What CELPIP Score Equals IELTS 7? CELPIP–IELTS Equivalence by CLB
By Megan · Scores and immigration · Published · 3 min read
There is no official direct conversion between CELPIP and IELTS. For Canadian immigration, IRCC converts both to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), and since a CELPIP level is the same number as the CLB level, the CLB tables give you the comparison. The surprise for many people is Listening: IELTS sets it higher than the other skills, so 'IELTS 7' does not mean the same CLB in every skill.
What CELPIP score is equivalent to IELTS 7?
Through IRCC's CLB tables, IELTS General Training 7.0 equals CELPIP 9 in Reading, Writing and Speaking, but only CELPIP 7 in Listening, because IELTS Listening needs 8.0 for CLB 9 and 7.5 for CLB 8.
| Skill | IELTS band | CLB | CELPIP equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 7.0 | 7 | 7 |
| Reading | 7.0 | 9 | 9 |
| Writing | 7.0 | 9 | 9 |
| Speaking | 7.0 | 9 | 9 |
What is the full CELPIP to IELTS equivalence table?
These are the minimum IELTS General Training bands IRCC sets for each CLB level. The CELPIP score for the same CLB is simply the same number.
| CLB and CELPIP | IELTS Listening | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing | IELTS Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Is CELPIP 9 the same as IELTS 7?
For Reading, Writing and Speaking, yes: both are CLB 9. For Listening, CELPIP 9 corresponds to IELTS 8.0. So 'CLB 9 in all four skills' on IELTS means 8.0 in Listening and 7.0 in the rest, while on CELPIP it means 9 in every skill.
Is it easier to reach CLB 9 on CELPIP or on IELTS?
It depends on your weakest skill and on which format suits you. Many people find IELTS Listening at 8.0 the hardest line to cross, while others find CELPIP Speaking, recorded to a microphone with a timer, harder than a face-to-face IELTS interview.
| Difference | CELPIP-General | IELTS General Training |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Computer at a test centre, in one sitting of about three hours | Paper or computer; Speaking often on another day |
| Speaking | Eight tasks recorded to a microphone | Face-to-face interview with an examiner |
| Accents | Mainly Canadian English | A range of English accents |
| Listening | Questions after the recording in most parts | Questions answered while you listen |
| Score for CLB 9 | 9 in every skill | 8.0 Listening, 7.0 in the other skills |
The fairest test is a practice test in each format under real timing. Whichever one puts your weakest skill closer to CLB 9 is the better choice for you.
Does this equivalence apply to Australian visas?
No. Australia's Department of Home Affairs sets its own CELPIP and IELTS scores for Competent, Proficient and Superior English, which do not follow the CLB tables. Use Home Affairs' published scores for Australian applications.
Should I switch from IELTS to CELPIP?
It can make sense if IELTS Listening is the skill keeping you below CLB 9. Take a CELPIP-format practice test first: if your Listening and other skills reach 9 there, the switch may be worth one attempt.
Frequently asked questions
What CELPIP score equals IELTS 6?
IELTS 6.0 in every skill is CLB 7, which is CELPIP 7 in every skill. That is the Federal Skilled Worker minimum.
What CELPIP score equals IELTS 8?
IELTS 8.0 is CLB 9 in Listening and CLB 10 in Reading. In Writing and Speaking, 7.5 already reaches CLB 10, so 8.0 is CLB 10 or higher there.
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.