Your CELPIP level equals your CLB level in each skill: CELPIP 9 is CLB 9. Listening and Reading levels come from how many of 38 questions you answer correctly. Speaking and Writing are rated against four criteria.
Last checked Oct 2026 against the CELPIP Test Results page and IRCC language requirements.
Listening and Reading: correct answers to level
| CELPIP level | CLB | Listening /38 | Reading /38 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10–12 | 10–12 | 35–38 | 33–38 |
| 9 | 9 | 33–35 | 31–33 |
| 8 | 8 | 30–33 | 28–31 |
| 7 | 7 | 27–31 | 24–28 |
| 6 | 6 | 22–28 | 19–25 |
| 5 | 5 | 17–23 | 15–20 |
| 4 | 4 | 11–18 | 10–16 |
| 3 | 3 | 7–12 | 8–11 |
| M | — | 0–7 | 0–7 |
Approximate ranges from CELPIP. They overlap because each test form is equated for difficulty.
Speaking and Writing: how they are rated
Speaking
Content/Coherence · Vocabulary · Listenability · Task Fulfillment
How CELPIP Speaking is scored →Writing
Content/Coherence · Vocabulary · Readability · Task Fulfillment
How CELPIP Writing is scored →CLB to IELTS General Training, by skill
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Source: IRCC language test equivalency chart. Minimum IELTS General Training score for each CLB level.
Why it matters for Canada PR
Express Entry uses CLB. CELPIP already reports CLB equivalents (1:1 for each level), so you can see quickly if you hit CLB 7+ or CLB 9+ thresholds.
Compare CELPIP vs IELTS →Fast ways to boost scores
Focus on Speaking & Writing task types; a small lift can move you from CELPIP 7 to 8 (CLB 7 → 8) or 8 to 9 (CLB 8 → 9), which greatly improves CRS.
See speaking practice tips →CELPIP score chart (CLB)
CELPIP level equals CLB level (1:1).
| CELPIP Level | CLB Level | Descriptor |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 12 | Expert proficiency in high-stakes contexts |
| 11 | 11 | Advanced proficiency in high-stakes contexts |
| 10 | 10 | Highly effective proficiency |
| 9 | 9 | Effective proficiency |
| 8 | 8 | Good proficiency |
| 7 | 7 | Adequate proficiency |
| 6 | 6 | Developing proficiency |
| 5 | 5 | Acquiring proficiency |
| 4 | 4 | Adequate for daily life |
| 3 | 3 | Some proficiency in limited contexts |
| 2 | 1-2 | Limited ability for immediate needs |
| 1 / 0 / NA | — | Insufficient information / not administered |
Australia accepts CELPIP General taken at a test centre on or after 7 August 2025; CELPIP Online is not accepted. Score requirements depend on the visa. Check the Department of Home Affairs English language page.
CELPIP listening score chart
Listening follows the same level scale. A small bump (e.g., CELPIP 7 → 8) can shift you from CLB 7 to CLB 8.
| CELPIP Listening | CLB | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 10-12 | CLB 10-12 | Strong command; complex detail and inference. |
| 8-9 | CLB 8-9 | Good command; handles varied everyday and work topics. |
| 7 | CLB 7 | Adequate; main ideas and some detail in routine contexts. |
| 5-6 | CLB 5-6 | Developing; needs support with speed or complex language. |
| 4 | CLB 4 | Basic understanding of clear, everyday speech. |
FAQs
Is CELPIP equal to CLB?
Yes. CELPIP levels map 1:1 to CLB (e.g., CELPIP 9 = CLB 9).
CELPIP 7 to IELTS?
CELPIP 7 (CLB 7) is roughly IELTS band 6.0; confirm with the receiving institution.
What CELPIP score is equivalent to IELTS 8777?
CELPIP 9 in all four skills. IELTS General Training 8 Listening, 7 Reading, 7 Writing and 7 Speaking is CLB 9 in each skill (see the CLB 9 row in the table above).
What score do I need for Canada PR?
For many Express Entry profiles, CLB 9 (CELPIP 9) is the key jump for CRS. Higher scores (10-12) can further improve ranking.