CLB Calculator
Convert your IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core scores to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels. See your level in each skill, your Express Entry language points, and exactly what you need for your target CLB.
Checked against official IRCC equivalency charts · October 2026A guide based on IRCC's published charts, not an official result. Language points shown are for your first official language only; your full CRS score includes other factors.
IELTS to CLB conversion chart
IELTS General Training band scores needed for each CLB level. A score between two rows counts at the lower level.
| CLB level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10+ | 8.5–9.0 | 8.0–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 |
| CLB 9 | 8.0 | 7.0–7.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 7 | 6.0–7.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 6 | 5.5 | 5.0–5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| CLB 5 | 5.0 | 4.0–4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| CLB 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0–4.5 | 4.0–4.5 |
Only IELTS General Training is accepted for Express Entry. IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted for Express Entry.
CELPIP to CLB conversion chart
CELPIP-General levels line up with CLB levels one-to-one from CLB 4 to CLB 9.
| CLB level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10+ | 10–12 | 10–12 | 10–12 | 10–12 |
| CLB 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| CLB 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| CLB 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| CLB 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| CLB 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
CELPIP-General scores of 10, 11 and 12 all count as CLB 10 or higher.
PTE Core to CLB conversion chart
PTE Core scores (10–90 per skill) needed for each CLB level.
| CLB level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10+ | 89–90 | 88–90 | 90 | 89–90 |
| CLB 9 | 82–88 | 78–87 | 88–89 | 84–88 |
| CLB 8 | 71–81 | 69–77 | 79–87 | 76–83 |
| CLB 7 | 60–70 | 60–68 | 69–78 | 68–75 |
| CLB 6 | 50–59 | 51–59 | 60–68 | 59–67 |
| CLB 5 | 39–49 | 42–50 | 51–59 | 51–58 |
| CLB 4 | 28–38 | 33–41 | 41–50 | 42–50 |
Only PTE Core is accepted for Express Entry; PTE Academic is not.
Express Entry CRS points for language
Comprehensive Ranking System points for your first official language, per skill. Four skills are scored, so the maximum is 136 points without a spouse or partner and 128 with one.
| CLB level (per skill) | Without spouse or partner | With spouse or 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 |
| Below CLB 4 | 0 | 0 |
Moving from CLB 8 to CLB 9 in all four skills adds 32 points without a partner, one of the biggest single jumps in the CRS.
Minimum CLB by program
Federal Skilled Worker
CLB 7 in all four skills.
Canadian Experience Class
CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs, in all four skills.
Federal Skilled Trades
CLB 5 in speaking and listening; CLB 4 in reading and writing.
Citizenship
CLB 4 in speaking and listening, for applicants who must show language ability.
Requirements can change. Always confirm on the official IRCC website before you apply. Thought Ignite provides English-test preparation only and does not give immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CLB calculator?
A CLB calculator converts your English test scores into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, the scale IRCC uses for Express Entry, many other programs and citizenship. Each skill — listening, reading, writing and speaking — gets its own CLB level.
What IELTS score is CLB 9?
For IELTS General Training, CLB 9 needs Listening 8.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0 and Speaking 7.0.
What IELTS score is CLB 7?
CLB 7 needs 6.0 in every IELTS General Training skill: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Is a CELPIP score the same as a CLB level?
For CELPIP-General, the score in each skill matches the CLB level directly from 4 to 9. A CELPIP score of 10, 11 or 12 counts as CLB 10 or higher.
What PTE Core score do I need for CLB 9?
For PTE Core, CLB 9 needs Listening 82, Reading 78, Writing 88 and Speaking 84.
How is my overall CLB level worked out?
Programs check each skill separately, so your effective level is your lowest skill. For example, CLB 9 in three skills and CLB 7 in writing means you meet CLB 7, not CLB 9.
Can I use IELTS Academic or PTE Academic for Express Entry?
No. For Express Entry, IRCC accepts IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core. IELTS Academic, PTE Academic and IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted.
How long are test results valid?
For Express Entry, your results must be less than two years old when you create your profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence.
Sources: IRCC language test equivalency charts · IRCC Express Entry language testing · IRCC CRS criteria. Last checked 29 October 2026. IELTS, CELPIP and PTE are trademarks of their respective owners; Thought Ignite is independent and not affiliated with any test provider.
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