IELTS General Training to CLB chart
Each ability is converted on its own, and the lowest of the four is the level that counts for a requirement of “CLB 7 in all four abilities”.
| CLB level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 or higher | 7.5-9.0 | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 |
| CLB 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| CLB 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| CLB 4 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
Each figure is the lowest band score for that level. A score between two rows counts at the lower one: listening 7.0 is CLB 7, because CLB 8 starts at 7.5.
Express Entry accepts only the General Training option, and not IELTS One Skill Retake.
CRS points for each CLB level
Your first official language earns points for each ability separately. CLB 9 in all four is worth 124 points without an accompanying spouse or partner (116 with one), against 68 at CLB 7. These tables did not change on November 3, 2026; see what did.
| Level | Per ability, no partner | Per ability, with a partner | All four at this level, no partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 3 or lower | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| CLB 4 or 5 | 6 | 6 | 24 |
| CLB 6 | 9 | 8 | 36 |
| CLB 7 | 17 | 16 | 68 |
| CLB 8 | 23 | 22 | 92 |
| CLB 9 | 31 | 29 | 124 |
| CLB 10 or higher | 34 | 32 | 136 |
CLB 7 or 9 in all four abilities also unlocks skill transferability points with a post-secondary credential or foreign work experience: for example, education with CLB 7 earns 13 or 25, and with CLB 9, 25 or 50. The full grid is in how the CRS score is built.
The minimum level for each program
Meeting a minimum makes you eligible for a program; it does not earn an invitation. In your first official language, IRCC asks for:
| Program | Minimum level |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | CLB 7 in all four abilities |
| Canadian Experience Class, TEER 0 or 1 job | CLB 7 in all four abilities |
| Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or 3 job | CLB 5 in all four abilities |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing |
Your results must be less than 2 years old both when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence. IRCC: language test results
Other language tests
- CELPIP-General to CLB
- PTE Core to CLB
- TEF Canada and TCF Canada to NCLC
- CLB 9 in CELPIP: what it means for your CRS score
- NCLC 7 in TEF Canada: what it means for your CRS score