CELPIP to CLB converter and CRS language points calculator
By Michael Ukwuma
Enter your four CELPIP scores and see your CLB level in each skill, your Express Entry language points, and which programs your scores already meet.
Most people sit CELPIP for one reason: a Canadian Language Benchmark, or CLB, that opens a door. Permanent residence, citizenship, a provincial program. So the first question after any score report is always the same. What CLB is this, and is it enough?
Put your four scores in below. You can use your real results, a practice result from this site, or the scores you are aiming for. Nothing you enter is saved.
Check your scores
How CELPIP converts to CLB
This is the easy part. For CELPIP General, your level in each skill is the same number on the CLB scale. A 7 in Reading is CLB 7 in Reading. A 9 in Speaking is CLB 9 in Speaking.
There are only two things to know. Scores of 10, 11 and 12 all count as CLB 10, because CLB 10 is the top band immigration uses. And a score below 4 does not meet the lowest level most programs accept.
Each skill stands on its own. Immigration looks at all four separately, so one weak skill can hold back an otherwise strong result. That is why your lowest skill matters more than your average.
What your CLB means for Express Entry
In the Comprehensive Ranking System, your first official language is scored skill by skill. Each skill earns points by CLB level, and the four are added together.
- Below CLB 4 earns no points for that skill.
- CLB 4 or 5 earns 6 points per skill.
- CLB 6 earns 9 points per skill, or 8 if your spouse or partner is coming with you.
- CLB 7 earns 17 points per skill, or 16 with a spouse or partner.
- CLB 8 earns 23 points per skill, or 22 with a spouse or partner.
- CLB 9 earns 31 points per skill, or 29 with a spouse or partner.
- CLB 10 or higher earns 34 points per skill, or 32 with a spouse or partner.
Look at the jump from CLB 8 to CLB 9. It is worth 8 points in every skill, so 32 points across all four. CLB 9 in every skill also unlocks the highest skill transferability points when you combine it with your education or work experience. For many candidates, moving from 8 to 9 is the single biggest score boost they can still control.
Please note. The language points above are the core points only. Skill transferability, a second official language and other factors add more. Always confirm your full score with the official calculator on the IRCC website.
Minimum levels for common programs
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: CLB 7 in all four skills.
- Canadian Experience Class: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: CLB 5 in Speaking and Listening, and CLB 4 in Reading and Writing.
- Canadian citizenship, for applicants aged 18 to 54: CLB 4 in Speaking and Listening.
These are minimums to apply. Express Entry draws are competitive, so meeting the minimum is rarely enough on its own. Aim for the level that gives you room to spare.
Where to go from here
If your lowest skill is Reading or Listening, start with the core lesson for that skill and a timed practice test. If it is Writing or Speaking, work through the frame for each task and practise with feedback. Then take a full mock exam to see where you really stand.
Key points
- CELPIP levels 4 to 10 match CLB levels 4 to 10. Scores 10 to 12 all count as CLB 10.
- Each skill is judged on its own, so your weakest skill decides a lot.
- Moving from CLB 8 to CLB 9 adds 32 core Express Entry points across four skills.
- Confirm your full score with the official IRCC calculator.