Official tables checked on 20 October 2026 · By the CELPIP TIP team
Short answer: CELPIP levels match CLB levels one to one from 4 to 10, and CELPIP 10, 11 and 12 all count as CLB 10+. Pick your CELPIP band (level) in each ability below to see your CLB levels, your Express Entry CRS points for your first official language (up to 136, or 128 with a spouse), your Federal Skilled Worker language points and which program minimums you meet.
CLB 9 or more in all four abilities would raise your skill transferability points for education and foreign work.
Language points only. Your full CRS score also counts age, education, work experience and other factors. IRCC changes the points for Canadian work experience and job offers from 3 November 2026; the language points above do not change.
Each CELPIP level from 4 to 10 equals the same CLB level in each ability; IRCC counts 10, 11 and 12 as CLB 10 or more.
| CELPIP level | CLB per ability |
|---|---|
| 10, 11 or 12 | CLB 10+ |
| 9 | CLB 9 |
| 8 | CLB 8 |
| 7 | CLB 7 |
| 6 | CLB 6 |
| 5 | CLB 5 |
| 4 | CLB 4 |
| Below 4 | Below CLB 4 |
Points per ability for your first official language, from the IRCC CRS criteria. Multiply by four for the same level in every ability.
| CLB per ability | CELPIP | Without spouse | With spouse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below CLB 4 | 0 to 3 | 0 | 0 |
| CLB 4 or 5 | 4 or 5 | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 6 | 6 | 9 | 8 |
| CLB 7 | 7 | 17 | 16 |
| CLB 8 | 8 | 23 | 22 |
| CLB 9 | 9 | 31 | 29 |
| CLB 10 or more | 10 to 12 | 34 | 32 |
Express Entry accepts the CELPIP-General test, not CELPIP-General LS. Results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply. The CELPIP to CLB levels come from celpip.ca.
Scoring and score reporting: CELPIP 2024 Data Report.
How do CELPIP scores convert to CLB?
One to one: a CELPIP level of 4 to 10 equals the same CLB level in each ability. IRCC counts CELPIP 10, 11 and 12 as CLB 10 or more, and scores below 4 as below CLB 4.
Is there an overall CELPIP score?
Not one that IRCC uses. CELPIP reports Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking as separate levels, and immigration programs check each ability on its own. The average shown on a CELPIP-General score report is not a CLB level and is not used for IRCC purposes.
How are CELPIP Listening and Reading scored?
They are scored by computer. Each correct answer adds to your level and wrong answers are not penalized, so answer every question. Writing and Speaking are each rated by at least three certified raters.
How many CRS points do I get for CELPIP?
Without a spouse or partner, each ability earns 6 points at CLB 4 or 5, 9 at CLB 6, 17 at CLB 7, 23 at CLB 8, 31 at CLB 9 and 34 at CLB 10 or more, up to 136 for all four. With a spouse or partner it is 6, 8, 16, 22, 29 and 32, up to 128.
What CELPIP score do I need for Express Entry?
Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class with a TEER 0 or 1 job need CLB 7 (CELPIP 7) in all four abilities. Canadian Experience Class with a TEER 2 or 3 job needs CLB 5 in all four. Federal Skilled Trades needs CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
What CELPIP score do I need for Canadian citizenship?
Applicants aged 18 to 54 need CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening. IRCC accepts CELPIP-General or CELPIP-General LS, which tests only listening and speaking.
How long are CELPIP results valid for immigration?
For Express Entry, your results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply for permanent residence.
Related: CELPIP score for immigration · When can I see my CELPIP score? · CELPIP tips for every part of the test
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