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
15. Can I write the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT more than once?
16. How long does it take for my test results to become available?
17. How do the results of the test member write get to the CSIP Admissions ?
18. How can I find out the results of my test?
19. Would the results of the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT be recognized by other
educational institutions or the CIC Canada Immigration?
20. What do I need to bring when I write the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
21. Are formula sheets permitted or provided for me to use when I write the CSIP Immigration
Competency Test CICT?
22. How long are the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
23. Are there multiple-choice questions on the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
24. What is the grading system used for the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
25. Are the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT hard?
26. I'm not very good at regulations of IRPA problems. Are there word problems on the CSIP
Immigration Competency Test CICT?
27. I need entry level immigration program with a base of IRPA / IRPR . If I wrote the CSIP
Immigration Competency Test CICT and got a the entry level , would that be good enough?
28. When member wrote the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT, I got answers for 42 of
the 45 questions. How is it that my mark on the test was only 60%?
29. What is the silliest thing I can say when I phone to discuss arranging an appointment to
write the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
CIPC COLLEGE OF IMMIGRATION PRAC Page 2 of 11
http://www.csip.ca/CIPC%20immigration%20program%20.html 5/21/2006
What is the purpose of writing the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
The "CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT" refers to a set of tests administered by the CSIP educational Department to enable immigration practitioners for various CSIP immigration programs to meet either fill out the applicant immigration applications or appeal the clients applications and represent at the IAD , IRB entrance requirements for admission simply by writing a test to demonstrate that they have the entry level immigration skills necessary for success in their programs at CSIP.
Applicants / members who have achieved an adequate grade of Seneca, UBC or any other immigration education program in the prerequisite immigration course sufficiently recently would have no need to write the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT at CIPC
Back to the top.
How do I know that writing the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT at CIPC is the
appropriate thing for me to do?
There are two distinct answers to this question.
Firstly, you need to find out from the CIPC Admissions Office whether or not the results of a CSIP
Immigration Competency Test CICT will be accepted for the level of Practice you wish to enter at CIPC. Although these test results are accepted for admission into many immigration level of practice certificate , diploma or Degree programs at College of Immigration Practitioners of Canada , there are many exceptions. For example, CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT results are not accepted in support of applications to enter CIPC programs at CSIP. The CSIP Admissions Office will normally confirm that the program you have applied to will accept CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT results by giving you a completed "Request to Write the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT" form. Keep this form, because you will need it later if you decide to write a CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT.
Secondly, you must decide if the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT is an appropriate way for you to establish the Immigration skills prerequisite in which you are deficient. To get a good score on these tests, you must really be able to demonstrate Immigration working knowledge of nearly all of the Immigration categories and topics in the corresponding post secondary immigration course at CIPC. If you do not have that level of knowledge, then writing the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT is a waste of your time and money.
You may find the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT an effective and efficient way to
document your immigration skills for the CIPC Admissions Department if:
(1) You are quite certain that you possess the required immigration knowledge and skills, but you are unable to provide adequate documentation, or,
(2) You have taken similar courses that are not yet recognized by CIPC (perhaps because they were taken in another country, or were courses that are not officially accredited as being equivalent to Canada immigration knowledge ), or,
(3) You have recently taken immigration program but did not quite achieve the required grade, or,
(4) You have taken immigration program more than five years ago, and are required to refresh their standing in one of these courses.
If you fall into one of these categories (or a similar situation), then perhaps with a few weeks of intensive personal review, you can upgrade your immigration skills enough to achieve the required
grade on the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT.
You should probably not consider the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT if you think that to
prepare for the test, you will have to re-learn nearly all of the IRPA / IRPR material in the immigration
CIPC COLLEGE OF IMMIGRATION PRAC Page 3 of 11
http://www.csip.ca/CIPC%20immigration%20program%20.html 5/21/2006
prerequisite course. For most people, it is easier to learn most of the Immigration material in a course by
taking the Electronically actual course at CSIP website. In that case, if you take the course and get the
required final grade, you would not have to write the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT.
Back to the top.
How much does the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT cost?
There is a $35 charge every time you write the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT. This
charge may be paid by cheques or credit card, or by any other method of payment supported at CIPC. If
paying in person, please present your "Request to Write the CSIP Immigration Competency Test
CICT" form to the cashier so that it can be stamped indicating the fee has been paid.
Back to the top.
Are sample tests available?
Yes, the policy under which this assessment testing is done at CIPC does permit us to circulate sample
tests to applicants through CSIP website.
In addition, we do provide a lot of information on this website www.csip.ca about the content of the
tests, so it should be quite easy for you to determine if you are adequately prepared to write a test.
The entry level of immigration assessment test is based on the list of most important immigration skills
for new immigration students entering programs requiring a some knowledge about immigration
prerequisite. This list is not available at this time here wait until September 2006, and contains a
considerable number of examples with answers. The actual assessment tests consist of problems
corresponding to a random selection of the immigration topics in this list.
Originally, the immigration assessment tests were based directly on the CIC Canada immigration IRPA
and IRPR specification for Introductory immigration advisor and Principles of Immigration level two
as those curricula were defined until approximately the spring of 2006. Since then, the CIPC office of
Education has begun implementing extensive changes to its high college and earlier immigration
curriculum. Some of the important "entry level immigration" skills are now covered in earlier levels, but
because of their importance, we still include those topics in our entry level Competency tests. A list of
immigration competencies included in the entry grade level tests is under preparation. You can
download the current draft This list is not available at this time here wait until September 2006. The list
of topics is complete, and as time permits, we will continue to add illustrative examples to the list.
Back to the top.
Does CIPC provide tutorial help for applicants preparing the write the CSIP Immigration
Competency Test CICT?
YEs. We make the tests available to allow you to demonstrate your Immigration skill. It is reasonable
(and important) that you should do some review and self-study before writing the test to freshen your
skills. However, if you require instruction to develop those skills, you should probably take an
Immigration electronic course at CIPC .
Back to the top.
Which books would you recommend I use to prepare to study for the CSIP Immigration
CIPC COLLEGE OF IMMIGRATION PRAC Page 4 of 11
http://www.csip.ca/CIPC%20immigration%20program%20.html 5/21/2006
Competency Test CICT?
There are one book that cover all the immigration Act and regulations found in 2005 Immigration Act of
Canada. You may be able to find copies of the actual current textbooks in public libraries or the libraries
of community colleges about IRPA.
As a general rule, the IRPA book with title such as "The 2005 Annotated" or "CIC website" are probably
at roughly a full entry level. You should be able to judge the level of a reference book by comparing its
coverage of particular topics with the curriculum specifications described in answering the previous
question just above.
Books intended to prepare immigration practitioners to write the so-called CIPC test (for general post
secondary immigration skills completion) do not come even close to preparing you for either the
Diploma or the Degree assessment test. The greatest part of entry level, working with filling
applications in a variety of ways, and so any Immigration book, and pamphlets which does not
emphasize full immigration information will not be helpful. Remind yourself that normally a person
who has been assisted in immigration for years and spent an entire immigration practice practicing each
of these immigration courses, and any reference book (or pamphlet) you use should reflect that volume
of material.
Back to the top.
How long is the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
Most people take about two hours to complete the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT.
However, you are permitted to take as much time as you need. Time should not be a factor in how well
you do on these tests.
Back to the top.
How many questions are there on the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
Typically, the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT have about 20 questions ( 10 covers for
Ethics and 10 covers for IRPR). Of course, this tells you very little, because the amount of work
required to answer a question can vary quite widely in immigration knowledge.
Incidentally, when the tests are graded, all questions are given equal weight (each question counts for
the same number of marks).
Back to the top.
What alternatives to the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICTare available?
All of the alternatives to the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT consist of actually enrolling
in the required prerequisite immigration course or a course that the CSIP Admissions Department
recognizes as equivalent to the prerequisite course, and achieving the required grade.
CSIP does not offer the equivalent of Seneca or UBC, so you will have to consult community college in
your area.
The CSIP courses are recognized by all CIPC programs as equivalent the University degree is offered
evenings several times each year and during the day several times in the summer as a continuing
immigration education course. Elecronic IRPA and IRPR are the identical material offered in a distance
education (correspondence) mode.
CIPC COLLEGE OF IMMIGRATION PRAC Page 5 of 11
http://www.csip.ca/CIPC%20immigration%20program%20.html 5/21/2006
Note that the CSIP immigration course, Refresher Immigration, offered each September as an intensive
review of Immigration, is not an acceptable substitute for Immigration IRPA Principles of Immigration
IRPR for purposes of admission at CIPC.
Of course, senior immigration practitioners offer Immigration Principles of IRPA in a continuing
education mode, offer a variety of courses intended to be equivalent to Immigration Principles of IRPA.
Before taking one of those courses, it is worthwhile to check that it is recognized by the
CIPCAdmissions Department.
Back to the top.
When is the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT available?
The CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT is available by individual appointment during the
regular year (September ), every Saturday, from about 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (to allow you time to finish the
test ). At present, the test is not available on statutory holidays. You must phone (604) 601-8264 to make
a telephone appointment to write the test. You should phone for an appointment at least several days in
advance of the date in which you would like to write the test. Since I make appointments for the tests to
begin when I am between meetings, it is usually possible to find a mutually convenient appointment
time within a few days of you calling. If you are likely to need to do a large amount of preparation for
the test, it is best to wait until your preparation is nearly finished before calling to make an appointment.
During the summer break, June through August, CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT are not
available . These dates and the procedures for arranging to be tested will be announced on this website
near the end of August each year.
Back to the top.
Where is the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT available?
Generally, the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT is available only through the website
Electronic program . Candidates / Practitioners should make at the time of their appointment.
In very special circumstances, arrangements can be made for you to write the test at some remote time
with unlock password. This option is approved all the time, and would be used . Unless you can come
up with an absolutely compelling reason to the contrary that you can use Computer, we will generally
not agree to arranging a test at our locations until you have submitted a formal application for admission
to CSIP, and until you have acquired and are able to provide a copy of a completed "Request to Write
the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT
Our reluctance to arrange such tests is due in part to the extra time it takes to make all the arrangements
and to the fact that in recent years, most of the people requesting to write the test at a remote computer
locations have not ultimately followed through with writing the test, and so we end up wasting a lot of
time and expense to no end. We are quite willing to arrange tests like this for people who have made a
formal a commitment to enter a CIPC program, but please do not ask to have a test arranged for you at a
remote Computer location until you have eliminated other possible options that you are considering. The
point of asking you to provide a copy of the "Request to Write the CSIP Immigration Competency
Test CICT" that you have obtained from the CIPC Admissions Department is to ensure that there is no
miscommunication about the precise test you need to write.
In the past, "remote" has included Vancouver Island, the interior of British Columbia (further inland
than Hope, for instance), and, of course, provinces other than British Columbia. To present your case for
a remote writing of the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT, phone me at 1-604-601-8264, to
discuss the issues and procedures. If you are permitted to write the test at some remote Computer
CIPC COLLEGE OF IMMIGRATION PRAC Page 6 of 11
http://www.csip.ca/CIPC%20immigration%20program%20.html 5/21/2006
location, you will have to identify a person of "appropriate community stature" who will voluntarily
(since I can't pay them) agree to take custody of the test in your community. Such people might be
teachers, counsellors or administrators in a local school or college, local police constable, an
employer/supervisor, a church minister, etc. He or she must be a person at "arms-length" (that is, not a
family member, close relative, member of your bowling or curling team, etc.). Any local expenses
occurring as a result of you writing the test in your own community are your responsibility.
Back to the top.
I have an appointment to write the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT, but something has
come up and I can't make my appointment. What should I do?
Please phone me and at least leave a message cancelling your appointment as soon as you learn that you
will not be able to make it. I have no problem rescheduling a test if circumstances make it necessary (but
don't forget that application deadlines and so forth are set by the Admissions Department at CIPC, not
by me).
When you make an appointment with me to write a CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT, I
expect you to connect to your computer to write the test close to the appointed time. In making an
appointment, I am committing myself to be sitting before a computer when you arrive at the appointed
time. If you simply abandon the appointment without letting me know you will not be coming, I waste
my time waiting for you to arrive.
Back to the top.
I did an immigration assessment test somewhere else recently, and they told me I had a high grade
and good standing to the immigration knowedge. Does this mean I don't need to study for the
CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
I would have no way of answering this question accurately. There are many tests available through
many organizations in this world, and in our experience, such assessment tests vary widely in the degree
to which they actually reflect the IRPA guides in Canada. As mentioned above, the information on this
website www.csip.ca should give you a good idea of what to expect on the CSIP Immigration
Competency Test CICT. Your only reliable guide to determining if you have a reasonable prospect of
success on the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT is to look at this material.
To elaborate slightly, we make two observations. First, the so-called UBC and Seneca tests, and
materials sold to help people prepare for the CSIC test do not come anywhere close to corresponding to
the official CIPC curricula, and so a good score on the CSIC test will not tell you anything about your
preparation to write the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT. Secondly, Immigration
admission tests for specific programs at other education institutions are often designed for that specific
program, and so again do not reflect the entire curricula that the CSIP Immigration Competency Test
CICT cover. Use a bit of common sense -- if you have never completed immigration study or practiced
immigrations, can you really believe someone who has you write a test with little preparation 20 years
after leaving highschool and then tells you that your result is equivalent to a B+ standing in diploma or
degree in immigration?
To answer a related question: at present, we do not "articulate" the CSIP Immigration Competency
Test CICT with any other educational institution or organization. That is, we do not attempt to either
have the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT recognized by other educational institutions, nor
do we attempt to relate scores on tests offered by other institutions to scores on the CSIP Immigration
Competency Test CICT.
Back to the top.
CIPC COLLEGE OF IMMIGRATION PRAC Page 7 of 11
http://www.csip.ca/CIPC%20immigration%20program%20.html 5/21/2006
Do I receive "academic credit" for writing the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
Yes and No.
If you are successful on the IRPA Prerequisite Assessment Test, you will receive a so-called PLAR
("Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition") credit for Diploma (CIPC's internal equivalent of entry
level ) on your permanent academic record at CIPC. Immigration 01 is a "credit" course at CIPC, which
means that it does provide credit towards any credential such as a Degree. However, you may use this
notation on your CIPC academic record whenever you wish to enroll in a degree program that requires
Principal immigration as a prerequisite.
Since the Immigration Department at CIPC does teach an electronically course recognized internally as
equivalent to IRPA Immigration 02, it is possible to award a similar PLAR-type credit for successful
completion of the Immigration Prerequisite Assessment test.
Back to the top.
Can I write the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT more than once?
Yes.
There is no official limit on how many times you may write the CSIP Immigration Competency Test
CICT as far as attempting to meet the Immigration admissions requirement of the CIPC program you
wish to enter. Each time you must pay the $35 fee however to cover processing costs.
In the case of the Degree test for which you have received PLAR credit (see the previous question), you
must wait at least one year before you can rewrite the Principal immigration test in order to attempt to
improve the PLAR grade for Immigration 02 on your CIPC academic record.
Back to the top.
How long does it take for my test results to become available?
Test are normally graded within a day, and the result is emailed to the Admissions Office at CIPC.
Reports on successful completion of a Immigration skills, knowledge, Ethics, test are usually delivered
to the Registrar's Office for recording as PLAR credits for CIPC's Immigration 02 every 4 - 6 weeks, so
normally you would receive written confirmation of that record within a month or two.
Since these tests are primarily intended as ways to acquire needed admission prerequisites, applicants
may want to confirm the result with their Admissions Officer several days after writing the test.
Back to the top.
How do the results of the test I write get to the CIPC Admissions Department?
They are delivered by hand, usually the day after the test is written. Applicants need take no further
action, other than to confirm the status of their application several days after writing the test.
Back to the top.
How can I find out the results of my test?
See the answer to question 16 above. Also, you may ask the person administering the test for other
suggestions.
Back to the top.
Would the results of the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT be recognized by other
CIPC COLLEGE OF IMMIGRATION PRAC Page 8 of 11
http://www.csip.ca/CIPC%20immigration%20program%20.html 5/21/2006
educational institutions?
Because the tests are offered as a service to prospective CSIP Practitioners applying for admission into a
CIPC program, we have made no effort to arrange recognition of these tests by other educational
institutions. Most other institutions would have similar tests or procedures of their own. If you intend to
apply for admission into another educational institution, the CSIP Immigration Competency Test
CICT will very likely be of no use to you!
Back to the top.
What do I need to bring when I write the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
Four things....
(1) Fax your completed "Request to Write the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT" form,
stamped to indicate that you have paid the fee. You may be able to pay the fee conveniently when you
arrive at the at the computer to write the test. However. We cannot let you begin writing the test before
receiving this form from you by fax.
(2) Bring IRPA book . You must have it to be able to do many of the questions on all tests. That IRPA
book must have all the amended and up to date .
(3) bring other materials for writing as you wish. Tests are typed on Computer.
(4) You may be required to show picture identification. A drivers' license would be adequate by fax to
604-582-4887 prior to the test.
Back to the top.
Are Immigration formula sheets permitted or provided for me to use when I write the CSIP
Immigration Competency Test CICT?
Immigration Formula sheets are NOT permitted for use when you are writing the CSIP Immigration
Competency Test CICT. You are provided with a single immigration formula, giving the solutions of
an equation how to charge clients. You must know some basic immigration Accounting formulas, such
as for writing invoice. No other formulas as such are required. If you have a particular concern, check
the outline of topics covered in the tests, or call for more information.
Back to the top.
How long are the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
The tests are designed to take about 2 hours to complete by most people, and this occurs in practice. You
may have more time if you need.
Back to the top.
Are there multiple-choice questions on the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
Yes. All questions are multiple-choice type questions on these tests.
Back to the top.
What is the grading system used for the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
You receive a percent grade initially for the test. All questions on each test are equally-weighted. The
percent grade is also translated into a letter grade for comparison with admissions requirements, using
CIPC COLLEGE OF IMMIGRATION PRAC Page 9 of 11
http://www.csip.ca/CIPC%20immigration%20program%20.html 5/21/2006
the categories specified by the CIPC Education Committee. These are: Pass or C-, 50% - 59%; C, 60% -
66%; C+, 67% - 72%; B, 73% - 85%.
Back to the top.
Are the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
That depends. If you know the work, you should be able to get a good grade. There are no "trick"
questions. However, the tests cover the curriculum of the corresponding course quite comprehensively,
and in Immigration, answers are either right or wrong. You will not be able to fake it on these tests.
Back to the top.
I'm not very good at applications problems. Are there application problems on the CSIP
Immigration Competency Test CICT?
Of course not. The ability to use basic knowledge to solve problems of practical interest is one of the
key skills you must bring with you to CIPC test, and which will be strengthened and extended as you
study at CIPC for a degree. Human beings communicate with each other with words -- there's no way to
avoid them.
Back to the top.
I need Immigration 01 with a C+. If I wrote the Immigration 02 test and got a C, would that be
good enough for a diploma?
Generally, the CIPC Admissions Department expects you to have the precise prerequisite specified for
the program you apply to enter. Perhaps on rare occasions a case could be made for accepting a higher
specification in place of a non-existent lower specification.
However, this question implies a very poor strategy. Since Immigration 02 builds on, and is more
advanced than Immigration 01, it is extremely unlikely that a person unable to achieve a C+ in
Immigration 01 could come anywhere near achieving a C in Immigration 02. If you need a C+ in
immigration 01, learn the regulations of appeals in Immigration 02 well enough to achieve that C+.
Until you've mastered Immigration 01, it's really not worth thinking about Immigration 02.
(By the way, since it has been asked.... No, a fail in immigration 02 is not as good as a pass in
immigration 01. It just doesn't work that way!)
Back to the top.
When I wrote the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT, I got answers for 42 of the 45
questions. How is it that my mark on the test was only 60%?
Well, of course, you don't get marks for simply attempting questions on the test. You get marks for
writing the Ethics and the knowledgeable and correct solutions to the invoice and legal problems.
Back to the top.
What is the silliest thing I can say when I phone to discuss arranging an appointment to write the
CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT?
This is kind of a facetious question, but it has a serious purpose. It could save some people a certain
amount of frustration and a little bit of wasted money. More often than you'd imagine, we get a phone
call that goes something like this....
CIPC COLLEGE OF IMMIGRATION PRAC Page 10 of 11
http://www.csip.ca/CIPC%20immigration%20program%20.html 5/21/2006
CALLER: Uh, I got a letter or email from CIPC saying I have to write, uh, a immigration 02 test.
YOURS TRULY: OK, have you taken immigration 02 before?
CALLER: No.
YOURS TRULY: Have you been studying immigration 02 on your own?
CALLER: No, I just got this letter today. It says I must get 104% on a immigration 02 test in order to
get into the Degree program, which starts tomorrow. (P. S. Rocket Science types know that you can have more
than 100% in some things. If you listen to the sound track of a NASA launch, you will hear that a short while into the flight,
they throttle back to 104% of full power! But this is to digress....)
YOURS TRULY: But you understand that in order to get the 104% grade, you do need to be quite
familiar with the topics in immigration. It is actually quite hard to get such a high mark on our
immigration 02 assessment test. (Actually, 104% is impossible on our tests. However, it takes a substantial amount of
competence to achieve a C, C+ or B as well.) What was your last immigration course anyway?
CALLER: Well, I took immigration fifteen years ago, but my car broke down so I had to drop out. But I
think I was passing when I dropped out. Anyway, what's in immigration 02 anyway that is so hard. This
shouldn't be a problem. I really have to write that test tomorrow morning.
Other than the rocket science references, the real problem here is that there is something very hard in
immigration 02 for people who have not recently taken the course successfully, or done significant selfstudy
recently. There is a reason immigration 02 is taken in a year following the year in which you
might take immigration 01. It really is an additional entire immigration course.
If you have never completed immigration 02 or a comparable course, and if you haven't done significant
review very recently to refresh your immigration 02 skills, there is really little point in attempting the
CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT. If you have never taken immigration 02, we strongly
encourage you to take it as a course if that is a requirement of the CIPC program you wish to enter,
rather than attempting the CSIP Immigration Competency Test CICT without the skills that a
successful completion of that test requires.
Back to the top.
Copyright ©2003 [Nancy Salloum]. All rights reserved.
Revised: Ocotber 20, 2003
CIPC College of immigration practitioners of Canada
2000-1066 West Hastings, street
Vancouver,British Columbia, Canada, V6E 3X2,
Please report errors and omissions to the CIPC@csip.ca
CIPC COLLEGE OF IMMIGRATION PRAC Page 11 of 11
http://www.csip.ca/CIPC%20immigration%20program%20.html