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CELPIP Score Chart: CELPIP Levels, CLB and IELTS Equivalents

CELPIP-General levels match CLB levels one to one: CELPIP 7 in a skill is CLB 7, CELPIP 9 is CLB 9, and CELPIP 10 to 12 count as CLB 10. IRCC converts each skill separately, so your CLB comes from your four skill levels, not an overall score. For the same CLB in IELTS General Training, CLB 9 needs 8.0 in Listening and 7.0 in Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Last updated: 25 October 2026 · Written by the PrepEve team

Conversion

CELPIP level = CLB level, skill by skill

CLB 7

CELPIP 7 in each skill

CLB 9

CELPIP 9 in each skill

CLB 10

CELPIP 10, 11 or 12

Test for Canada PR

CELPIP-General (not CELPIP-General LS)

CELPIP to CLB chart

The IELTS column shows the band you need in each skill for the same CLB level. CRS points are for a single applicant’s first official language; with a spouse they are slightly lower.

How IRCC reads CELPIP results

IRCC converts each skill separately: your Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking levels each become a CLB level, and the CELPIP average is not used. For Canada PR you need CELPIP-General. CELPIP-General LS, which tests only listening and speaking, is for citizenship, not Express Entry.

Same CLB, different scales

CELPIP and IELTS reach the same CLB in different ways. CELPIP uses one level for each CLB, while IELTS asks for different bands in different skills: CLB 9 needs 8.0 in IELTS Listening but 7.0 in the other three. That is why a candidate can be CLB 9 in three skills on IELTS and still CLB 7 or 8 in Listening.

CELPIP targets for Canada PR

• CELPIP 7 in each skill (CLB 7) meets the Federal Skilled Worker minimum.
• CELPIP 9 in each skill (CLB 9) gives 124 CRS language points for a single applicant and the maximum skill transferability points for language.
• CELPIP 10 or higher (CLB 10) adds 3 more points per skill.
• CELPIP 5 (CLB 5) meets the Canadian Experience Class minimum for TEER 2 or 3 jobs.

How long are CELPIP results valid?

For Express Entry, results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you submit your application.

CELPIP scores for your spouse

If your spouse or partner comes with you, their CELPIP result can add CRS points too: 1 point per skill at CELPIP 5 or 6, 3 at 7 or 8, and 5 at 9 or higher, up to 20 points. In the Federal Skilled Worker grid, a spouse with CELPIP 4 or higher in all four skills adds 5 adaptability points.

CELPIP or IELTS for Canada PR?

IRCC accepts both, along with PTE Core, and converts them all to CLB, so neither gives more points for the same level. CELPIP is taken on a computer and uses Canadian English; in IELTS General Training, Speaking is a conversation with an examiner. Take a practice test in each and choose the format you perform better in. PrepEve coaches IELTS General Training, CELPIP and PTE Core.

This guide is general information, not immigration advice. IRCC decides every application, and its rules can change.

Official sources

• Express Entry: language test results (IRCC)
• Comprehensive Ranking System criteria (IRCC)
• Language test equivalency charts (IRCC)
• CELPIP score comparison chart (CELPIP)

Rules and scores change. Check the official pages above before you book a test or apply.

Frequently asked questions

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