What Is the Passing Score for CELPIP? Minimum Scores by Goal
By Megan · Scores and immigration · Published · 3 min read
"What is the passing score for CELPIP?" is one of the most common questions about the test. The short answer is that there isn't one: CELPIP gives you a level in each skill, and the organisation you apply to decides what level counts as a pass. This post puts the minimums for the most common goals in one place, for Canada and Australia. Requirements change, so confirm your minimum with IRCC, Home Affairs or your program before you book.
What is the passing score for CELPIP?
CELPIP has no passing score. Each skill gets a level from M and 3 up to 12, and you "pass" when every skill meets the minimum set for your goal: for example, CLB 4 in Listening and Speaking for Canadian citizenship, or CLB 7 in every skill for Federal Skilled Worker.
Each CELPIP level equals the same CLB level, so a CELPIP 7 is CLB 7. There is no overall score for Canadian programs: each skill is checked on its own, and one weak skill is enough to miss the line.
What CELPIP score do I need for Canada?
| Goal | Minimum CELPIP level | Test to book |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizenship (ages 18–54) | 4 in Listening and Speaking | CELPIP-General LS (or General) |
| Federal Skilled Worker | 7 in every skill | CELPIP-General |
| Canadian Experience Class, TEER 0 or 1 job | 7 in every skill | CELPIP-General |
| Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or 3 job | 5 in every skill | CELPIP-General |
| Federal Skilled Trades | 5 in Listening and Speaking, 4 in Reading and Writing | CELPIP-General |
| Post-graduation work permit | 7 or 5 in every skill, depending on what you studied | CELPIP-General |
Meeting the minimum makes you eligible, but it is not always enough to be chosen. In Express Entry, CLB 9 in every skill earns far more CRS points than CLB 7.
What CELPIP score do I need for Australia?
| Visa or English level | Minimum CELPIP-General |
|---|---|
| 482 Skills in Demand | 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 |
| 485 Temporary Graduate | Overall 8, at least 6 in each skill |
| Competent English (186, 189, 190, 491) | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 |
| Proficient English (10 points) | 9 / 8 / 10 / 8 |
| Superior English (20 points) | 10 / 10 / 12 / 10 |
Can I fail the CELPIP test?
Not in the usual sense. You always get a score report, but a result can fall short of what your application needs, in which case you would take the test again. Results below level 4 are reported as 3 or M (minimal).
How many correct answers do I need to pass CELPIP?
There is no fixed number. In Listening and Reading, your correct answers are converted to a level, and the published charts are approximate because the exact cut varies between test forms. Writing and Speaking are rated by trained raters rather than counted.
How do I know if I will reach my CELPIP target?
Take a timed practice test and compare each skill with your goal's minimum, starting with your weakest skill. The free CELPass diagnostic estimates your CLB in each skill in about 25 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Is CELPIP 7 a pass?
It meets the minimum for Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Competent English for Australia, and is more than citizenship needs. Whether it is enough depends on your program.
Is there an overall CELPIP score?
Not for Canadian programs, which check each skill separately. Australia's 485 visa sets an overall line as well as a minimum per skill.
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.