CELPIP Score Chart 2026: Raw Scores, CLB Levels & CRS Points
Free CELPIP score chart with raw scores to CLB conversion for both Listening and Reading score breakdowns, plus CRS points and immigration eligibility.
CELPIP Score to CLB Level Conversion
CELPIP scores map 1:1 to CLB levels. This applies equally to all 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
| CELPIP Score | CLB Level | Proficiency |
|---|---|---|
| M | M (below 3) | Below minimum standard |
| 3 | 3 | Initial |
| 4 | 4 | Developing — Citizenship minimum |
| 5 | 5 | Adequate — Some PNP programs |
| 6 | 6 | Developing fluency |
| 7 | 7 | Adequate fluency — Express Entry minimum |
| 8 | 8 | Good fluency |
| 9 | 9 | Very good fluency |
| 10 | 10 | Advanced fluency |
| 11 | 11 | Expert fluency |
| 12 | 12 | Complete fluency |
M = performance below CELPIP 3. The same conversion applies to all 4 CELPIP sections.
Listening Section: Questions & Score Ranges
The Listening section has 38 questions across 6 parts (47–55 minutes). Each correct answer earns one raw point, which is converted to a CLB level.
Questions by Part
| Part | Name | Questions | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Listening to Problem Solving | 8 | Multiple choice |
| Part 2 | Listening to a Daily Life Conversation | 5 | Multiple choice |
| Part 3 | Listening for Information | 6 | Multiple choice |
| Part 4 | Listening to a News Item | 5 | Fill in the blanks |
| Part 5 | Listening to a Discussion | 8 | Fill in the blanks |
| Part 6 | Listening to Viewpoints | 6 | Fill in the blanks |
| Total | 38 | ||
Approximate Correct Answers → CLB Level
| CLB Level | Approx. Correct Answers (out of 38) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| M | Below ~10 | Below minimum standard |
| 3 | ~10–14 | Very basic comprehension |
| 4 | ~15–18 | Limited comprehension |
| 5 | ~19–22 | Understands simple speech |
| 6 | ~23–25 | Understands moderately complex speech |
| 7 | ~26–28 | Good comprehension |
| 8 | ~29–31 | Strong comprehension |
| 9 | ~32–34 | Very strong comprehension |
| 10+ | ~35–38 | Near-perfect comprehension |
These ranges are approximate. CELPIP uses Item Response Theory (IRT) for scoring, so exact cutoffs vary slightly between test versions based on question difficulty.
Reading Section: Questions & Score Ranges
The Reading section has 38 questions across 4 parts (55–60 minutes). Scored by computer — each correct answer earns one raw point.
Questions by Part
| Part | Name | Questions | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Reading Correspondence | 11 | Fill in the blanks |
| Part 2 | Reading to Apply a Diagram | 8 | Multiple choice |
| Part 3 | Reading for Information | 9 | Multiple choice |
| Part 4 | Reading for Viewpoints | 10 | Multiple choice |
| Total | 38 | ||
Approximate Correct Answers → CLB Level
| CLB Level | Approx. Correct Answers (out of 38) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| M | Below ~10 | Below minimum standard |
| 3 | ~10–14 | Very basic reading |
| 4 | ~15–18 | Limited reading ability |
| 5 | ~19–22 | Understands simple texts |
| 6 | ~23–25 | Understands moderately complex texts |
| 7 | ~26–28 | Good reading comprehension |
| 8 | ~29–31 | Strong reading comprehension |
| 9 | ~32–34 | Very strong reading |
| 10+ | ~35–38 | Near-perfect reading |
Ranges are approximate. CELPIP uses statistical equating (IRT) so exact cutoffs vary by test version. No penalty for wrong answers — always answer every question.
Writing Section: Scoring Criteria & Task Weights
Writing is scored by trained human raters on 4 criteria. Each criterion is weighted equally at 25%. Your final Writing CLB is the average of both tasks.
How Tasks Combine into Your Writing Score
| Task | Name | Time | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | Writing an Email | 27 minutes | 50% | Respond to an email prompt (~150–200 words). Tone depends on context: formal, semi-formal, or informal. |
| Task 2 | Responding to Survey Questions | 26 minutes | 50% | Write an essay responding to a survey question (~150–200 words). Choose and defend a position. |
4 Scoring Criteria (Each 25%)
Content/Coherence
25%How well ideas are organized, logical flow between sentences and paragraphs, clear main idea with supporting details
Vocabulary
25%Range and accuracy of word choice, appropriate use of collocations, avoidance of repetition
Readability
25%Grammar accuracy, sentence structure variety, spelling and punctuation, overall readability
Task Fulfillment
25%How completely the prompt is addressed, appropriate tone and format, meeting word count and task requirements
How Your Writing CLB Score is Calculated
Each task (email + essay) is scored separately on all 4 criteria. Your final Writing CLB is the average of both task scores. For example, if Task 1 = CLB 8 and Task 2 = CLB 7, your Writing section score would be approximately CLB 7–8 (CELPIP rounds to the nearest level). Both tasks carry equal weight, so you should prepare for both equally.
Speaking Section: Scoring Criteria & Task Weights
Speaking has 8 tasks (15–20 minutes), each scored on 4 criteria by trained raters. All tasks are weighted equally — your final Speaking CLB is the average across all 8 tasks.
All 8 Speaking Tasks
| Task | Name | Response Time | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | Giving Advice | 90 sec | 12.5% |
| Task 2 | Talking About a Personal Experience | 60 sec | 12.5% |
| Task 3 | Describing a Scene | 60 sec | 12.5% |
| Task 4 | Making Predictions | 60 sec | 12.5% |
| Task 5 | Comparing and Persuading | 60 sec | 12.5% |
| Task 6 | Dealing with a Difficult Situation | 90 sec | 12.5% |
| Task 7 | Expressing Opinions | 90 sec | 12.5% |
| Task 8 | Describing an Unusual Situation | 60 sec | 12.5% |
4 Scoring Criteria (Each 25%)
Content/Coherence
25%Logical organization of ideas, clear main points with supporting details, staying on topic
Vocabulary
25%Range and accuracy of words, ability to paraphrase, use of idiomatic expressions
Listenability
25%Pronunciation clarity, natural pace and rhythm, stress and intonation, fluency without excessive pauses
Task Fulfillment
25%Completing all parts of the task, appropriate response length, addressing the prompt directly
How Your Speaking CLB Score is Calculated
Each of the 8 tasks is scored on all 4 criteria. Your final Speaking CLB is the average across all 8 task scores. Since every task carries equal weight (12.5%), a bad performance on one task won't ruin your score — but consistently strong performance across all tasks is the key to CLB 9+. Tasks 1, 6, and 7 have longer response times (90 seconds), giving you more opportunity to demonstrate higher-level language skills.
CELPIP Score Requirements by Immigration Program
Every major Canadian immigration pathway has a different minimum CELPIP/CLB requirement. Find your program below, then check what it means for your CRS score. Planning to apply through Express Entry? See our full guide on CELPIP score targets, timing, and strategy.
| Program | Minimum Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) | CLB 7 (CELPIP 7) in all 4 skills | CLB 9+ needed to be competitive on CRS points |
| Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | CLB 7 (TEER 0/1 jobs) or CLB 5 (TEER 2/3 jobs) | Requirement depends on your job's TEER category |
| Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST) | CLB 5 Speaking & Listening, CLB 4 Reading & Writing | Lower bar than FSW — CELPIP-General still required |
| Canadian Citizenship (ages 18-54) | CLB 4 (CELPIP 4) in Listening & Speaking only | CELPIP-General LS is sufficient — no Reading/Writing tested |
| PGWP — university degree graduates (from Nov 2024) | CLB 7 in all 4 skills | Post-Graduation Work Permit language rules changed Nov 1, 2024 |
| PGWP — college / non-degree graduates (from Nov 2024) | CLB 5 in all 4 skills | Lower threshold for non-university programs |
| Spousal / Family Sponsorship | No language test required | Family class applications do not require CELPIP or IELTS |
| Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) | CLB 4-7 (varies by province and stream) | Skilled streams typically CLB 7; semi-skilled CLB 4-5 |
Requirements may change. Always verify on the IRCC website for the latest requirements.
CRS Points by CELPIP/CLB Level
Language is the single biggest factor in Express Entry CRS scoring. Points shown are per skill — multiply by 4 for your total language score.
| CLB Level | Points Per Skill (Without Spouse) | Points Per Skill (With Spouse) | Total (x4, Without Spouse) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 4-5 | 6 | 6 | 24 |
| CLB 6 | 9 | 8 | 36 |
| CLB 7Express Entry minimum | 17 | 16 | 68 |
| CLB 8 | 23 | 22 | 92 |
| CLB 9High CRS impact | 31 | 29 | 124 |
| CLB 10+Maximum points | 34 | 32 | 136 |
With a spouse who also takes CELPIP: an additional 5 points per ability at CLB 5+. The difference between CLB 7 and CLB 10 is 68 CRS points — often the difference between getting an ITA or not.
CELPIP vs IELTS vs PTE Core — Score Equivalency
All three tests are accepted by IRCC for Canadian immigration. Here's how the scores compare. See our detailed guides on CELPIP vs IELTS and CELPIP vs PTE Core.
CELPIP → IELTS General Training (official IRCC per-skill table)
| CLB | CELPIP | IELTS Listening | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing | IELTS Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| 5 | 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 7 | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 9 | 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 10+ | 10-12 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
Note the asymmetry: CLB 8 requires IELTS Listening 7.5 but only 6.5 in the other skills. IELTS equivalents are not the same number across all four abilities — always check per skill. To convert your own scores instantly, use the free CLB converter tool.
CELPIP → PTE Core (official IRCC per-skill table)
| CLB | CELPIP | PTE Listening | PTE Reading | PTE Writing | PTE Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 28-38 | 33-41 | 41-50 | 42-50 |
| 5 | 5 | 39-49 | 42-50 | 51-59 | 51-58 |
| 6 | 6 | 50-59 | 51-59 | 60-68 | 59-67 |
| 7 | 7 | 60-70 | 60-68 | 69-78 | 68-75 |
| 8 | 8 | 71-81 | 69-77 | 79-87 | 76-83 |
| 9 | 9 | 82-88 | 78-87 | 88-89 | 84-88 |
| 10+ | 10-12 | 89-90 | 88-90 | 90 | 89-90 |
Equivalencies are from the official CLB correspondence tables published by IRCC. Not sure which CELPIP test you need? See CELPIP-General vs LS. Applying to Australia instead? CELPIP is accepted there too — see our CELPIP for Australia guide.
What Each CLB Level Actually Means
Beyond the numbers — what your CLB level says about your English, and what it unlocks for immigration.
You can handle routine everyday conversations and simple written instructions. Enough for Canadian citizenship (Listening & Speaking) and some semi-skilled PNP streams.
You can participate in familiar workplace conversations and write short routine messages. Meets FST Speaking/Listening, CEC TEER 2/3, and college-stream PGWP requirements.
You follow most conversations at normal speed and write coherent paragraphs with some errors. One step short of the Express Entry FSW threshold.
You communicate comfortably in familiar work and social situations. The minimum for FSW, TEER 0/1 CEC, and degree-holder PGWP — but only 17 CRS points per skill.
You handle most complex conversations and write clearly with few errors. A common target for competitive PNP streams.
You communicate effectively in demanding contexts. CLB 9 unlocks the biggest CRS jump (31 points per skill) plus maximum skill-transferability points.
Near-native command in professional settings. CLB 10 earns the maximum 34 CRS points per skill. CELPIP 10, 11, and 12 all count as CLB 10+ for IRCC purposes.
CELPIP Listening Score Chart: Raw Scores to CLB
Full conversion from raw Listening scores (out of 38) to CELPIP levels, CLB levels, and Express Entry CRS points per skill.
| Raw Score (out of 38) | CELPIP Level | CLB Level | Express Entry CRS Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 12 | 12 | 34 (max) |
| ~35–37 | 10–11 | 10–11 | 34 |
| ~32–34 | 9 | 9 | 31 |
| ~29–31 | 8 | 8 | 23 |
| ~26–28 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
| ~23–25 | 6 | 6 | 9 |
| ~19–22 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| ~15–18 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| ~10–14 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
The Listening section has 6 parts with 38 questions total. You hear each audio clip only once. Scores are calculated based on the number of correct answers. For Express Entry, CLB 9 (roughly 32+ correct) earns you 31 CRS points per skill, while CLB 7 (roughly 26+ correct) is the minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker program.
CELPIP Reading Score Chart: Raw Scores to CLB
Full conversion from raw Reading scores (out of 38) to CELPIP levels, CLB levels, and Express Entry CRS points per skill.
| Raw Score (out of 38) | CELPIP Level | CLB Level | Express Entry CRS Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 12 | 12 | 34 (max) |
| ~35–37 | 10–11 | 10–11 | 34 |
| ~32–34 | 9 | 9 | 31 |
| ~29–31 | 8 | 8 | 23 |
| ~26–28 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
| ~23–25 | 6 | 6 | 9 |
| ~19–22 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| ~15–18 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| ~10–14 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
The Reading section has 4 parts with 38 questions total, completed in about 55 minutes. Parts include Correspondence, Diagrams, Information, and Viewpoints. For Express Entry, CLB 9 (roughly 32+ correct) is a strong target, while CLB 7 (roughly 26+ correct) meets minimum FSW requirements.
CELPIP Score Lookup: What Does My Raw Score Mean?
Quick reference for the most common raw score questions on the Listening and Reading sections (both out of 38).
Excellent. Near-perfect score. Maximum CRS language points (34 per skill).
Very strong. Excellent for Express Entry — 31+ CRS points per skill.
Good. Above minimum for most programs. 23 CRS points per skill.
Solid. Meets the FSW minimum (CLB 7). 17–23 CRS points per skill.
Meets the minimum for Federal Skilled Worker. 17 CRS points per skill.
Borderline. Depending on test version, may fall just below the FSW minimum.
Below FSW minimum. Meets TEER 2/3 Canadian Experience Class minimum.
Meets Federal Skilled Trades Speaking/Listening minimum.
Meets citizenship minimum only (Listening & Speaking).
These conversions are approximate and based on publicly available CELPIP scoring data. Exact score boundaries may vary slightly between test versions. Practice with AI-scored mock exams on CELPIP Simulator to track your progress toward your target CLB level.
CELPIP Score Requirements for PR and Immigration
Minimum CELPIP scores by immigration pathway, with CRS points at the minimum level.
| Immigration Program | Minimum CLB Required | CELPIP Score Needed | CRS Points at Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) | CLB 7 all skills | 7 in each section | 68 (17 × 4) |
| Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | CLB 5 (NOC TEER 2-3) or CLB 7 (NOC TEER 0-1) | 5 or 7 per section | Varies |
| Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST) | CLB 5 Speaking/Listening, CLB 4 Reading/Writing | 5 S/L, 4 R/W | Varies |
| Canadian Citizenship | CLB 4 Listening & Speaking | 4 in Listening and Speaking | N/A |
| Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) | Varies by province (CLB 4-7) | Varies | Varies |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | CLB 5 (NOC TEER 0-3) or CLB 4 (NOC TEER 4-5) | 5 or 4 per section | N/A |
Most successful Express Entry candidates score CLB 9 or higher across all sections. While CLB 7 meets the FSW minimum, the jump from CLB 7 to CLB 9 adds 56 more CRS language points (from 68 to 124), which can be the difference between receiving an ITA or not.
CELPIP Writing and Speaking Score Chart
Unlike Listening and Reading, Writing and Speaking scores are not based on raw question counts. Instead, human raters (or AI scoring tools) evaluate your responses using CELPIP's scoring rubrics across multiple criteria.
Writing scoring criteria
- Content/Coherence: How well you address the task and organize your ideas
- Vocabulary: Range and accuracy of word choice
- Readability: Grammar, spelling, and sentence structure
- Task Fulfillment: How completely you address all required points
Speaking scoring criteria
- Task Fulfillment: Relevance and completeness of your response
- Listenability: Pronunciation, pace, and clarity
- Vocabulary: Range and appropriateness of word choice
- Coherence: Organization and flow of ideas
CELPIP Simulator's AI scoring evaluates all these criteria for both Writing and Speaking sections, giving you instant CLB score estimates and detailed feedback on each criterion. Start with 2 free exams to see your current level.
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