# CLB calculator: IELTS, CELPIP and PTE Core

Your IELTS General, CELPIP or PTE Core scores to CLB levels for Express Entry, with the matching scores in the other tests.

## The CLB equivalency chart

The lowest score in each skill for every CLB level, in all three tests Express Entry accepts.

| CLB | Skill | IELTS General | CELPIP | PTE Core |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 10+ | Listening | 8.5+ | 10+ | 89+ |
| 10+ | Reading | 8.0+ | 10+ | 88+ |
| 10+ | Writing | 7.5+ | 10+ | 90+ |
| 10+ | Speaking | 7.5+ | 10+ | 89+ |
| 9 | Listening | 8.0 | 9 | 82-88 |
| 9 | Reading | 7.0 | 9 | 78-87 |
| 9 | Writing | 7.0 | 9 | 88-89 |
| 9 | Speaking | 7.0 | 9 | 84-88 |
| 8 | Listening | 7.5 | 8 | 71-81 |
| 8 | Reading | 6.5 | 8 | 69-77 |
| 8 | Writing | 6.5 | 8 | 79-87 |
| 8 | Speaking | 6.5 | 8 | 76-83 |
| 7 | Listening | 6.0 | 7 | 60-70 |
| 7 | Reading | 6.0 | 7 | 60-68 |
| 7 | Writing | 6.0 | 7 | 69-78 |
| 7 | Speaking | 6.0 | 7 | 68-75 |
| 6 | Listening | 5.5 | 6 | 50-59 |
| 6 | Reading | 5.0 | 6 | 51-59 |
| 6 | Writing | 5.5 | 6 | 60-68 |
| 6 | Speaking | 5.5 | 6 | 59-67 |
| 5 | Listening | 5.0 | 5 | 39-49 |
| 5 | Reading | 4.0 | 5 | 42-50 |
| 5 | Writing | 5.0 | 5 | 51-59 |
| 5 | Speaking | 5.0 | 5 | 51-58 |
| 4 | Listening | 4.5 | 4 | 28-38 |
| 4 | Reading | 3.5 | 4 | 33-41 |
| 4 | Writing | 4.0 | 4 | 41-50 |
| 4 | Speaking | 4.0 | 4 | 42-50 |

*Minimum per skill - IRCC*

## CLB questions

### What IELTS score is CLB 7?

At least 6.0 in each IELTS General Training skill. In CELPIP it is level 7 in each skill.

### What IELTS score is CLB 9?

7.0 in reading, writing and speaking, and 8.0 in listening.

### Which tests count for Express Entry?

Only IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core. IELTS Academic and PTE Academic don't.

### What CLB do I need for the Federal Skilled Worker program?

CLB 7 in every skill. CLB is set skill by skill, so your weakest skill decides whether you meet a threshold.

### Do higher CLB levels earn more points?

Yes. Higher CLB levels earn more Comprehensive Ranking System points. See [IELTS scores for Canada Express Entry](/blog/ielts-score-canada-express-entry).

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

No. Canada accepts PTE Core, a different test, along with IELTS General Training and CELPIP-General.

**Sources**
- [IRCC: Express Entry language test equivalency charts, checked 25 September 2026](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-requirements/language-testing.html)