CLB Calculator

What is CLB?

The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is Canada's standard for measuring English language ability, and French uses the matching NCLC scale. Express Entry converts each test result to a level separately for listening, speaking, reading and writing, so an overall band or score does not decide your level. The Federal Skilled Worker Program needs CLB 7 in all four abilities. The Canadian Experience Class needs CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 work and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 work. The Federal Skilled Trades Program needs CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing.

Tests IRCC Accepts for Express Entry

IRCC accepts CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core, TEF Canada and TCF Canada. It does not accept TOEFL, PTE Academic, IELTS Academic or IELTS One Skill Retake. Results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application. For TEF Canada, use the "Équivalence ancien score" column of your results, not the "Score / 699" column.

Why CLB Matters for Immigration

CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 in every ability): Minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and for the Canadian Experience Class with TEER 0 or 1 work. An overall IELTS band of 6.5 does not guarantee CLB 7, because any single ability below 6.0 gives a lower level.

CLB 8 (IELTS listening 7.5, other abilities 6.5): A single applicant receives 23 CRS points for each ability at CLB 8, compared with 17 at CLB 7.

CLB 9 (IELTS listening 8.0, other abilities 7.0): A single applicant receives 31 CRS points for each ability. Skill transferability combinations that include language also reach their higher values at CLB 9, capped at 50 points each and 100 points in total.

CLB 4-5: Federal Skilled Trades minimums are CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing.