The difference between these two exams is their purpose, the CELPIP is used for applying for permanent residency or citizenship in Canada. While the CAEL is used by Canadian-based universities and colleges for their admission. CELPIP and CAEL exams were both developed by the Paragon Testing Enterprises, which is a Canadian-owned and a branch of the University of British Columbia. Both of these exams are intended to test the language proficiency of an individual who wishes to migrate or study in Canada.