Free CLB tool
CLB calculator for every accepted test
Pick your test, enter your four scores, and get the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level for each ability, your lowest CLB, and the Express Entry CRS language points they earn. It covers all five tests IRCC accepts: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core, TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
Jump to the conversion chart for all five tests or compare CELPIP and IELTS directly.
Which test did you take?
Your CELPIP-General scores
Enter your four scores
Your CLB level and Express Entry language points update as you type.
= CLB 9
= CLB 9
= CLB 9
= CLB 9
Your result
Overall (lowest) CLB level
9
Most programs use your lowest section
Listening
CLB 9
Reading
CLB 9
Writing
CLB 9
Speaking
CLB 9
Express Entry CRS language points
These are language points only, the part of your CRS score your test results control. Your total CRS score also depends on age, education, work experience and other factors.
Need a higher CLB?
Practice CELPIP Speaking with instant AI scoring
Most candidates lose points on Speaking. Drill all 8 tasks in your browser, free, and see where your CLB level is leaking.
CLB conversion chart for all five tests
Each number is the minimum score for that level in that ability. A score between two rows keeps the lower level. CELPIP maps one to one, while IELTS, PTE Core, TEF and TCF each use a different cutoff per ability, so check every skill against its own column.
French tests report NCLC, the French twin of CLB. They share the same 1 to 12 scale, so NCLC 7 counts the same as CLB 7 for Express Entry.
CELPIP-General to CLB
| CLB level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10+ | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 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 |
IELTS General Training to CLB
| CLB level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10+ | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| CLB 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| CLB 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| CLB 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
PTE Core to CLB
| CLB level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10+ | 89 | 88 | 90 | 89 |
| CLB 9 | 82 | 78 | 88 | 84 |
| CLB 8 | 71 | 69 | 79 | 76 |
| CLB 7 | 60 | 60 | 69 | 68 |
| CLB 6 | 50 | 51 | 60 | 59 |
| CLB 5 | 39 | 42 | 51 | 51 |
| CLB 4 | 28 | 33 | 41 | 42 |
TEF Canada to NCLC
| NCLC level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCLC 10+ | 316 | 263 | 393 | 393 |
| NCLC 9 | 298 | 248 | 371 | 371 |
| NCLC 8 | 280 | 233 | 349 | 349 |
| NCLC 7 | 249 | 207 | 310 | 310 |
| NCLC 6 | 217 | 181 | 271 | 271 |
| NCLC 5 | 181 | 151 | 226 | 226 |
| NCLC 4 | 145 | 121 | 181 | 181 |
TCF Canada to NCLC
| NCLC level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCLC 10+ | 549 | 549 | 16 | 16 |
| NCLC 9 | 523 | 524 | 14 | 14 |
| NCLC 8 | 503 | 499 | 12 | 12 |
| NCLC 7 | 458 | 453 | 10 | 10 |
| NCLC 6 | 398 | 406 | 7 | 7 |
| NCLC 5 | 369 | 375 | 6 | 6 |
| NCLC 4 | 331 | 342 | 4 | 4 |
CLB requirements by program
French tests use the same levels as NCLC. Meeting the minimum makes you eligible to apply. Your CRS score still depends on how far above it you land, up to CLB 10.
| Program | Minimum language level |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | CLB 7 in all four abilities |
| Canadian Experience Class, TEER 0 or 1 job | CLB 7 in all four abilities |
| Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or 3 job | CLB 5 in all four abilities |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | CLB 5 in Speaking and Listening, CLB 4 in Reading and Writing |
| Canadian citizenship (adults) | CLB 4 in Speaking and Listening |
Level guides and single-test calculators
FAQ
CLB questions
How is my overall CLB level calculated?
IRCC converts each ability on its own: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking each get a CLB level from the official chart for your test. Programs then check every ability against their minimum, so the number people quote as their overall CLB is the lowest of the four. CLB 9, 9, 9 and 8 counts as CLB 8 for a program that needs CLB 9 in all abilities.
Which language tests does IRCC accept for Express Entry?
For English: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core. For French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. IELTS Academic, PTE Academic and the IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted, so check the version before you book.
What CLB level do I need for Express Entry?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program needs CLB 7 in all four abilities. The Canadian Experience Class needs CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs. The Federal Skilled Trades Program needs CLB 5 in Speaking and Listening and CLB 4 in Reading and Writing. Meeting the minimum makes you eligible. CRS points reward every level above it up to CLB 10.
How many CRS points is each CLB level worth?
For a single applicant's first official language: CLB 4 or 5 earns 6 points per ability, CLB 6 earns 9, CLB 7 earns 17, CLB 8 earns 23, CLB 9 earns 31 and CLB 10 or higher earns 34. Across four abilities that is 68 points at CLB 7, 124 at CLB 9 and 136 at CLB 10. With a spouse the per-ability values are 6, 8, 16, 22, 29 and 32.
What is the difference between CLB and NCLC?
CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) describes English ability and NCLC (Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens) describes French ability. They use the same 1 to 12 scale and IRCC treats them the same way, so NCLC 7 on TEF or TCF Canada counts like CLB 7 on an English test.
Can I combine scores from different tests or sittings?
No. IRCC uses one test result per language, so all four abilities come from the same sitting of the same test. If one skill falls short, you retake the whole test and submit the new result.
How long are language test results valid?
IRCC needs results that are less than two years old when you create your Express Entry profile, and they still have to be valid when you apply for permanent residence. Plan a retake early if your results expire before you expect an invitation.
What CLB level do I need for Canadian citizenship?
Adult citizenship applicants need CLB 4 or higher in Speaking and Listening. Reading and Writing are not assessed for citizenship.
CLB conversion figures come from the official IRCC equivalency tables on canada.ca and the Comprehensive Ranking System criteria. This is an independent study tool, not affiliated with IRCC or any test provider. Confirm current requirements on canada.ca before you make an immigration decision. Last reviewed October 2026.