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CLB Converter: IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF and TCF

Canadian immigration programs set language rules in Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels for English and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French. This converter turns your IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada or TCF Canada scores into CLB or NCLC levels using IRCC's equivalency tables.

Written by the NorthAmericans Editorial TeamLast verified: Expert review in progress
On this page
  1. CLB converter
  2. Tests IRCC accepts for economic immigration
  3. Levels you usually need
  4. Frequently asked questions
  5. Official sources

Convert your test scores to CLB / NCLC

Your level (lowest of the four abilities)
CLB 8
Listening 8 · Reading 8 · Writing 8 · Speaking 9. Express Entry (FSW) needs CLB 7 in all four; CEC needs CLB 7 for TEER 0-1 jobs and CLB 5 for TEER 2-3.
CLBlisteningreadingwritingspeaking
10+8.5+8+7.5+7.5+
98+7+7+7+
87.5+6.5+6.5+6.5+
76+6+6+6+
65.5+5+5.5+5.5+
55+4+5+5+
44.5+3.5+4+4+

Minimum score per ability for each level, from IRCC's official equivalency tables (checked September 22, 2026). CELPIP-General levels equal CLB levels directly. TEF Canada figures apply to results issued after December 10, 2023.

Tests IRCC accepts for economic immigration

Language Test
English IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core
French TEF Canada, TCF Canada

IELTS Academic and PTE Academic are not accepted for Express Entry. CELPIP-General LS is only for citizenship.

Levels you usually need

  • Federal Skilled Worker: CLB 7 in all four abilities.
  • Canadian Experience Class: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3.
  • Federal Skilled Trades: CLB 5 speaking and listening, CLB 4 reading and writing.
  • Provincial streams set their own minimums. Check each province.

Frequently asked questions

Is CELPIP easier to convert than IELTS?

CELPIP levels match CLB levels one to one, so conversion is simple. Which test is easier depends on the person. See IELTS vs CELPIP.

Which TEF table applies to me?

The table in this tool applies to TEF Canada results issued after December 10, 2023. Older results used a different scale.

How is my overall level decided?

Programs look at each ability separately. Your lowest ability usually decides whether you meet a minimum.

Official sources

  1. IRCC: Language test equivalency (Express Entry)canada.ca

General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.