# IELTS scores for Canada Express Entry (2026): the CLB conversion table

> Express Entry accepts IELTS General Training, not IELTS Academic. The official IELTS-to-CLB table, the PTE Core and CELPIP equivalents, and what CLB 7 and CLB 9 mean in bands.
- **Author**: Testmigo
- **Published**: 2026-09-19
- **Category**: Visa & scores
- **URL**: https://testmigo.com/blog/ielts-score-canada-express-entry

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## The short answer

For Express Entry, Canada accepts three English tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core. IELTS Academic and PTE Academic aren't on the list, and neither is an IELTS One Skill Retake. CLB 7, the minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker program, means at least 6.0 in every IELTS skill. CLB 9, which earns more Comprehensive Ranking System points, means 7.0 in reading, writing and speaking and 8.0 in listening.

## IELTS General Training to CLB

| CLB | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 10 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 |

*Minimum IELTS General Training band for each CLB level. From IRCC's Express Entry language-testing page, checked 19 September 2026.*

Listening needs a higher band than the other skills at CLB 8 and above, which catches many applicants out: a 7.0 in listening is only CLB 8. If you're aiming for CLB 9, practise listening under real conditions until 8.0 is consistent.

The jump matters for your score. For a single applicant, each English ability at CLB 9 earns 31 Comprehensive Ranking System points, against 23 at CLB 8 and 17 at CLB 7, so moving all four abilities from CLB 7 to CLB 9 adds 56 points.

## PTE Core and CELPIP

| CLB | PTE Core speaking | PTE Core listening | PTE Core reading | PTE Core writing | CELPIP |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 10 | 89+ | 89+ | 88+ | 90 | 10+ |
| 9 | 84-88 | 82-88 | 78-87 | 88-89 | 9 |
| 8 | 76-83 | 71-81 | 69-77 | 79-87 | 8 |
| 7 | 68-75 | 60-70 | 60-68 | 69-78 | 7 |

*PTE Core is a different test from PTE Academic. CELPIP scores match the CLB level in each skill. From IRCC, checked the same day.*

Testmigo's [free IELTS mock](/ielts) gives a band for each skill, so you can see which one is keeping you below your CLB target.

## Common questions

### Can I use IELTS Academic for Express Entry?

No. Express Entry accepts IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core for English.

### What IELTS score is CLB 9?

At least 8.0 in listening and 7.0 in reading, writing and speaking, all in IELTS General Training.

### What IELTS score is CLB 7?

At least 6.0 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking.

### Does Express Entry accept IELTS One Skill Retake?

No. IRCC doesn't accept One Skill Retake results for Express Entry.

**Sources**
- [IRCC: Express Entry language test equivalency charts (checked 19 September 2026)](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-requirements/language-testing.html)
- [IRCC: Express Entry language tests](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-test.html)
- [IRCC: Comprehensive Ranking System criteria](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/check-score/crs-criteria.html)

## Related guides

- [PTE Core vs PTE Academic: which should you take?](https://testmigo.com/blog/pte-core-vs-pte-academic)
- [IELTS Academic vs General Training: format, scoring and how to practise](https://testmigo.com/blog/ielts-academic-general-guide)
- [IELTS One Skill Retake (2026): the rules, and who should use it](https://testmigo.com/blog/ielts-one-skill-retake)

[Practise with a free IELTS mock](https://testmigo.com/ielts)
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