IELTS, CELPIP & More
to CLB Converter
Enter your four test scores to see your Canadian Language Benchmark level in each ability, the lowest level that most programs use, and the first official language points in the Express Entry CRS.
Your test scores
Your CLB levels
Conversions follow the IRCC language test equivalency charts. Programs set their own minimums and can change them. Check IRCC for the program you are applying under. Not immigration advice. Terms →
Same CLB on the other tests
The minimum score on each other test that gives the same CLB level as your result in each ability.
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|
Scores needed for a target CLB
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|
How test scores convert to CLB levels
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French are the standards that immigration programs use to compare language ability. IRCC publishes charts that convert scores from each approved test to a level from 1 to 12, with levels above 10 treated as 10 for most points. This page applies those charts to the four abilities: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Which tests count
- English: IELTS General Training (not Academic), CELPIP-General and PTE Core.
- French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Use the current TEF scoring (tests taken after December 10, 2023).
- The test results are valid for two years from the test date when you submit your application.
The lowest ability usually decides eligibility
Most economic programs set a minimum level in every ability, so the lowest of your four results is the one that counts. A person with CLB 9 in three abilities and CLB 6 in writing meets a CLB 6 minimum, not a CLB 9 one. The calculator shows the lowest level separately for this reason.
Common minimums
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: CLB 7 in all abilities.
- Canadian Experience Class: CLB 7 for TEER 0 and 1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2 and 3 jobs.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: CLB 5 in speaking and listening, CLB 4 in reading and writing.
- Citizenship: CLB 4 in speaking and listening.
- Provincial nominee programs and other streams set their own levels, so check the program page.
Quick reference: IELTS and CELPIP for CLB 7 to 10
| CLB | IELTS Listening | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing | IELTS Speaking | CELPIP (each ability) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 7 |
| CLB 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 8 |
| CLB 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 9 |
| CLB 10 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 10 |
The IELTS listening scale is the one that surprises people: CLB 8 needs 7.5 in listening but only 6.5 in reading, writing and speaking. IELTS uses different conversion thresholds for each ability.
How the CRS language points are calculated
In Express Entry, the first official language earns points for each ability. A person applying alone gets 17 points per ability at CLB 7, 23 at CLB 8, 31 at CLB 9 and 34 at CLB 10 or higher. With a spouse or partner the per-ability values are slightly lower, at 16, 22, 29 and 32, because the spouse can also earn points. The calculator adds the four abilities for the first official language only. It does not include the second official language, the spouse language points or the skill-transferability combinations, which also depend on education and work experience.
Moving from CLB 7 to CLB 9 in every ability raises the first-language points from 68 of 136 to 124 of 136 for a single applicant, before any extra points from skill transferability. That is the reason many applicants retake the test.
If you take the test again
You can retake IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF or TCF as often as you like, and many people improve writing and speaking by preparing for the test format. Plan the date so that results arrive before your invitation or application deadline, and confirm that the lab or test centre reports directly to IRCC where required.
Frequently asked questions
What is CLB 7 in IELTS?
For IELTS General Training, CLB 7 is 6.0 in listening, 6.0 in reading, 6.0 in writing and 6.0 in speaking. Each ability is converted separately.
What is CLB 9 in IELTS?
CLB 9 needs 8.0 in listening and 7.0 in reading, writing and speaking on IELTS General Training.
How does CELPIP convert to CLB?
CELPIP levels map directly: a CELPIP level 9 in an ability is CLB 9, and level 10 or higher is CLB 10.
Is IELTS Academic accepted?
No. For Express Entry and most economic programs IRCC accepts IELTS General Training only.
Which CLB level do I need for Express Entry?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program needs CLB 7 in all abilities, and the Canadian Experience Class needs CLB 7 or 5 depending on the TEER of the job. More points are available at higher levels.
How many CRS points do I get for language?
For a single applicant, the first official language gives 17 points per ability at CLB 7 and 34 per ability at CLB 10 or higher. The calculator adds these for all four abilities.
How long are test results valid?
Two years from the test date, at the time you submit your application.
Does PTE Core work for Express Entry?
Yes, IRCC accepts PTE Core as an English test. Check the current IRCC list before booking, since approved tests and conversion rules can change.