CELPIP Score Chart
CELPIP converts to CLB one to one: CELPIP 9 = CLB 9, CELPIP 7 = CLB 7, in each skill. In Listening and Reading, CELPIP 7 takes roughly 27–31 correct out of 38 in Listening and 24–28 out of 38 in Reading.
Sources: Paragon’s CELPIP Results page and IRCC’s Express Entry language-test charts, checked 27 September 2026.
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CELPIP to CLB and CEFR: the official chart
Paragon reports each skill as a level. The CLB level is the same number; the CEFR level is Paragon’s own calibration.
| CELPIP | CLB | CEFR | Paragon’s descriptor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 12 | C2 | Expert proficiency in high-stakes social, educational or workplace contexts |
| 11 | 11 | C1 | Advanced proficiency in high-stakes contexts |
| 10 | 10 | C1 | Highly effective proficiency in some high-stakes contexts |
| 9 | 9 | B2 | Effective proficiency in some high-stakes contexts |
| 8 | 8 | B2 | Good proficiency in more demanding contexts |
| 7 | 7 | B2 | Adequate proficiency in somewhat demanding contexts |
| 6 | 6 | B1 | Developing proficiency in everyday contexts |
| 5 | 5 | B1 | Acquiring proficiency in everyday contexts |
| 4 | 4 | A2 | Adequate proficiency for daily life activities |
| 3 | 3 | A2 | Some proficiency in limited contexts |
| 2 | 1–2 | A1 | Limited ability in contexts related to immediate needs |
Source: Paragon, CELPIP Results page, checked 27 September 2026. Levels 1 and 0 mean there was not enough information to assess; NA means the component was not taken.
Raw score chart: correct answers out of 38
Listening and Reading are each scored out of 38. Paragon publishes this approximate chart; the ranges overlap because each test form is equated, so the raw score for a level can move slightly between tests. Writing and Speaking have no raw score — raters assign the level directly.
| CELPIP level | Listening (/38) | Reading (/38) |
|---|---|---|
| 10–12 | 35–38 | 33–38 |
| 9 | 33–35 | 31–33 |
| 8 | 30–33 | 28–31 |
| 7 | 27–31 | 24–28 |
| 6 | 22–28 | 19–25 |
| 5 | 17–23 | 15–20 |
| 4 | 11–18 | 10–16 |
| 3 | 7–12 | 8–11 |
| M | 0–7 | 0–7 |
Source: Paragon, “Approximate Scores and CELPIP Levels” for the Listening and Reading tests, CELPIP Results page, checked 27 September 2026. The test may also contain unscored items that look like scored ones.
CELPIP & IELTS to CLB conversion table
IRCC’s minimum IELTS General Training band for each CLB, per skill, beside the CELPIP level:
| CLB | CELPIP | IELTS Listening | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing | IELTS Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10+ | CELPIP 10+ | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| CLB 9 | CELPIP 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 8 | CELPIP 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 7 | CELPIP 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 6 | CELPIP 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| CLB 5 | CELPIP 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| CLB 4 | CELPIP 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Source: IRCC, Express Entry language test equivalency charts, checked 27 September 2026. IRCC’s IELTS chart stops at “CLB 10 and above”.
CRS points for each CLB level
In Express Entry, each of your four first-language skills earns points on its own. At CLB 9 in all four that is 124 points without a spouse or partner (4 × 31), or 116 with one (4 × 29).
| Level per skill | Points per skill — single | With spouse/partner |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 or more | 34 | 32 |
| CLB 9 | 31 | 29 |
| CLB 8 | 23 | 22 |
| CLB 7 | 17 | 16 |
| CLB 6 | 9 | 8 |
| CLB 4 or 5 | 6 | 6 |
Source: IRCC, CRS criteria, checked 27 September 2026. Below CLB 4 scores 0. Full breakdown on CELPIP for Express Entry.
Minimum CLB by program
Minimums apply to each skill; a high level in one skill does not make up for a low one in another.
| Program | Minimum (= CELPIP level) |
|---|---|
| Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker | CLB 7 in all four skills |
| Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class | CLB 7 (TEER 0–1 jobs) · CLB 5 (TEER 2–3 jobs) |
| Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades | CLB 5 speaking & listening · CLB 4 reading & writing |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | CLB 5 (job offer in TEER 0–3) · CLB 4 (TEER 4) |
| Canadian citizenship (ages 18–54) | CLB 4 speaking & listening (CELPIP-General LS) |
Sources: IRCC Express Entry language tests, AIP language testing and citizenship eligibility, checked 27 September 2026. More programs on CELPIP for Canada.
CELPIP-General vs CELPIP-General LS
| CELPIP-General | CELPIP-General LS | |
|---|---|---|
| Skills scored | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Listening, Speaking |
| Length | Just under 3 hours | About 70 minutes |
| Fee in Canada | CA$299 + tax | CA$199 + tax |
| Used for | Permanent residence, PGWP, professional designation | Canadian citizenship only |
Source: Paragon, CELPIP Test Format, checked 27 September 2026. Both report levels on the same scale, so an LS level 4 is CLB 4. Try the CLB calculator to convert your own scores.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CELPIP score the same as CLB?
Yes. CELPIP-General is reported on the same scale as the Canadian Language Benchmarks, and both Paragon's chart and IRCC's chart list the same number: CELPIP 9 is CLB 9 in that skill, CELPIP 7 is CLB 7, and so on. The only exception is CELPIP level 2, which Paragon places at CLB 1–2.
How many correct answers do I need for CELPIP 9?
Paragon's approximate chart puts CELPIP 9 at about 33–35 correct out of 38 in Listening and 31–33 out of 38 in Reading. The ranges are approximate: questions differ in difficulty and each test form is equated, so the raw score for a level can shift slightly between tests.
What is a CELPIP M score?
M is the lowest band on Paragon's Listening and Reading charts, about 0–7 correct out of 38 — too little to place you at level 3 or above.
How is the CELPIP test scored?
Listening and Reading are multiple choice and scored by computer: each answer is right or wrong, and blanks count as wrong. Writing and Speaking are rated against Paragon's criteria (content and coherence, vocabulary, readability or listenability, and task fulfilment). Paragon says Writing is scored by an AI-human hybrid system, with every score reviewed by its rating team.
Does the CELPIP 'average score' count for immigration?
No. Paragon says the average score on your report is simply the average of the four components and does not equate to a CLB level. IRCC's minimums and CRS points are set skill by skill.
How old can a CELPIP result be for Express Entry?
IRCC says your results must be less than 2 years old when you create your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence.
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