CELPIP score chart (CELPIP → CLB)
Each CELPIP skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) gets its own level from M to 12. For immigration, IRCC converts each level to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
| CELPIP level | CLB level | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 10+ | Advanced proficiency in the workplace and community |
| 11 | 10+ | Advanced proficiency in the workplace and community |
| 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 proficiency for daily life activities |
| 3 | 3 | Some proficiency in limited contexts |
| M | 0–2 | Minimal proficiency / not enough information to assess |
CELPIP → CLB → CRS points calculator
Enter your CELPIP level for each skill (1–12) to see your CLB levels and Express Entry first-language points.
| Skill | CELPIP | CLB | CRS points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 9 | 9 | 31 |
| Reading | 8 | 8 | 23 |
| Writing | 7 | 7 | 17 |
| Speaking | 7 | 7 | 17 |
| Total first-language points | 88 | ||
Your lowest skill is CLB 7. Reaching CLB 9 in all four skills also boosts skill-transferability points.
Estimates for planning only, based on IRCC's published CRS tables. Always confirm on canada.ca.
How is CELPIP scored?
Listening and Reading are scored by the number of correct answers, converted to a level. Writing and Speaking are rated by trained raters on four dimensions: Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability (Writing) or Listenability (Speaking), and Task Fulfillment.
What CELPIP score do I need for Express Entry?
Federal Skilled Worker applicants need at least CLB 7 (CELPIP 7) in every skill. More points start at CLB 9 — which is why many candidates retake the test to move from 8 to 9.
Want to know your Writing and Speaking level before test day?
Our free beta scores your practice answers on all four criteria and tells you exactly what to change to reach the next level.
Level descriptions are summarized for guidance. Official score information is published by Paragon Testing Enterprises and IRCC.