CELPIP to CLB Conversion Chart
By Megan · Scores and immigration · Published · 4 min read
If you are looking for a CELPIP to CLB conversion chart, the good news is that there is almost nothing to convert. Each CELPIP level is the same number as the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level it represents. This post sets out the full chart, explains what the levels mean in practice and answers the questions people usually have once they see their results.
How do CELPIP scores convert to CLB?
CELPIP levels convert to CLB one to one: a CELPIP level of 9 in a section is CLB 9 in that skill, a level of 7 is CLB 7, and so on up to 12. The only levels below CLB 4 are the lowest ones, 3 and M.
| CELPIP level | CLB level | General description |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 12 | Advanced proficiency |
| 11 | 11 | Advanced proficiency |
| 10 | 10 | Highly effective proficiency |
| 9 | 9 | Effective proficiency |
| 8 | 8 | Good proficiency |
| 7 | 7 | Adequate proficiency |
| 6 | 6 | Developing proficiency |
| 5 | 5 | Acquiring proficiency |
| 4 | 4 | Adequate proficiency for daily life activities |
| 3 | 3 | Some proficiency in limited contexts |
| M | below 3 | Minimal proficiency or not enough information to assign a level |
The descriptions above are general summaries. For the official wording, check the CELPIP website, which publishes descriptors for each level.
Is the conversion the same for every section?
Yes. Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking all use the same M–12 scale, and in every section a CELPIP level equals the same CLB level. What differs is how each section arrives at its level.
- Listening and Reading: your number of correct answers is converted to a level. There is no penalty for wrong answers.
- Writing: trained raters score Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability and Task Fulfillment.
- Speaking: raters score Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability and Task Fulfillment.
In other words, there is no separate CLB conversion table to look up for CELPIP. The number on your score report is already the CLB level for that skill, which is why IRCC requirements and CELPIP results are so easy to compare.
Because the conversion from correct answers to a level can vary slightly between test forms, be careful with unofficial charts that claim an exact number of correct answers for each level. Treat them as rough guides at best.
Does CELPIP have an overall CLB score?
Not one that immigration decisions rely on. IRCC sets language requirements per skill, so what counts is your level in each of the four sections. A strong average does not make up for one section below the minimum.
Here is an example. Suppose your results are Listening 9, Reading 8, Writing 6 and Speaking 8. For a program that needs CLB 7 in every skill, you do not qualify, even though three of your four sections are above the line. Your Writing result is the one that decides.
Which CLB levels matter most for immigration?
Four levels come up again and again: CLB 4, CLB 5, CLB 7 and CLB 9. Each one is a common minimum or a common target, though the exact rule depends on the program and can change.
| CLB | Where it commonly matters |
|---|---|
| 4 | Canadian citizenship (Listening and Speaking, applicants aged 18–54) |
| 5 | Canadian Experience Class for TEER 2 or 3 jobs; Federal Skilled Trades (Listening and Speaking) |
| 7 | Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, in all four skills |
| 9 | A common Express Entry target, because it earns much higher CRS language points |
Provincial Nominee Programs set their own minimums by stream. Always confirm the current requirement for your program on the IRCC website or your province's immigration website before you book.
How does CELPIP compare with IELTS for each CLB level?
IELTS General Training uses bands that must be converted to CLB, and the band needed differs by skill. CELPIP needs no conversion. IRCC treats the same CLB level equally whichever approved test you take.
| CLB | CELPIP (any section) | IELTS Listening | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing | IELTS Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
IRCC publishes the official equivalency tables for every approved test, including PTE Core and the French tests. If you hold results from another test, use IRCC's tables rather than an unofficial chart.
What does the gap between two CLB levels look like?
One CLB level is a real but reachable step. In Writing and Speaking it usually shows up as better organisation, more precise vocabulary and fewer errors that distract the reader or listener, rather than as longer answers.
Compare two original CELPass example sentences from a survey response. At around CLB 7: "I think option A is better because it is cheaper and more people can use it." At around CLB 9: "I would choose Option A, mainly because the lower cost would let far more families in the neighbourhood take part." Both are correct. The second is more specific, gives a clearer reason and sounds more natural.
How can I find my current CLB level before the real test?
Take a practice test under real timing and score it on the same scale. Paragon's official free practice tests are a good start for Listening and Reading. For Writing and Speaking you need someone, or something, to rate your answers on the four CELPIP dimensions.
The free CELPass diagnostic takes about 25 minutes and gives a predicted CLB for each section, so you can see which skill is furthest from your target. It is an estimate from an independent practice site, not an official score.
Keep reading
CELPass is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises. CELPIP is a trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises. Check the official CELPIP website and IRCC for current test rules and requirements.