CLB calculator

Turn your language test scores into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, or NCLC levels for French tests, using the score charts IRCC publishes for Express Entry.

Convert your scores

Use your CELPIP-General results.

0 to 12
0 to 12
0 to 12
0 to 12

Enter your four scores to see your levels.

This is an estimate. Your official score is the one IRCC calculates from the profile you submit and the documents that support it.

How the conversion works

Each test reports four scores. IRCC publishes a chart that maps every score to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level for English tests, or an NCLC level for French tests. This page uses those charts, last checked against IRCC's site on October 8, 2026, so you can see the level behind each score and what it is worth in CRS points.

Levels 1 to 3 earn no CRS points, so the converter shows them as "Below CLB 4" (or "Below NCLC 4" for French tests). CLB 10 means "10 or higher": a CELPIP score of 11 or 12 is still CLB 10 for the CRS.

The number of CRS points depends on whether the language is your first or second official language and on whether a spouse comes with you. The converter shows all of these for each ability. To see your full score, use the CRS calculator.

Minimum language levels to enter the pool

To be eligible for an Express Entry program you must reach a minimum level in all four abilities. IRCC lists these minimums on its language test page.

Minimum language levels listed by IRCC
ProgramMinimum level in each ability
Canadian Experience Class, work in NOC TEER 0 or 1CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French)
Canadian Experience Class, work in NOC TEER 2 or 3CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French)
Federal Skilled Worker ProgramCLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in the first official language. IRCC also lists CLB or NCLC 5 for the second official language
Federal Skilled Trades ProgramSpeaking and listening: CLB 5 or NCLC 5. Reading and writing: CLB 4 or NCLC 4

Eligibility has other conditions as well. Check the program's own page on IRCC's website before you rely on this table.

Score charts

These are the ranges the converter uses. Find your score in the column for each ability to read off the level.

IELTS General Training

IELTS General Training scores for each CLB level
CLB levelSpeakingListeningReadingWriting
Below CLB 40.0 to 3.50.0 to 4.00.0 to 3.00.0 to 3.5
CLB 44.0 to 4.54.53.54.0 to 4.5
CLB 55.05.04.0 to 4.55.0
CLB 65.55.55.0 to 5.55.5
CLB 76.06.0 to 7.06.06.0
CLB 86.57.56.56.5
CLB 97.08.07.0 to 7.57.0
CLB 10 or higher7.5 to 9.08.5 to 9.08.0 to 9.07.5 to 9.0

CELPIP-General

CELPIP-General scores for each CLB level
CLB levelSpeakingListeningReadingWriting
Below CLB 40 to 30 to 30 to 30 to 3
CLB 44444
CLB 55555
CLB 66666
CLB 77777
CLB 88888
CLB 99999
CLB 10 or higher10 to 1210 to 1210 to 1210 to 12

PTE Core

PTE Core scores for each CLB level
CLB levelSpeakingListeningReadingWriting
Below CLB 40 to 410 to 270 to 320 to 40
CLB 442 to 5028 to 3833 to 4141 to 50
CLB 551 to 5839 to 4942 to 5051 to 59
CLB 659 to 6750 to 5951 to 5960 to 68
CLB 768 to 7560 to 7060 to 6869 to 78
CLB 876 to 8371 to 8169 to 7779 to 87
CLB 984 to 8882 to 8878 to 8788 to 89
CLB 10 or higher89 to 9089 to 9088 to 9090

TEF Canada

TEF Canada scores for each NCLC level
NCLC levelSpeakingListeningReadingWriting
Below NCLC 40 to 1800 to 1440 to 1200 to 180
NCLC 4181 to 225145 to 180121 to 150181 to 225
NCLC 5226 to 270181 to 216151 to 180226 to 270
NCLC 6271 to 309217 to 248181 to 206271 to 309
NCLC 7310 to 348249 to 279207 to 232310 to 348
NCLC 8349 to 370280 to 297233 to 247349 to 370
NCLC 9371 to 392298 to 315248 to 262371 to 392
NCLC 10 or higher393 to 450316 to 360263 to 300393 to 450

TCF Canada

TCF Canada scores for each NCLC level
NCLC levelSpeakingListeningReadingWriting
Below NCLC 40 to 30 to 3300 to 3410 to 3
NCLC 44 to 5331 to 368342 to 3744 to 5
NCLC 56369 to 397375 to 4056
NCLC 67 to 9398 to 457406 to 4527 to 9
NCLC 710 to 11458 to 502453 to 49810 to 11
NCLC 812 to 13503 to 522499 to 52312 to 13
NCLC 914 to 15523 to 548524 to 54814 to 15
NCLC 10 or higher16 to 20549 to 699549 to 69916 to 20

Frequently asked questions

What is a CLB level?

The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) are Canada's standard for describing English ability. French has its own matching scale, the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). IRCC converts each of your four test results (speaking, listening, reading and writing) to a level, and the CRS awards points for each level.

Which language tests does Express Entry accept?

For English: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core. For French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. IRCC says you must take the General Training option of IELTS, the General test of CELPIP and the PTE Core option; IELTS Academic is not on the list.

How long are my test results valid?

IRCC requires results less than two years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and again when you submit your application for permanent residence. IRCC refuses an application that uses expired results, so check the dates before you apply.

What is the minimum level for the Express Entry programs?

It depends on the program. The table above lists the minimums IRCC shows for the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Meeting a minimum only makes you eligible to enter the pool; it does not decide your CRS score.

Why does the CRS use the lowest of the four levels in some places?

The language points for the first official language are added up ability by ability. But the skill transferability points, and the points for a certificate of qualification, depend on reaching a level in all four abilities, so your lowest result decides which tier you reach. The guide to the CRS shows the tables.

Sources

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