An IELTS to CLB calculator based on IRCC’s equivalency tables
This IELTS to CLB calculator converts your IELTS General Training band scores into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels for listening, reading, writing and speaking, using the score tables Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publishes for Express Entry. It also converts CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada and TCF Canada results (the French tests give NCLC levels, the French equivalent of CLB).
Each ability is converted on its own, because Canada sets its language requirements per ability. The tool then shows your lowest level, whether you meet the Express Entry minimums for the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades programs, and the score you would need for the next level. It runs in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere.
How to use the IELTS to CLB Calculator
- Choose the test you took: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
- Enter your four scores exactly as on your test report — for TEF Canada, use the “Équivalence ancien score” column.
- Read your CLB or NCLC level for each ability in the table, and the lowest of the four in the result.
- Check the Express Entry minimums list and the “Next level needs” column to see what to aim for in a retake.
IELTS to CLB Calculator features
Five approved tests
IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core for English; TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French.
Per-ability levels
Listening, reading, writing and speaking are converted separately, as IRCC does.
Program minimums
FSW (CLB 7 in all four), CEC (CLB 7 for TEER 0/1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2/3) and FST (CLB 5 speaking and listening, CLB 4 reading and writing).
Next-level targets
For every ability, the lowest score that reaches the next CLB.
Full score chart
The complete CLB 4–10 table for the selected test, with your level highlighted.
IELTS General Training to CLB chart
IELTS scores below are the lowest band for each level. Listening needs higher bands than the other abilities from CLB 8 up.
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 8.5–9.0 | 8.0–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0–7.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0–7.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0–5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0–4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0–4.5 | 4.0–4.5 |
Where the numbers come from
The tables are IRCC’s, from the canada.ca page Express Entry: Language test results (page modified 16 October 2026, read on 19 October 2026). CELPIP-General levels match CLB levels one for one, with CELPIP 10–12 counted as CLB 10 and above. For TEF Canada, IRCC asks you to enter the “Équivalence ancien score” results, not the “Score / 699” column. Tables can change; check the canada.ca page before you apply.
For Express Entry, IRCC accepts IELTS General Training only — not IELTS Academic and not the IELTS One Skill Retake — and PTE Core, not PTE Academic. Results must be less than two years old when you create your profile and when you apply for permanent residence.
CLB levels, not points
This calculator stops at CLB and NCLC levels. Express Entry ranks profiles with the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and the Federal Skilled Worker program uses its own 67-point grid; both award points from these levels, but this page does not calculate them. Provincial nominee programs, citizenship and study or work permits set their own minimums, which can differ from the ones listed here.
This is information, not immigration advice. If you are planning a move, a study plan for a retake can help you reach the next band.
IELTS to CLB Calculator FAQ
What IELTS score is CLB 7?
CLB 7 needs at least 6.0 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking on IELTS General Training.
What IELTS score is CLB 9?
Listening 8.0, reading 7.0, writing 7.0 and speaking 7.0. CLB 10 needs 8.5 listening, 8.0 reading and 7.5 in writing and speaking.
How do I use this IELTS to CLB calculator?
Choose IELTS General, type your four band scores and read the CLB for each ability. Your lowest level is what counts for program minimums.
Can I convert CELPIP or PTE Core to CLB?
Yes. CELPIP-General levels equal CLB levels (10–12 count as CLB 10+). PTE Core uses its own ranges, for example 60–70 listening for CLB 7.
Does IELTS Academic count for Express Entry?
No. IRCC accepts only IELTS General Training for Express Entry, and not the One Skill Retake.
Does this calculate my CRS score?
No. It shows CLB/NCLC levels and program minimums only; CRS and FSW points are not calculated.