The score chart
CELPIP 12 is CLB 12, CELPIP 11 is CLB 11, and so on down to level 3. Below level 3, check CELPIP's official table. For a fuller explanation, read the scores and CLB guide or put your four results into the CLB calculator.
| CELPIP level | CLB level |
|---|---|
| 12 | 12 |
| 11 | 11 |
| 10 | 10 |
| 9 | 9 |
| 8 | 8 |
| 7 | 7 |
| 6 | 6 |
| 5 | 5 |
| 4 | 4 |
| 3 | 3 |
| Below 3 | Check CELPIP's official table |
Thresholds stated in our guides
These figures come from our Express Entry guide and citizenship guide, which cite IRCC.
| Program | Minimum stated |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker | CLB 7 in all four skills |
| Canadian Experience Class, TEER 0 or 1 | CLB 7 in all four skills |
| Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or 3 | CLB 5 in all four skills |
| Federal Skilled Trades | CLB 5 in speaking and listening; CLB 4 in reading and writing |
| Citizenship, age 18 to 54 | Level 4 or higher in listening and speaking |
For CRS points, the guide lists 17 points per skill at CLB 7, 23 at CLB 8, 31 at CLB 9 and 34 at CLB 10 or more for a single applicant; with a partner the figures are 16, 22, 29 and 32. CLB 9 is not required for the Federal Skilled Worker minimum; people aim for it because it adds CRS points.
The level 7 raw-score guide is about 27 to 31 out of 38 in listening and 24 to 28 out of 38 in reading. Treat it as a guide, not a promise. Writing and speaking are rated against descriptors, not raw scores.
The 10 questions
Work out each answer before opening the reveal. Every explanation is one line.
1. Your CELPIP levels are L 8, S 7, R 9, W 7. What is your lowest CLB?
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Answer: B. The lowest of the four levels is 7, and CELPIP 7 is CLB 7.
2. Your CELPIP levels are L 9, S 10, R 9, W 8. What is your lowest CLB?
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Answer: B. Writing at 8 is the lowest result, so the lowest CLB is 8.
3. What is the Federal Skilled Worker language minimum in all four skills?
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Answer: B. IRCC sets CLB 7 in all four skills for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
4. What is the minimum for Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or 3 jobs?
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Answer: B. The guide lists CLB 5 in all four skills for CEC TEER 2 or 3.
5. What does Federal Skilled Trades require in reading and writing?
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Answer: A. Federal Skilled Trades needs CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
6. For citizenship, applicants aged 18 to 54 need what in listening and speaking?
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Answer: B. IRCC needs level 4 or higher in listening and speaking for citizenship.
7. CELPIP level 11 equals which CLB level?
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Answer: B. From level 3 to 12, the CELPIP level and the CLB level are the same number.
8. You have R 10, L 8, S 7, W 6, and your program needs CLB 7 in all four. Do you meet it?
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Answer: C. IRCC reads each skill separately, so a high reading score cannot cover a writing score of 6.
9. How many CRS points per skill does a single applicant get at CLB 9?
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Answer: D. The guide lists 31 points per skill at CLB 9 for a single applicant.
10. Does CELPIP-General LS count for Express Entry?
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Answer: C. CELPIP-General LS tests only listening and speaking and is not accepted for Express Entry.
Questions
Is CELPIP 9 the same as CLB 9?
Yes. From level 3 to level 12, the CELPIP level and the CLB level are the same number.
Does IRCC use an overall CELPIP score?
No. Requirements are set skill by skill, so a high score in one skill cannot cover a low score in another.
What if my level is below 3?
Check CELPIP's official table. Our chart covers levels 3 to 12, which is the range the guides state.
Sources (checked 26 October 2026)
- CELPIP Test Format & Scoring
- CELPIP Results
- IRCC Express Entry language-test results
- IRCC citizenship language proof, Step 5
Last reviewed 29 October 2026
Check your own result
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