CELPIP Scores
CELPIP Score to CLB Chart 2026 (All 4 Skills)
Updated
CELPIP scores convert one to one to Canadian Language Benchmark levels: a CELPIP 7 is CLB 7, a CELPIP 9 is CLB 9, and IRCC counts every score from 10 to 12 as CLB 10. Each of the four skills gets its own level, and immigration minimums apply to every skill separately.
| CELPIP level | CLB level | What the level means |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | CLB 12 | Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 11 | CLB 11 | Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 10 | CLB 10 | Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 9 | CLB 9 | Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 8 | CLB 8 | Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 7 | CLB 7 | Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 6 | CLB 6 | Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 5 | CLB 5 | Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 4 | CLB 4 | Adequate proficiency for daily life activities |
| 3 | CLB 3 | Some proficiency in limited contexts |
| M | Below CLB 3 | Minimal proficiency or not enough information to assess |
CELPIP reports a separate level for listening, reading, writing and speaking, and the same chart applies to each one. IRCC's equivalency tables stop at “CLB 10 and above”, so for immigration a CELPIP 11 or 12 counts exactly like a 10.
Have scores from IELTS or PTE Core as well, or want to see which skill sets your overall level? Use the CELPIP score converter.
CELPIP Listening score chart
The Listening test has 38 scored questions. Paragon, which makes the test, publishes this chart of correct answers to CELPIP level. For CLB 7 you need roughly 27 to 31 correct, and for CLB 9 roughly 33 to 35.
| Correct answers (out of 38) | CELPIP level | CLB level |
|---|---|---|
| 35–38 | 10–12 | CLB 10+ |
| 33–35 | 9 | CLB 9 |
| 30–33 | 8 | CLB 8 |
| 27–31 | 7 | CLB 7 |
| 22–28 | 6 | CLB 6 |
| 17–23 | 5 | CLB 5 |
| 11–18 | 4 | CLB 4 |
| 7–12 | 3 | CLB 3 |
| 0–7 | M | Below CLB 3 |
Practise a part at a time in the free CELPIP listening practice questions.
CELPIP Reading score chart
The Reading test also has 38 scored questions, and it needs slightly fewer correct answers than Listening for the same level: roughly 24 to 28 for CLB 7 and 31 to 33 for CLB 9.
| Correct answers (out of 38) | CELPIP level | CLB level |
|---|---|---|
| 33–38 | 10–12 | CLB 10+ |
| 31–33 | 9 | CLB 9 |
| 28–31 | 8 | CLB 8 |
| 24–28 | 7 | CLB 7 |
| 19–25 | 6 | CLB 6 |
| 15–20 | 5 | CLB 5 |
| 10–16 | 4 | CLB 4 |
| 8–11 | 3 | CLB 3 |
| 0–7 | M | Below CLB 3 |
Paragon calls both charts an approximate guide. The cut-offs shift slightly between test forms, which is why neighbouring ranges overlap. Sources: Paragon: Raw Scores and CELPIP Levels for the Listening Test; Paragon: Raw Scores and CELPIP Levels for the Reading Test.
CELPIP Writing score chart
Writing has no raw score. Certified raters score both tasks on four dimensions: Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, Task Fulfillment. The result is a CELPIP level from M to 12, and it maps to the CLB one to one, using the chart at the top of this page: a Writing 7 is CLB 7.
Writing is the skill that most often holds candidates below CLB 7. See a CLB 9+ Writing Task 1 sample answer or get a writing level from the AI Coach.
CELPIP Speaking score chart
Speaking is rated the same way across all eight tasks, on Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability, Task Fulfillment. A Speaking 9 is CLB 9, and as with every skill, IRCC counts a 10, 11 or 12 as CLB 10.
Try the free CELPIP speaking practice questions to get a speaking level for each task.
What CELPIP score do I need for Express Entry or citizenship?
Every program sets a minimum CLB level, and you have to meet it in each required skill. One weak skill is enough to miss it, however high the others are.
| Program | Minimum CLB | CELPIP score needed |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | CLB 7 in all four skills | 7 in listening, reading, writing and speaking |
| Canadian Experience Class (TEER 0 or 1 job) | CLB 7 in all four skills | 7 in every skill |
| Canadian Experience Class (TEER 2 or 3 job) | CLB 5 in all four skills | 5 in every skill |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | CLB 5 speaking and listening, CLB 4 reading and writing | 5 in speaking and listening, 4 in reading and writing |
| Canadian citizenship (ages 18 to 54) | CLB 4 in speaking and listening | 4 in speaking and listening (CELPIP-General LS is enough) |
Meeting the minimum only makes you eligible. In the Express Entry pool, the Comprehensive Ranking System gives more points for each skill up to CLB 10, and reaching CLB 9 in all four skills unlocks the full skill-transferability points. That is why many candidates aim for a 9 or 10 in every skill rather than the minimum 7.
Program minimums checked against IRCC on 2026-09-08: IRCC: Express Entry language test results. Always confirm the current requirements on canada.ca before you apply.
CELPIP score chart FAQ
Put this guide into practice
Reading the strategy is half the work. Try it on a real question while it is fresh.