CLB Calculator: Converting IELTS, CELPIP, TEF & TCF To CLB
In the application process for numerous immigration programs in Canada, demonstrating proficiency in the English language is a prerequisite. The national standard used for evaluating immigrants’ English language skills is the “Canadian Language Benchmark” (CLB). However, if you have previously taken an IELTS exam with a scoring system different from CLB, it raises the question of how these scores correlate. Notably, IELTS scores range from 0 to 9, and CLB categorizes scores from Level 1 to Level 12. Despite the slight divergence between the two scoring systems, you can effectively align them using an online “CLB to IELTS” converter. Our team has compiled a useful guide elucidating the process of comparing CLB and IELTS scores. For comprehensive insight, the ensuing tables provide a comparison between the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) for English and the Niveaux de compétence Linguistique Canadiens for French, aligning them with language test results from accredited testing organizations. Users can conveniently utilize this information within the CLB Calculator on our platform.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): General Training
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| 10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF Canada)
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| 10 | 263-300 | 393-450 | 316-360 | 393-450 |
| 9 | 248-262 | 371-392 | 298-315 | 371-392 |
| 8 | 233-247 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 349-370 |
| 7 | 207-232 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 310-348 |
| 6 | 181-206 | 271-309 | 217-248 | 271-309 |
| 5 | 151-180 | 226-270 | 181-216 | 226-270 |
| 4 | 121-150 | 181-225 | 145-180 | 181-225 |
Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada)
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| 10 and above | 549-699 | 16-20 | 549-699 | 16-20 |
| 9 | 524-548 | 14-15 | 523-548 | 14-15 |
| 8 | 499-523 | 12-13 | 503-522 | 12-13 |
| 7 | 453-498 | 10-11 | 458-502 | 10-11 |
| 6 | 406-452 | 7-9 | 398-457 | 7-9 |
| 5 | 375-405 | 6 | 369-397 | 6 |
| 4 | 342-374 | 4-5 | 331-368 | 4-5 |
In Canada, many immigration programs, including the ones managed through Express Entry, ask applicants to take language tests in either English or French. The federal programs under this requirement include the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Canada uses a system called Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) to measure language skills. There are 12 CLB levels, starting from basic skills (CLB 1) to full fluency (CLB 12). French also employs a similar set of levels, known as Niveaux de compétence Linguistique Canadiens.
Applicants for Canadian immigration through federal economic programs need to prove their language skills by taking a standardized test recognized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in either English or French. The test covers Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening; each skill corresponds to a specific CLB level.
For a federal economic immigration program, a candidate may choose to demonstrate language proficiency by passing one of the following three standardized tests:
IELTS General:
One of the most widely recognized language tests endorsed by IRCC for immigration is the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. This exam is accessible to candidates both within and outside of Canada. We recommend that Canadian immigration applicants choose the General IELTS exam rather than the Academic one. The test results are presented in “bands” for the four abilities, and an average band score is calculated from these individual scores. Each of the four ability scores corresponds to a specific CLB level.
CELPIP:
If you are applying for Canadian immigration and taking the language test within Canada, you can choose to take the CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) test to assess your English proficiency. The CELPIP scores are closely linked to CLBs (Canadian Language Benchmarks) and receive an assigned score ranging from 1 to 12 for each language skill.
TEF:
The TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) serves as a comprehensive French proficiency test accepted by both the IRCC for immigration applications and the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI) du Québec for Quebec Selection Certificate applications, acting as official proof of language proficiency.
It’s important to highlight that while proficiency in one official language is a requirement for applicants to federal economic immigration programs, showcasing this proficiency could enhance their ranking on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Express Entry.
Understanding GrantUnity’s CLB Calculator
At GrantUnity.com, we are committed to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data provided in our Canada Immigration Language Converter tool, also known as the CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) Calculator. Our team diligently works to keep the CLB Calculator updated and accurate, reflecting the latest in immigration requirements and language proficiency standards. Despite our efforts to maintain precision, it’s crucial for users to critically assess the information’s accuracy, completeness, and relevance to their individual needs before relying on it for immigration purposes.
It’s important to emphasize that the CLB Calculator is designed to serve as a helpful resource, not a definitive guide. As such, it should not be seen as a substitute for professional advice. The tool is intended to offer initial guidance on language proficiency levels required for immigration to Canada, but it does not encompass all aspects of the immigration process. Users are strongly encouraged to consult with an experienced Canadian immigration attorney before making any decisions based solely on the information provided by the CLB Calculator. Professional advice, tailored to the nuances of individual situations, is indispensable for navigating the complexities of immigration law and policy.
GrantUnity.com cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy or completeness of the information presented through the CLB Calculator. Therefore, we assume no legal liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. The reliance on the CLB Calculator and the information it provides is at the user’s own risk. We do not accept liability for any loss or damage that may arise directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on the CLB Calculator or the information contained within it. Users are urged to exercise due diligence and seek professional guidance to address their specific immigration circumstances comprehensively.
Frequently Asked Questions: CLB Calculator
GrantUnity’s online Tool simplifies the conversion of IELTS scores and aligns them with CLB Levels (find them on this page).
Your IELTS score will determine which Canadian Language Benchmark you meet. Use our CLB to IELTS calculator to compare scores.
We recommend visiting the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada website to learn about language requirements for Canadian immigration programs.
Incredibly easily. Use GrantUnity’s CLB to IELTS calculator to check how your IELTS scores compare to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs).
“That is correct. An IELTS test is available on the ielts.ca website.”
The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is a national standard that evaluates applications for immigration to Canada. It assesses and recognizes English language proficiency. The CLB has three stages and a total of 12 levels. These 12 levels describe an individual’s speaking, reading, and writing proficiency. The Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced stages are the three levels, while the benchmarks for each level are Initial, Developing, Adequate, and Fluent. A high CLB level is always necessary to study or work in Canada. Higher levels of CLB indicate greater language proficiency, whereas lower levels, such as CLB 1-4, signify that the person is a language novice.
It’s important to note that there is no CLB test. Unlike IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL, CLB is not a test of a particular language such as English. However, you can determine your language proficiency levels according to CLBs using language assessment results. The CLB levels demonstrate your proficiency in English for common tasks, not just your grammar or vocabulary proficiency. Knowing your CLB level can be extremely helpful, especially if you plan on applying for immigration to Canada.
If you are seeking legal permanent residence in Canada, you must demonstrate a minimum CLB level. Additionally, understanding your CLB levels will be beneficial if you plan on studying at a Canadian university, as it will help you comprehend the course and program materials. CLB plays a crucial role if you plan on living, working, or studying in Canada.
When applying for immigration to Canada, an applicant’s proficiency in English or French is evaluated. The scores from authorized language tests like IELTS, TEF, TEF Canada, etc. determine the CLB scores which are used to calculate the points in CRS. However, it is not enough to simply pass the language test. The applicant must also prove their ability to read, write, speak, and listen in the language. For instance, if an applicant’s IELTS language test shows a CLB score of 9, they must demonstrate their proficiency in everyday usage before being approved for immigration to Canada.
The CLB is a language assessment that evaluates English proficiency. The Canadian-French benchmark system is called NCLC. Two tests in France, TCF and TEF, are measured at NCLC.
Depending on the program, submitting your test results in both English and French can increase your chances of being accepted into Canada through Express Entry. English is evaluated based on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), while French is evaluated based on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).
The minimum score required to qualify for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program is CLB 7 or higher. For the International English Language Testing System “IELTS”, this translates to a score of 6.0 or higher.
Both tests should be standardized to reduce difficulty. They are thorough and require preparation, especially if English isn’t your first language.