CELPIP gives you a separate level, from M to 12, for each of the four skills. CELPIP levels 4 to 12 are equal to the same CLB level, so a CELPIP 7 in Speaking is CLB 7. IRCC uses your CLB in each skill to check program requirements and to count Express Entry points.
CELPIP level to CLB
| CELPIP level | CLB | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 12 | Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 11 | 11 | Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 10 | 10 | Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 9 | 9 | Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 8 | 8 | Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 7 | 7 | Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 6 | 6 | Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 5 | 5 | Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 4 | 4 | Adequate proficiency for daily life activities |
| 3 | 3 | Some proficiency in limited contexts |
| M | 0–2 | Minimal proficiency or not enough information |
IELTS General Training bands for each CLB
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
What score do you need?
- Canadian citizenship: CLB 4 in listening and speaking. CELPIP-General LS tests only these two skills.
- Express Entry, Federal Skilled Worker: at least CLB 7 in all four skills.
- Canadian Experience Class: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs.
- Federal Skilled Trades: CLB 5 in speaking and listening, CLB 4 in reading and writing.
- Express Entry points rise sharply at CLB 9 and again at CLB 10, so many students aim for CLB 9 or higher even when the minimum is lower.
Provincial programs set their own minimums. Check the current requirement for your program on canada.ca or your province's website.
How long are CELPIP results valid?
For IRCC, CELPIP results are valid for 2 years from the test date. Your result must still be valid on the day you submit your application.
You can't combine skills from two different test sittings. IRCC looks at one test result.
FAQ
Is CELPIP 7 the same as CLB 7?
Yes. CELPIP levels 4 to 12 match CLB levels 4 to 12 one to one, skill by skill.
Is a higher CELPIP level always better for Express Entry?
Yes. Every CLB level counts for points, and the jumps at CLB 9 and CLB 10 are the largest. Going from CLB 8 to CLB 9 in all four skills can add dozens of CRS points.
Test rules change. Always confirm details on celpip.ca and the IRCC website.
More guides
CELPIP Speaking: all 8 tasks, timings and tips
All 8 tasks with prep and speaking times, how you're scored, and how to answer.
Read the guideCELPIP Writing: the email and survey tasks explained
Both Writing tasks with time limits, word counts and a structure for each answer.
Read the guideCELPIP test format: what's in each part
Every part of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, and how long each takes.
Read the guideCELPIP or IELTS: which test should you take?
Format, speaking test, accents, results time and validity, side by side.
Read the guide