IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, TEF & TCF to CLB Converter
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Converter
Convert your IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada scores to CLB levels. See your CRS language points and program eligibility instantly.
Your Test Scores
Only IELTS General Training is accepted for immigration purposes.
Second Official Language
Per-Skill Breakdown
| Skill | Your Score | CLB Level |
|---|
CRS Language Points
Reference Conversion Charts
IELTS General Training → CLB
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 10 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 11 | 9.0 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| 12 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
CELPIP-General → CLB
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
PTE Core → CLB
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 28–38 | 33–41 | 41–50 | 42–50 |
| 5 | 39–49 | 42–50 | 51–59 | 51–58 |
| 6 | 50–59 | 51–59 | 60–68 | 59–67 |
| 7 | 60–70 | 60–68 | 69–78 | 68–75 |
| 8 | 71–81 | 69–77 | 79–87 | 76–83 |
| 9 | 82–88 | 78–87 | 88–89 | 84–88 |
| 10 | 89–90 | 88–90 | 90 | 89–90 |
TEF Canada → CLB / NCLC
| CLB | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 121–150 | 181–225 | 145–180 | 181–225 |
| 5 | 151–180 | 226–270 | 181–216 | 226–270 |
| 6 | 181–206 | 271–309 | 217–248 | 271–309 |
| 7 | 207–232 | 310–348 | 249–279 | 310–348 |
| 8 | 233–247 | 349–370 | 280–297 | 349–370 |
| 9 | 248–262 | 371–392 | 298–315 | 371–392 |
| 10 | 263–300 | 393–450 | 316–360 | 393–450 |
TCF Canada → CLB / NCLC
| CLB | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 342–374 | 4–5 | 331–368 | 4–5 |
| 5 | 375–405 | 6 | 369–397 | 6 |
| 6 | 406–452 | 7–9 | 398–457 | 7–9 |
| 7 | 453–498 | 10–11 | 458–502 | 10–11 |
| 8 | 499–523 | 12–13 | 503–522 | 12–13 |
| 9 | 524–548 | 14–15 | 523–548 | 14–15 |
| 10 | 549–699 | 16–20 | 549–699 | 16–20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
CLB stands for Canadian Language Benchmarks. It is the national standard used in Canada to describe, measure, and recognize the English language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants. For French, the equivalent is called NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens). CLB levels range from 1 (beginner) to 12 (advanced), and they are used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assess language ability for immigration programs like Express Entry.
For English, IRCC accepts three tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, and PTE Core. For French, the accepted tests are TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Choose based on availability in your area, your comfort with the test format, and preparation resources. IELTS is the most widely available globally, while CELPIP is popular in Canada. PTE Core was approved in January 2024 and offers computer-based testing with fast results.
The minimum CLB requirements vary by program. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) requires CLB 7 in all four skills. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) requires CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 occupations. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) requires CLB 5 in listening and speaking, and CLB 4 in reading and writing. Higher CLB scores earn more CRS points, so aiming above the minimum can significantly improve your ranking.
Language test results are valid for two years from the date of the test. Your test results must be valid on the date you apply for permanent residence. If you are in the Express Entry pool and your scores expire, you must retake the test and update your profile, or your profile will become inactive. Plan your test timing carefully to ensure your scores remain valid throughout the application process.
CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) measures English proficiency, while NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) measures French proficiency. They use the same 1-12 scale, and for immigration purposes, they are treated equivalently. A CLB 7 in English and an NCLC 7 in French represent the same level of proficiency for CRS scoring and program eligibility purposes.
No. You cannot combine scores from different tests for the same language. All four skill scores (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) must come from a single test sitting. However, you can submit results from different tests for your first and second official languages. For example, you could use IELTS for English and TEF Canada for French.
The bilingual bonus is extra CRS points awarded to candidates who demonstrate proficiency in both English and French. If you score NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills AND CLB 7 or higher in all four English skills, you receive 50 bonus points. If you score NCLC 7 or higher in all French skills AND CLB 5 or higher in all English skills (but below 7 in at least one), you receive 25 bonus points. These bonus points can make a significant difference in your CRS ranking.
Focus on your weakest skill first, as your overall CLB is determined by your lowest score. Use official practice materials from your chosen test provider. Consider taking a preparation course, especially for skills where you are close to the next CLB threshold. For IELTS, improving by just 0.5 bands in your weakest skill could raise your CLB by one or more levels and add significant CRS points. Retaking the test after focused preparation is a common and effective strategy.