How do CELPIP scores convert to CLB levels?

CELPIP scores map 1:1 to CLB levels. CELPIP 7 = CLB 7, CELPIP 9 = CLB 9, and so on. This direct mapping is one of the main advantages of CELPIP over IELTS, which has different band-to-CLB thresholds for each section.

Why does IELTS have different CLB thresholds for each section?

IELTS uses different scoring scales for each section that don't map uniformly to CLB. For example, CLB 9 requires IELTS Listening 8.0 but only IELTS Reading 6.5. This is because the difficulty calibration differs by section. Always check the section-specific conversion, not a single overall number.

Is PTE Core accepted for Canadian immigration?

Yes, PTE Core (formerly PTE Academic) has been accepted by IRCC for Canadian immigration since late 2023. It can be used for Express Entry, PNP, and other immigration programs. PTE Core uses a score range of 10-90 for each section.

Which test is easiest to get CLB 7 on?

There is no objectively easier test — it depends on your strengths. CELPIP uses Canadian English and is fully computer-based. IELTS has face-to-face speaking. PTE Core uses AI scoring and allows combined reading/writing time. Many Canadian residents prefer CELPIP for its familiar accents and format.

Can I use scores from different tests for different sections?

No. IRCC requires all 4 section scores to come from the same test sitting. You cannot mix your best Listening from CELPIP with your best Writing from IELTS. You must submit a complete set of scores from a single test.

How accurate are these conversions?

These conversions are based on the official CLB correspondence tables published by IRCC and the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB). They are the same tables used by immigration officers to evaluate your language scores.

All 3 Tests in One Converter

CLB Calculator & Score Converter: CELPIP, IELTS, TEF & PTE (2026)

Free CLB calculator to calculate your CLB level from CELPIP, IELTS, TEF, and PTE scores with instant results. The only calculator and converter that shows all tests side-by-side, including IELTS's different thresholds per section.

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Use this CLB calculator to calculate your CLB level: select your test, enter your scores, and we'll show equivalencies across all tests instantly.

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Listening

Reading

Writing

Speaking

Section	CLB	CELPIP	IELTS	PTE Core
Listening	7	7	6.0	50-59
Reading	7	7	6.0	50-59
Writing	7	7	6.0	50-59
Speaking	7	7	6.0	50-59

Note: IELTS thresholds differ by section for the same CLB level. This converter uses the official IRCC per-section thresholds.

Full CLB Conversion Reference Table

All CLB levels 4-12 with all 3 test equivalencies. Note how IELTS thresholds differ by section.

Important: IELTS Listening requires a higher band than Reading for the same CLB level.

CLB	CELPIP	IELTS (per section)				PTE Core
CLB	CELPIP	L	R	W	S	PTE Core
4	4	4.5	3.5	4.0	4.0	20-28
5	5	5.0	4.0	5.0	5.0	29-38
6	6	5.5	5.0	5.5	5.5	39-49
7	7	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0	50-59
8	8	7.5	6.5	6.5	6.5	60-68
9	9	8.0	6.5	7.0	7.0	69-75
10	10	8.5	7.0	7.5	7.5	76-82
11	11	9.0	8.0	8.0	8.0	83-88
12	12	9.0	8.5	9.0	9.0	89-90

Based on official CLB correspondence tables published by IRCC and CCLB.

IELTS to CLB Conversion Chart

This IELTS to CLB conversion chart follows the official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) equivalency table. Note that IELTS band scores map differently to CLB levels depending on the section. Use the table below to find your exact CLB level for each skill.

IELTS Score	CLB Level	CELPIP Equivalent
Listening
9.0	CLB 12	CELPIP 12
9.0	CLB 11	CELPIP 11
8.5	CLB 10	CELPIP 10
8.0	CLB 9	CELPIP 9
7.5	CLB 8	CELPIP 8
6.0	CLB 7	CELPIP 7
5.5	CLB 6	CELPIP 6
5.0	CLB 5	CELPIP 5
4.5	CLB 4	CELPIP 4
Reading
8.5	CLB 12	CELPIP 12
8.0	CLB 11	CELPIP 11
7.0	CLB 10	CELPIP 10
6.5	CLB 9	CELPIP 9
6.5	CLB 8	CELPIP 8
6.0	CLB 7	CELPIP 7
5.0	CLB 6	CELPIP 6
4.0	CLB 5	CELPIP 5
3.5	CLB 4	CELPIP 4
Writing
9.0	CLB 12	CELPIP 12
8.0	CLB 11	CELPIP 11
7.5	CLB 10	CELPIP 10
7.0	CLB 9	CELPIP 9
6.5	CLB 8	CELPIP 8
6.0	CLB 7	CELPIP 7
5.5	CLB 6	CELPIP 6
5.0	CLB 5	CELPIP 5
4.0	CLB 4	CELPIP 4
Speaking
9.0	CLB 12	CELPIP 12
8.0	CLB 11	CELPIP 11
7.5	CLB 10	CELPIP 10
7.0	CLB 9	CELPIP 9
6.5	CLB 8	CELPIP 8
6.0	CLB 7	CELPIP 7
5.5	CLB 6	CELPIP 6
5.0	CLB 5	CELPIP 5
4.0	CLB 4	CELPIP 4

TEF Canada to CLB Conversion Chart

TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français) is accepted by IRCC as proof of French language proficiency. Your TEF scores convert to CLB levels using the official IRCC equivalency chart below. If you have both English (CELPIP or IELTS) and French (TEF) results, you can claim additional CRS points for your second official language in Express Entry.

TEF Score Range	CLB Level	CELPIP Equivalent
Compréhension orale (Listening)
316-360	CLB 10+	CELPIP 10+
298-315	CLB 9	CELPIP 9
280-297	CLB 8	CELPIP 8
249-279	CLB 7	CELPIP 7
217-248	CLB 6	CELPIP 6
181-216	CLB 5	CELPIP 5
145-180	CLB 4	CELPIP 4
Compréhension écrite (Reading)
263-300	CLB 10+	CELPIP 10+
248-262	CLB 9	CELPIP 9
233-247	CLB 8	CELPIP 8
207-232	CLB 7	CELPIP 7
181-206	CLB 6	CELPIP 6
151-180	CLB 5	CELPIP 5
121-150	CLB 4	CELPIP 4
Expression orale (Speaking)
393-450	CLB 10+	CELPIP 10+
371-392	CLB 9	CELPIP 9
349-370	CLB 8	CELPIP 8
310-348	CLB 7	CELPIP 7
271-309	CLB 6	CELPIP 6
226-270	CLB 5	CELPIP 5
181-225	CLB 4	CELPIP 4
Expression écrite (Writing)
393-450	CLB 10+	CELPIP 10+
371-392	CLB 9	CELPIP 9
349-370	CLB 8	CELPIP 8
310-348	CLB 7	CELPIP 7
271-309	CLB 6	CELPIP 6
226-270	CLB 5	CELPIP 5
181-225	CLB 4	CELPIP 4

How to Calculate Your CLB Level

To calculate your CLB level: 1) Find the conversion table for your test (CELPIP, IELTS, or TEF above), 2) Look up your score for each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking), 3) Your CLB level for each section is shown in the corresponding row. Your overall CLB level for immigration purposes is determined by your LOWEST section score. For example, if you score CLB 9 in Listening, CLB 8 in Reading, CLB 7 in Writing, and CLB 8 in Speaking, your overall CLB is 7.

Want to know what CLB level you can achieve? Practice with CELPIP Simulator's 115+ AI-scored mock exams and get instant CLB predictions for all 4 sections. Start with 2 free exams, no credit card required.

Which Test Should I Take?

All 3 tests are accepted by IRCC. Choose based on your preferences and strengths.

CELPIP

Choose if: Canadian immigration, computer-based preference, Canadian English familiarity

1:1 CLB mapping
Computer-based
Canadian accents
Results in 4-5 days

IELTS

Choose if: International recognition, face-to-face speaking preference, more global test centres

Widely recognized globally
Face-to-face speaking
Paper or computer option
More test dates

Full comparison

PTE Core

Choose if: Fast results, AI scoring comfort, flexible scheduling

Results in 1-2 days
AI scoring (consistent)
Year-round availability
Combined R/W time

Full comparison

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