CELPIP Score Chart
How CELPIP scores map to CLB levels, how they compare to IELTS, and what each level means for Canadian immigration — updated for 2026.
CELPIP to CLB (1:1)
CELPIP-General is scored on the same scale as the Canadian Language Benchmarks. There is nothing to convert — your CELPIP level is your CLB level.
CELPIP & IELTS to CLB conversion table
IELTS General Training bands are the official IRCC minimums for each CLB, per skill:
| 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 |
IELTS values are the minimum General Training band per skill for each CLB (IRCC equivalency chart). CLB 11–12 cannot be reached via IELTS.
What each CLB level means
| CLB | Level | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 10–12 | Advanced | Fluent, precise English in complex academic and professional settings. |
| CLB 9 | Advanced intermediate | Strong, flexible English — the sweet spot for maximising Express Entry CRS points. |
| CLB 7–8 | Intermediate | Meets the minimum for Federal Skilled Worker and most PNP streams. |
| CLB 5–6 | Lower intermediate | Enough for some TEER 2–3 Canadian Experience Class jobs and trades streams. |
| CLB 4 | Basic | Meets the language requirement for Canadian citizenship (Speaking & Listening). |
Want to calculate your own scores? Try the CLB calculator — it converts CELPIP or IELTS and estimates your CRS language points.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CELPIP score the same as CLB?
Yes. CELPIP-General is reported on the same 1–12 scale as the Canadian Language Benchmarks, so your CELPIP level is your CLB level. CELPIP 9 = CLB 9 in every skill.
What is a good CELPIP score?
For Express Entry, CLB 9 (CELPIP 9) in all four skills is widely considered a strong score because it earns the most CRS language points. CLB 7 (CELPIP 7) is the usual minimum for skilled-worker eligibility.
How is the CELPIP test scored?
Listening and Reading are scored automatically against answer keys. Writing and Speaking are rated by trained raters (or AI in practice tools) on official criteria, then mapped to a CELPIP/CLB level from 3 to 12.
Does CELPIP expire for immigration?
Yes — IRCC accepts language test results that are less than two years old at the time you apply.
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