CLB
Free Tool

Language Test to CLB Converter 2026

Use this free CLB converter to translate your IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada scores into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels instantly. See your Express Entry CRS language points and whether you meet the CLB 7 skilled-worker minimum.

Last updated: May 2026 IRCC language test equivalency tables

4

Tests Supported

136

Max CRS Points

CLB 7

EE Minimum

Step 1 — Select Your Language Test

Step 2 — Enter Your Scores

IELTS General Training

Score range: 0 – 9.0

Score range: 0 – 9.0

Score range: 0 – 9.0

Score range: 0 – 9.0

Try example scores

About Canadian Language Benchmarks

What is CLB?

Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) is Canada's national standard for describing, measuring, and recognizing language ability in English and French as a second language. It runs from CLB 1 (beginner) to CLB 12 (native-like proficiency).

Why does it matter?

IRCC uses CLB levels for all immigration streams — Express Entry (FSW, CEC, FST), Provincial Nominee Programs such as OINP and BC PNP, and citizenship. CLB 7 is the most common minimum for skilled worker programs. See how CLB affects your CRS score.

English tests accepted

IELTS General Training and CELPIP-General are both recognized by IRCC for English proficiency. IELTS Academic is accepted for Federal Skilled Worker Program only.

French tests accepted

TEF Canada (Test d'Évaluation de Français) and TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français) are the two accepted French language tests for immigration to Canada.

CLB Level Guide

10+

Expert

Near-native proficiency

34 pts

per skill

9

Advanced

Highly proficient user

31 pts

per skill

8

Upper-Int.

Proficient user

23 pts

per skill

7

Intermediate

EE minimum — skilled work

17 pts

per skill

6

Low-Int.

Independent user

9 pts

per skill

5

Basic

Limited independence

6 pts

per skill

4

Elementary

Below EE minimum

6 pts

per skill

CRS points = per skill, first language, single applicant (no spouse).

Score Ranges by Test

IELTS General Training

Listening: 0 – 9.0Reading: 0 – 9.0 Writing: 0 – 9.0Speaking: 0 – 9.0

Scores in 0.5 increments

CELPIP-General

All skills: 0 – 12Integers only

CELPIP score = CLB level (1:1)

TEF Canada

Listening: 0–360Reading: 0–300 Writing: 0–450Speaking: 0–450

TCF Canada

Listening: 0–699Reading: 0–699 Writing: 0–20Speaking: 0–20

Program Minimums

Federal Skilled Worker

All 4 abilities

CLB 7

Canadian Experience

NOC 0/A (CLB 5 for NOC B)

CLB 7

Federal Skilled Trades

Speaking/Listening only

CLB 5

OINP Human Capital

All 4 abilities

CLB 7

BC PNP Skilled Worker

Varies by stream

CLB 4

Canadian Citizenship

Minimum requirement

CLB 4

Calculate Your Full CRS

Language is only part of your CRS score. Check your full Express Entry ranking.

Open CRS Calculator
Werner Lans

Special Thanks

Werner Lans

Canada Abroad

Canadian Immigration Services

His guidance on IRCC language requirements helped ensure our CLB conversion tables match official equivalencies.

How to Use This CLB Converter

1

Select your language test

Choose IELTS General Training, CELPIP-G, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada. Score ranges and quick-fill examples update automatically.

2

Enter all four skill scores

Add listening, reading, writing, and speaking results from your official test report. CLB badges appear beside each field as you type.

3

Review your CLB profile

Check your lowest CLB level, per-skill CRS language points, and whether you meet the CLB 7 Express Entry minimum.

4

Plan your next step

Open the CRS Calculator with your CLB results, or compare provincial language minimums in the sidebar guide.

IELTS General Training → CLB Reference

CLBListeningReadingWritingSpeakingCRS Pts/Skill
10+8.5+8.0+7.5+7.5+ 34
98.07.07.07.0 31
87.56.56.56.5 23
77.06.06.06.0 17
65.55.05.55.5 9
55.04.05.05.0 6
44.53.54.04.0 6

IELTS vs. CELPIP vs. French tests — which should you take?

All four tests accepted by IRCC for immigration can be converted with this CLB converter. IELTS General Training and CELPIP-General are the most common English options in Canada. TEF Canada and TCF Canada are the only French tests recognized for federal and most provincial programs.

Your lowest CLB across all four skills often determines program eligibility — not your average score. Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class typically require CLB 7 in every skill. Federal Skilled Trades has lower thresholds for reading and writing. Provincial programs such as OINP and BC PNP may have different minimums by stream.

After converting your scores, use the CRS Score Calculator to see how language fits into your full Express Entry ranking, or run the Express Entry Eligibility Checker first if you are unsure whether you meet program gates.

Disclaimer: CLB equivalencies are based on published IRCC language test conversion tables. This CLB converter is unofficial and for informational purposes only. IRCC uses your official test report on file — always verify results on your certificate or with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).

CLB Converter – Frequently Asked Questions

Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) describe English and French ability from CLB 1 (beginner) to CLB 12 (advanced). IRCC and provincial programs use CLB to set minimum language requirements and to award CRS points in Express Entry.
Select IELTS General Training, then enter your listening, reading, writing, and speaking band scores. Each skill maps to a CLB level using IRCC’s official equivalency table — for example, IELTS 7.0 listening / 6.0 reading / 6.0 writing / 6.0 speaking equals CLB 7 in each skill.
For CELPIP-General, your score directly equals your CLB level (a CELPIP 9 is CLB 9). This converter applies that 1:1 mapping automatically when you select CELPIP.
Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) generally require CLB 7 in all four skills. Federal Skilled Trades requires CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing. Higher CLB levels earn significantly more CRS language points.
IELTS Academic is accepted for the Federal Skilled Worker Program only. For Canadian Experience Class and most other pathways, you need IELTS General Training or CELPIP-General. Enter Academic scores here only if you are assessing FSW eligibility.
For a single applicant without a spouse, first official language scores can add up to 136 CRS points (34 per skill at CLB 10+). Second official language and spouse factors use different grids — use the full CRS Calculator after converting your CLB levels.
No. It applies IRCC-published conversion tables for educational purposes. For an official assessment, refer to your language test report and IRCC’s Come to Canada tool, or consult a qualified immigration professional.

Language Tests & CLB Discussion

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