Free tool
CELPIP, CLB and IELTS converter
Pick a skill, enter either a CELPIP level or an IELTS General Training band, and see the matching Canadian Language Benchmark and the equivalent on the other test. CELPIP levels are CLB levels (CELPIP 9 = CLB 9); the IELTS column is the official IRCC chart, reproduced as published.
Convert a score
I have a
Skill
CELPIP reports a per-skill scale topping out at 12; levels below 4 sit beneath the IRCC charts. M sits below the IRCC chart.
Listening result
CLB 9
- CELPIP
- 9
- IELTS (General)
- 8.0
Full equivalency table
CELPIP-General level and CLB level are the same number. The IELTS columns are the minimum General Training band IRCC lists for each CLB level, per skill. Where IRCC prints a range (CLB 10 and above), the range is shown.
| CLB | CELPIP | IELTS Listening | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing | IELTS Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 and above | 10–12 | 8.5–9.0 | 8.0–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 |
| 9 | 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Source: IRCC, “Express Entry: Language test results” (CELPIP-General and IELTS General Training tables), checked 19 August 2026. View the official chart. Immigration programmes set their own minimums; always confirm against the programme page before you book a test.
How to read the table
- Each skill converts on its own. A CELPIP Listening 9 and a CELPIP Writing 7 are CLB 9 and CLB 7 respectively; there is no combined score.
- IELTS Listening thresholds are higher than the other three skills at CLB 8 and above (7.5 for CLB 8, 8.0 for CLB 9), so a candidate with 7.0 across the board is CLB 9 in Speaking, Reading and Writing but CLB 7 in Listening.
- IELTS Reading thresholds are lower than the other skills at CLB 6 and below (5.0 for CLB 6, 4.0 for CLB 5, 3.5 for CLB 4).
- CELPIP 10, 11 and 12 all count as CLB 10 and above for IRCC; a 12 does not earn more than a 10 on the chart.
Working towards a CELPIP level?
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Questions people ask
Is CELPIP the same as CLB?
For immigration purposes, yes. CELPIP-General levels map one-to-one to Canadian Language Benchmarks: CELPIP 7 is CLB 7, CELPIP 9 is CLB 9. IRCC reports CELPIP 10, 11 and 12 together as CLB 10 and above.
How do I convert an IELTS band to CLB?
Use the IRCC equivalency chart for IELTS General Training, per skill. The chart gives the minimum band for each CLB level. For example, Listening 8.0 is CLB 9, Reading 6.0 is CLB 7, Writing 6.5 is CLB 8 and Speaking 7.0 is CLB 9. Listening thresholds are higher than the other three skills.
My IELTS band is between two rows on the chart. Which CLB do I get?
The lower one. IRCC lists the minimum band for each CLB, so a band that does not reach the next row stays at the level below. IELTS Listening 7.0, for instance, meets CLB 7 but not CLB 8, because CLB 8 Listening needs 7.5.
Does this converter cover IELTS Academic?
No. IRCC only accepts IELTS General Training for immigration, and the chart on this page is the General Training chart. Academic scores are not on it.
Why is each skill converted separately?
Because IRCC assesses Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking individually, and the IELTS thresholds differ by skill. There is no single overall CELPIP or CLB score; every programme sets a minimum per ability.
Which test should I take, CELPIP or IELTS?
Both are accepted by IRCC and both are scored against the same CLB levels. CELPIP is fully computer-delivered, uses Canadian English and returns a level per skill that is already a CLB number, which removes a conversion step. If you are preparing for CELPIP, the practice sections on this site cover all 20 task types.
CELPIP® is a registered trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc. CelpipRise is an independent preparation site and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Paragon, IELTS or IRCC. This tool reproduces published IRCC equivalencies for convenience; it is not immigration advice.