When you apply for Express Entry, your English test result is turned into a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level for each skill. This article shows how CELPIP-General and IELTS General Training scores line up with CLB 7, 8, 9 and 10, using the table published by the Government of Canada.
CELPIP-General: one score, one level
CELPIP is simple. Each CELPIP-General score equals the CLB level for that skill. A 7 is CLB 7, an 8 is CLB 8, and a score of 9 or above is CLB 9 or above.
IELTS General Training: different bands for each skill
IELTS uses band scores, and the band you need for a given CLB level is not the same in every skill. Here are the official equivalents:
| CLB level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 10 and above | 8.5 to 9.0 | 8.0 to 9.0 | 7.5 to 9.0 | 7.5 to 9.0 |
IELTS General Training band scores for each CLB level.
| CLB level | CELPIP-General (every skill) |
|---|---|
| CLB 7 | 7 |
| CLB 8 | 8 |
| CLB 9 and above | 9 or above |
CELPIP-General scores for each CLB level.
What this means for your preparation
- Look at each skill, not only the overall score. A strong Reading result does not make up for a low Writing result, because each skill is converted to its own CLB level.
- In IELTS, Listening is the demanding one. To reach CLB 8 you need 7.5 in Listening, while 6.5 is enough in Reading, Writing and Speaking. Plan extra Listening practice if you are aiming for CLB 8 or 9.
- Know your target before you book. Find the CLB level you need for your program, then use the table to set a target in each skill.
How we can help
We build a plan around your target score and your test date. We start with a short assessment to see where you are in each skill, then focus your practice on the skill that holds your level back. Call us on +1 778 513 2713, message us on WhatsApp, or send us your writing through our assessment and feedback service.
Source: Government of Canada, Express Entry language testing (the page lists the accepted tests and the conversion tables). Only the General versions of CELPIP and IELTS are accepted for Express Entry. These tables and rules can change, so please check the official page before you book your test. This article is general information and not immigration advice.