Language scores
CLB and NCLC calculator
Enter all four results from an IRCC-approved language test. The calculator shows each Canadian Language Benchmark and your lowest level. The full conversion tables are below.
Conversion tables
Each number is the minimum score for that benchmark: a higher score gives the same level until the next row. Canada assesses every ability on its own, so your usable level is the lowest of the four.
IELTS General Training to CLB
| CLB | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 or higher | 7.5 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 |
| CLB 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| CLB 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| CLB 4 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
Academic IELTS is not accepted for Canadian immigration. Results are usually written in the order Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking, so a profile reported as 7-7-7-8 means CLB 7 listening, CLB 9 reading, CLB 9 writing and CLB 10 speaking, and the lowest level is CLB 7.
CELPIP-General to CLB
| CLB | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 or higher | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| CLB 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| CLB 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| CLB 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| CLB 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| CLB 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
CELPIP-General is built on the benchmarks, so the level equals the CLB one to one: CELPIP 9 is CLB 9, CELPIP 7 is CLB 7, CELPIP 5 is CLB 5. Anything above 10 still counts as CLB 10. CELPIP-General LS, the shorter test, is for citizenship and not for permanent residence.
PTE Core to CLB
| CLB | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 or higher | 89 | 89 | 88 | 90 |
| CLB 9 | 84 | 82 | 78 | 88 |
| CLB 8 | 76 | 71 | 69 | 79 |
| CLB 7 | 68 | 60 | 60 | 69 |
| CLB 6 | 59 | 50 | 51 | 60 |
| CLB 5 | 51 | 39 | 42 | 51 |
| CLB 4 | 42 | 28 | 33 | 41 |
PTE Core replaced PTE Essential for immigration. PTE Academic is not accepted.
TEF Canada to NCLC
| NCLC | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCLC 10 or higher | 393 | 316 | 263 | 393 |
| NCLC 9 | 371 | 298 | 248 | 371 |
| NCLC 8 | 349 | 280 | 233 | 349 |
| NCLC 7 | 310 | 249 | 207 | 310 |
| NCLC 6 | 271 | 217 | 181 | 271 |
| NCLC 5 | 226 | 181 | 151 | 226 |
| NCLC 4 | 181 | 145 | 121 | 181 |
TCF Canada to NCLC
| NCLC | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCLC 10 or higher | 16 | 549 | 549 | 16 |
| NCLC 9 | 14 | 523 | 524 | 14 |
| NCLC 8 | 12 | 503 | 499 | 12 |
| NCLC 7 | 10 | 458 | 453 | 10 |
| NCLC 6 | 7 | 398 | 406 | 7 |
| NCLC 5 | 6 | 369 | 375 | 6 |
| NCLC 4 | 4 | 331 | 342 | 4 |
French results are expressed in NCLC. The numbering matches CLB exactly, so NCLC 7 and CLB 7 are the same level of ability.
Frequently asked questions
What CLB is IELTS 7?
It depends on the ability. In IELTS General Training a 7.0 is CLB 9 in speaking, CLB 7 in listening, CLB 9 in reading and CLB 9 in writing. Because Canada looks at every ability separately, a candidate with 7.0 across the board has a lowest level of CLB 7.
What is IELTS 7-7-7-8 in CLB?
IELTS results are normally written in the order Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking. A 7-7-7-8 profile converts to CLB 7 listening, CLB 9 reading, CLB 9 writing and CLB 10 speaking. The lowest level, and the one most programs use, is CLB 7.
What CLB is CELPIP 9?
CELPIP-General levels match the benchmarks one to one, so CELPIP 9 is CLB 9. The same rule gives CELPIP 10 as CLB 10, CELPIP 7 as CLB 7 and CELPIP 5 as CLB 5. Scores above 10 are still counted as CLB 10.
How do I calculate my CLB score?
Take the four results from one approved test, find each of them in the table for that test, and read off the benchmark. There is no averaging: your level in each ability stands on its own, and programs compare the lowest one against their minimum.
What CLB do I need for Express Entry?
Federal Skilled Worker asks for CLB 7 in all four abilities. Canadian Experience Class asks for CLB 7 for TEER 0 and 1 occupations and CLB 5 for TEER 2 and 3. Federal Skilled Trades asks for CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing. Provincial programs set their own floors, often between CLB 4 and CLB 7.
Is NCLC the same as CLB?
NCLC is the French-language version of the same scale, and the numbering is identical. A TEF Canada or TCF Canada result of NCLC 7 is the same level of ability as CLB 7 in English.
Which tests does IRCC accept?
For English, IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core. For French, TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Academic IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL and Duolingo are not accepted for permanent residence. Results must be less than two years old on the day you apply.
Do I need a certified translation of my language test?
No. Test reports are already issued in English or French. What does need a certified translation is every other document in another language: birth certificates, marriage or divorce certificates, diplomas and transcripts, employment reference letters, police certificates and foreign bank statements.
Next step after the test
Your test report goes to IRCC as it is. Everything else that is not in English or French has to arrive with a certified translation: birth certificates, marriage and divorce certificates, diplomas and transcripts, employment reference letters, police certificates and foreign bank statements.
Translation Agency of Ontario is a Canadian company with staffed offices in Toronto and Ottawa, 250+ languages and 95% of certified orders delivered within two business days. Each translation carries the certification statement IRCC and the provincial programs expect.
Official source: IRCC language test equivalency tables, reviewed September 2026. Use IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada or TCF Canada results only.