THE SCORE CONVERSION
IELTS to CLB conversion chart
Match each IELTS General Training band to its own column. Read across a row to find the bands needed for a CLB target, or down a column to convert a score you already have.
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 8.5–9.0 | 8.0–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0–7.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0–7.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0–5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0–4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0–4.5 | 4.0–4.5 |
Scores below the first threshold in a skill are shown as “Below CLB 4”. CLB 10+ groups levels 10 and above for this calculator. Source: IRCC conversion table.
How do you convert IELTS to CLB?
Convert Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking separately, then compare all four results with your requirement. There is no averaged CLB result here. The lowest level tells you whether you reach a target that applies to every skill.
Reading, Writing and Speaking each reach CLB 9. Listening reaches CLB 7. For CLB 9 in every skill, Listening would need to rise to 8.0.
What are CLB 7, CLB 9 and CLB 10 in IELTS?
CLB 7
6.0 in all four skills. This meets the first-language minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
CLB 9
Listening 8.0; the other three 7.0. Often called “8777”, in Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking order.
CLB 10+
Listening 8.5, Reading 8.0, Writing 7.5, Speaking 7.5. This reaches the top CRS first-language points bracket.
CLB 9 can also improve skill-transferability points when combined with qualifying education or foreign work experience. The benefit depends on your profile; it is not included in this calculator. Check the full CRS criteria.
CRS language points by CLB level
CRS is the Comprehensive Ranking System used to rank Express Entry profiles. Add the points for each skill, even when your four CLB levels differ.
| CLB level | Without spouse/partner | With spouse/partner |
|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 34 | 32 |
| 9 | 31 | 29 |
| 8 | 23 | 22 |
| 7 | 17 | 16 |
| 6 | 9 | 8 |
| 5 | 6 | 6 |
| 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Below 4 | 0 | 0 |
The calculator treats English as your first official language and shows both spouse categories. IRCC uses the “without” category if your spouse or partner is not accompanying you, or is already a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
These totals exclude second-language, spouse, education, experience, transferability and additional points. They are not your total CRS score or the separate Federal Skilled Worker selection score. Source: IRCC CRS criteria.
IELTS and CLB requirements for Canada
Use this comparison to check the language minimum only. Each programme has other conditions; meeting a language threshold does not establish eligibility or guarantee an invitation.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
CLB 7 in all four skills (first official language)
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 Program
CLB 5 Listening/Speaking; CLB 4 Reading/Writing
PGWP: university programmes, including bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees
CLB 7 in all four skills
PGWP: other college, polytechnic or non-university programmes
CLB 5 in all four skills
The PGWP language requirements apply to applications submitted on or after 1 November 2024. Graduates of PGWP-eligible flight schools are exempt. Provincial nominee streams have their own requirements. Check your PGWP circumstances with IRCC.
IELTS to CLB: common questions
Can I convert IELTS Academic to CLB?
This calculator uses the IELTS General Training table. Express Entry requires General Training; an Academic result is not a substitute. Read our Academic vs General Training guide before booking.
Is IELTS 6.5 the same as CLB 8?
In Reading, Writing and Speaking, 6.5 maps to CLB 8. In Listening, 6.5 maps to CLB 7. You need Listening 7.5 for CLB 8.
Does an overall IELTS band of 7 meet CLB 9?
The overall band cannot answer that question. Check the individual bands: CLB 9 needs Listening 8.0 and at least 7.0 in each of the other three skills.
Can I use IELTS One Skill Retake for Express Entry?
IRCC currently does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake for Express Entry. Check its accepted language tests before choosing a retake.
How long are IELTS results valid for Express Entry?
IRCC requires results to be less than two years old both when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your permanent residence application. See the IRCC validity rules.
Can this calculator convert CELPIP, PTE Core or French tests?
This page calculates IELTS General Training only. For CELPIP, use our CELPIP to CLB tool. PTE Core has a different table from PTE Academic. TEF Canada and TCF Canada use NCLC, the French benchmark scale; follow IRCC's test-specific tables.
Is this an official immigration calculator?
No. PrepEx is an independent preparation platform. This free tool applies the linked IRCC tables to the bands you enter; it does not verify a score report or assess an application. Confirm current requirements with IRCC before applying.
Can I enter a PrepEx practice band?
You can explore a study target, but practice bands are estimates. They cannot be used as language-test evidence for an immigration application. Only an accepted official test result can provide that evidence.
Sources and last check
The conversion, points and language requirements were checked against these IRCC pages on .