FREE Live Events

What are CELBANPrep Live Events?

Not just for nurses

CELBANPrep / CELBAN Help Centre Events, are live online learning and discussion sessions for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) and other Internationally Educated Heathcare Professionals (IEHPs) preparing for healthcare communication in Canada. These Live Events are not another CELBANPrep University course.

 These Live Events are the place to explore, 

while the University is the place to develop.

What happens at the events?

The sessions can include:

• CLB skill-development activities related to the Canadian Language Benchmarks.

• Self-evaluation, so you can identify what you can already do and what you need to develop.

• CELBAN preparation questions and discussion.

• Healthcare and professional communication in the Canadian context.

• Opportunities to learn alongside other IENs/IEHPs rather than studying entirely on your own. 

They emphasize understanding the skills behind CELBAN, rather than simply memorizing practice questions: at an affordable price consistent with the Compassionate Pricing Policy.

Upcoming 2026 schedule

The current series runs from September through December 2026, with Saturday sessions:

• September 19

• October 3

• October 17

• November 7

• November 21

• December 5

• December 19

• Dates, Times, & Cost 

Cost

Your first event is free. After that, the current information says participation is $10 per session, with a series option also available.

First event: FREE

Individual subsequent events: $10

Full series: $44

Current schedule: see Dates, Times, & Cost 

Registration is required, and the sessions are conducted through Zoom. 

👉 CELBANPrep & CELBAN Help Centre Events

👉 Event Registration Website

One important distinction

These are not the official CELBAN exam.

These live events are not an official CELBAN Centre examination-preparation program or a guarantee of a particular score. 

The CELBAN Help Centre Live Events are better thought of as a CLB-informed learning/community supplement that can help you understand your communication skills and preparation needs. 

You can see the current event information and registration here: 

👉 Event Registration Website

👉 Dates, Times, & Cost 

Where are you in your CELBAN Preparation Journey?

Are you just starting CELBAN preparation? 

• (Interested in the Bronze Information Bundle or the GOLD Course Bundle)

Have you already taken CELBAN and are preparing for a retake? 

• (Interested in the Silver Bundle)

Continue reading as we explain how these events useful for you and how to combine them with other CELBAN study.

If you are just starting CELBAN preparation

The events can be quite useful, especially during your first few weeks.

Your goal at this stage should not be to memorize hundreds of CELBAN questions. Instead, you want to answer:

• What exactly does CLB/CELBAN assess?

• What does good healthcare communication in English look like?

• What does the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) framework mean for my preparation?

If you're a beginner this is the process:

Event ➡️ understand yourself ➡️ identify needs ➡️ structured study.

How to Combine the Events & Your Preparation

As you explore the Bronze Information Bundle contemplate the GOLD Course Bundle use a simple 4-part approach when attending the events:

1. Understand ➡️ 2. Assess yourself ➡️ 3. Develop ➡️ 4. Practice

For example:

UNDERSTAND: Attend your first CELBAN Help Centre Event: the first event is currently free. 

ASSESS: Participate in the activities to determine what skill to focus on. Identify your weakest 1–2 skills.

DEVELOP: Start keeping a notebook to develop an intensive study plan; spend most of your study time developing those skills.

PRACTICE: Do some basic Reading, Listening, Writing or Speaking activities to practice the skill you identified during the session: one skill and one step at a time.

Continue attending selected live events when you are available.

If you already took CELBAN and are preparing for a retake

Use your previous results intelligently.

Don't approach the retake as:

"I need to do more practice tests." ❌

Instead ask:

"Why didn't I get the result I needed?" ✅

If you have your CELBAN results/feedback report, use it as your starting point. 

This is your process:

Previous CELBAN feedback ➡️ Event/self-evaluation ➡️ identify next steps ➡️ targeted development ➡️ practice

For example

Suppose your previous result tells you that Writing needs improvement.

Don't spend 80% of your time doing random CELBAN Writing questions.

Instead:

1. Look at what your feedback tells you.

2. Identify the underlying problem: whether the problem is grammar, organization, vocabulary, clarity, task completion, professional communication, or something else.

3. Attend a Live CELBAN Help Centre/CELBAN.info Live Event.

4. Identify the next step to developing that skill.

5. Practice that specific skill identified during the live event.

6. Continue until you are ready to go to the next level up.

Do this for Speaking, Listening and Reading as well.

How to Use the CELBAN Help Centre Events to Prepare for a Retake

Before an event, bring a specific question such as:

• "I understand the question, but I don't know how detailed my answer should be."

• "My writing is grammatically correct, but my score isn't improving. What should I look at?"

• "I know the medical vocabulary, but I have difficulty explaining things naturally to a patient."

• "How can I evaluate whether my Speaking response is actually effective?"

• "I received feedback on my previous CELBAN. How should I turn that feedback into a study plan?"

You are encouraged, as a participant, to bring your previous CELBAN feedback/results and questions about your preparation.

“What can I expect from a Live Event?” 

Answers to practical questions about the experience.

1. Will I actually speak or write during an Event?

You may be wondering:

• Is participation mostly listening? No. Events are interactive, participatory, and experiential.

• Will we as participants answer questions aloud? Yes, and/or in the chat.

• Are there breakout rooms? No.

• Will we as participants do Speaking activities? Yes. When events or segments focus on speaking skills or Medical Collocations. 

• Will we write something during the session? Yes. When events or segments focus on writing skills, grammar, sentence structure, or Medical Collocations. 

• Will the facilitator look at our responses? Yes. 

• Is participation voluntary or expected? Active participation is encouraged because these Live Events are designed around experiential learning. You may contribute by speaking, writing, answering in the chat, completing self-assessments, taking part in role-play, or participating in guided feedback, depending on the topic. You do not have to participate in every activity, but the more actively you engage, the more opportunity you have to receive feedback and identify your own development needs.

Your participation may be through sharing the results of your self-assessment quizzes, participating in guided feedback (written or spoken), participating in role-playing for medical assessments either as the healthcare provider or patient, and other interactive practice activities. 

2. What does "guided feedback" mean?

You may be wondering, "Does guided feedback mean the instructor explains common problems to the whole group, or can an individual participant receive feedback on their own Speaking/Writing?"

The answer is both. 

For example:

1. Participants are presented with a writing or speaking activity. 

   1. • When it comes to writing, you are invited to share your work with the group. 

      • When it comes to speaking, you are invited to participate in a role play as the patient or the healthcare professional. 

2. Feedback is then given to individual participants within the group setting.

3. Participants are invited into the feedback giving process.

4. You, as a participant, are then not only involved in engaging in activities, but also engaging in peer-to-peer activities. 

NOTE: Personalized one-on-one or group coaching can be integrated separately, along with CELBANPrep University Gold and Silver Bundles, for you if you are seeking individualized Speaking and Writing feedback.

3. How much individual feedback will I receive?

Will my Speaking or Writing be individually assessed during a Live Event?

When activities focus specifically on speaking or writing, you are welcome to contribute your writing or engage in the role playing and speaking activities. Your contributions will then be reviewed by peers and the facilitator: in the group setting. 

The feedback can be specific to your individual contribution, but it takes place within the live group setting. It is not one-on-one coaching or a private individual assessment.

4. Are the Events CELBAN practice tests

Will I complete a full CELBAN practice test during an Event?

No. You will not complete a full CELBAN practice test, nor will you participate in lessons that are part of the CELBANPrep University Silver or Gold Bundles. Instead, the activities and quizzes presented during these events will be focused on material, content, and information, available through the CELBAN Help Centre, (which is www.CELBAN.info). 

The Live events include:

• CLB-based individual activities.

• skill-development activities.

• quizzes.

• role-playing. 

They do not include:

• CELBAN-style questions,

• full mock examinations.

The emphasis of the Live Events is on understanding, assessing, developing, and practicing individual skills rather than memorizing practice questions, using CELBAN-style questions, or imitating the exam.

5. Does every Event have the same format?

Are all Live Events the same?

No. They depend on the topic of the day.

Live elements can include different activities.

• Each Event has a particular focus.

• Activities vary according to the topic.

• All events will be interactive, participatory, and experiential.

• They will start with activities that increase your awareness through self-assessments, then provide insights into how you can progress to the next benchmark. 

• They will also focus on different elements of grammar by presenting Medical Collocations for you to adopt and learn in your writing and speaking. 

That helps someone decide whether this particular Event is relevant to them.

6. What level of English do I need?

"What if my English is weak? Will I be able to participate?"

As a general guideline, it is recommended that you have a conversational level of English. Based on our experience, a base CLB or IELTS level of about a 5 or higher in reading, writing, speaking, and listening is recommended so that you can follow and participate without becoming overwhelmed.

If you do not know your CLB level, you can use this free online assessment tool.

Whether you come at a 5, a 6, or a 7, you will gain insight into what you need to do as an individual to increase your skill level and demonstrate your skills with greater clarity and confidence.

You do not need to have taken CELBAN or already be well prepared. 

7. Do I need to be a CELBANPrep University student?

No. 

8. Do I need to prepare anything before attending?

What should I bring to an Event?

Bring yourself,  your willingness to learn, your attentiveness, and your curiosity. 

You might also bring:

• CELBAN feedback report, if you have taken the CELBAN and seek to increase your benchmark score in one of the 4 skill areas.

• questions about a skill you're struggling with.

• something you've been practising and are not sure about.

• your willingness to participate!

If you are a beginner, and have not taken the CELBAN, take the FREE Virtual Tour so that you can develop some questions to bring.

9. Will the Event tell me exactly what I need to study?

Will someone create an individualized study plan for me during the Event?

No. That happens during orientation sessions with the Silver and Gold CELBANPrep University bundles. What will happen during the live events is that you will be presented with self-assessment tools to identify individual microskills you can work on, develop, and practice. 

As you become able to demonstrate them with confidence, based on what you have learned and the notes you have taken during the Live Event, you will know what you need to do to reach the next benchmark. 

During events you engage in self-evaluation and identifying development needs.

CELBANPrep University offers individualized learning and study plans within the context of the structured self-directed development components. 

10. How do Events differ from Bronze, Silver and Gold?

Live Events and University bundles are separate but complementary. 

The distinction is:

The Live Events are about live interaction, exploration, questions, discussion and community

The Bronze Bundle is about orientation, information and self-evaluation if you are new to the CELBAN.

The Silver Bundle is intensive self-directed skill development after receiving CELBAN feedback.

The GOLD Bundle offers deeper integrated professional development and CELBAN preparation.

BONUS: What will I leave the Event with?

Depending on your level of attentiveness, willingness, engagement, and participation you may leave a Live Event with:

• a better understanding of a communication micro-skill

• identification of a personal development need;

• feedback on an activity

• a clear step about what to practice

• awareness on how to give feedback

• knowledge about how to assess your own abilities

• greater awareness about Medical Collocations

• understanding how Medical Collocations impact grammar when writing and speaking.

• transforming awkward wording so you can communicate and write more naturally as a medical and healthcare professional: in English.

FAQ

What are CELBANPrep & CELBAN Help Centre Events?

Also known as CELBAN.info events, CELBANPrep events are live-learning sessions and interactive encounters integrated within the CELBANPrep educational ecosystem. Created by Kim Kara M.Ed., CELBANPrep was designed to help Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) and other healthcare professionals develop English-language and healthcare communication skills to navigate their licensing and professional journey in Canada.

Within the CELBANPrep framework, which includes information nodes, publishing, and CELBANPrep University, these events serve as the live-learning component.

Our emphasis is on exploring, noticing, questioning and understanding, rather than giving you, as a participant, a collection of answers or practice questions.

What are the Key Aspects of CELBANPrep Events & Learning Structure

There are 3 key elements to the CELBANPrep & CELBAN Help Centre Live Events: live human encounters, skill development, and holistic support. 

1. Unlike static books, self-study e-books, or asynchronous modules, CELBANPrep events provide live interaction around core knowledge and skill practice.

2. Events are tied to the CLB framework, providing ways for you to develop your skills from one benchmark to the next to reinforce writing, reading, listening, and speaking capabilities.

3. Staying true to the CELBANPrep philosophy, live sessions often focus not just on the/an exam but on managing the mental, physical, and emotional realities of preparing for high-stakes professional exams (like the CELBAN) while transitioning to life and practice in Canada.

What can I expect to happen during live events?

Depending on the topic of the day live elements often incorporate assessment quizzes, guided feedback, role-playing for medical assessments, and a focus on Medical Collocations. With a focus on interactive practice, these sessions are intended as targeted communication strategy sessions.

You don't need to be enrolled in CELBANPrep University to attend. 

You also don't need to have taken CELBAN or already be well prepared.

How do the CELBANPrep & CELBAN Help Centre Live Events fit together?

CELBANPrep is an independent educational ecosystem created by Kim Kara M.Ed., specifically for Internationally Educated Nurses. Within that ecosystem, CELBANPrep events co-hosted with the CELBAN Help Centre, function as the live-learning nodes (such as live webinars, interactive sessions, or community Q&As). 

Here learners gather for live human interaction around communication strategies and professional development. 

The CELBANPrep ecosystem has many landscapes:

• CELBAN.info / CELBAN Help Centre which is information and knowledge => to understand.

• CELBANPrep University is structured learning and skill development => to develop.

• The CELBANPrep & CELBAN Help Centre Events are live exploration, questions, discussion and community => to connect.

We are not saying, "Attend these Events instead of taking a course." 

Our Events are intended to complement the structured preparation offered through CELBANPrep University.

Are the CELBANPrep Events just for Internationally Educated Nurses?

No. Although these sessions provide a space for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs), because of the transferability of healthcare communications: Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHPs)  are welcome to explore communication skills, ask questions, and learn alongside peers who are navigating the similar professional licensing journey. 

Who are the CELBANPrep Events just for?

CELBANPrep & CELBAN.info / CELBAN Help Centre co-hosted events can be useful for you if you...

• are beginning CELBAN preparation.

• have already taken CELBAN and received feedback.

• aren't sure about what you need to improve.

• want to ask questions.

• want to understand the CLB framework better.

Are the CELBANPrep Events/ CELBAN Help Centre Events only about CELBAN?

No. True to Kim Kara's educational philosophy, live interactions provide whole person support: often address the broader emotional and mental aspects of exam preparation and transition, rather than focusing strictly on test mechanics.

How Live Events Fit Into The CELBANPrep University Structure

While the CELBANPrep bundles themselves provide the core on-demand library, lessons, and digital resources, live events act as the interactive bridge across CELBANPrep University. They give you a human touchpoint to discuss material encountered in the bundles, ask questions about tricky grammar or workplace scenarios, and combat the isolation of independent study.

Note: While the self-study bundles are intentionally kept affordable, additional personalized elements like one-on-one or group coaching can be integrated separately for students seeking individualized feedback on their speaking and writing.

How do the Live Events connect to the Bronze, Silver, and Gold bundles?

Within CELBANPrep University, the existing centres (Information Centre and the Bronze Bundle, Resource Centre and the Silver Bundle, and Learning Centre with the GOLD bundle) and the live events (hosted through the CELBAN Help Centre) serve separate but complementary functions.

The primary distinction is that the bundles are self-directed, on-demand digital curriculums, while CELBANPrep and the CELBAN Help Centre co-host the live events to provide more human interaction, community connection, and real-time Q&A at a more affordable price.

How Live Events Connect to Each Bundle

1. Understand ➡️ 2. Assess yourself ➡️ 3. Develop ➡️ 4. Practice

Note on Structure 

CELBANPrep University Bundles, themselves, are accessed primarily as self-paced modules (via Google Classroom) once you have had your student orientation session. CELBANPrep and CELBAN Help Centre co-hosted Live Events operate as a separate, interactive layer within the broader CELBANPrep ecosystem to support students who want group based human-guided communication assessment, development and practice experiences through Zoom. As such Google Classroom and Student Advisory Onboarding is not necessary.