What is CLB?
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) is a 12-point scale of English as a Second Language (ESL) proficiency. It was first published in 1996 and is managed by a Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks.
- Convert your language test results into CLB level or NCLC level. For immigration to Canada, you need to use the CLB level equivalent of your English language test results, or the NCLC level equivalent if you took the French language test. CELPIP Level to CLB Level IELTS Band Score to CLB Level.
- CLB Description IELTS Listening IELTS Reading IELTS Writing IELTS Speaking; 1: Initial Basic: 1: 1: 1: 1: 2: Developing Basic: 2: 1.5: 2: 2: 3: Adequate Basic: 3.5: 2.
- IELTS and CLB IELTS – General Training is accepted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) as evidence of English-language proficiency. If you are applying for permanent residency in Canada, it is likely that you will be required to present your test result as part of your application.
- The converter below can convert test scores in one or multiple abilities into their corresponding CLB(s), or vice versa. It can also convert either test scores or CLBs into FSW or Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. Please enter at least one NUMBER in the first box, what you would like to convert FROM in the second box and what you would.
The CLB's scale is divided into 3 main levels:
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) is a 12-point scale of English as a Second Language (ESL) proficiency. It was first published in 1996 and is managed by a Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks.
Iso 15765 2 2016. ISO 15765-2:2016 specifies a transport protocol and network layer services tailored to meet the requirements of CAN‑based vehicle network systems on controller area networks as specified in ISO 11898‑1. ISO 15765-2: 2016. Current The latest, up-to-date edition. ROAD VEHICLES - DIAGNOSTIC COMMUNICATION OVER CONTROLLER AREA NETWORK (DOCAN) - PART 2: TRANSPORT PROTOCOL AND NETWORK LAYER SERVICES.
- Stage I: Basic Proficiency (1-4 points);
- Stage II: Intermediate Proficiency (5-8 points);
- Stage III: Advanced Proficiency (9-12 points).
CLB and CEFR side-by-side comparison:
CLB level | CEFR level |
---|---|
– | A1 (Beginner) |
4 | A2 (Elementary) |
5 | B1 (Intermediate) |
6-7 | B2 (Upper-Intermediate) |
8-9 | C1 (Advanced) |
10-12 | C2 (Proficiency) |
(You can find more information about English proficiency levels in a detailed comparison of CLB levels with CEFR levels, TOEFL, TOEIC and Cambridge ESOL)
The language tests based on CLB benchmarks cover four skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing.
Workplace Language Assessment (WLA) and The Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) are the most popular low-stakes exams. The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) and Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) are the most relevant high-stakes exams.
CELPIP is one of only two English proficiency tests which can be used when applying for permanent resident status in Canada (together with IELTS).
In a similar way the CELPIP is using CLB, the TrackTest English Proficiency Test uses the CEFR scale. TrackTest results and English language certificates are available immediately after the completion of the level tests. The evaluation of the optional English speaking test is delivered 6 days after the test completion. TrackTest English certificates are valid for lifetime.
CELPIP and TrackTest CEFR side-by-side comparison:
CELPIP | TrackTest English Test | |
---|---|---|
Scale/grading | 12-points CLB scale | Six CEFR levels, from A1 to C2 |
Assessed skills | Reading, Writing, Listening Speaking | Grammar, Reading, Listening (+optional Speaking and Writing) |
Duration of the test | Approx. 3 hours | 45 minutes (+optional Speaking&Writing 20 min) |
Results available | In 7-8 days | Immediately (the Speaking&Writing exam in 6 days). |
The validity of the English certificate | 2 years | Unlimited |
Price | Approx. $265 plus tax | Approx.10x less |
Canada has two official languages – English and French. To apply for Canadian citizenship and Canadian PR status (permanent stay in Canada), you'll need to provide proof that you have the required proficiency in the use of at least one of Canada's official languages. Continue reading to know which English language tests are accepted by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as proof of your language ability.
You need to make sure that you are booking an approved language test, and the test administrator (the organization who is providing the language test) has been designated by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). There are only a handful of designated language test administrators and approved language tests, we will let you know which ones they are.
IRCC approved language tests for Canadian Citizenship
To apply for Canadian citizenship, there are several ways you can demonstrate your ability in the use of the English or French language. If taking a language test is the option you choose to demonstrate your ability in the use of the English language, you only need to take the listening and the speaking tests.
Taking the CELPIP-LS will be your cheapest option at $195 CAD plus taxes. CELPIP-LS is a language test administered by Paragon Testing Enterprises, a designated language test provider. The CELPIP-LS language test which is administered by Paragon Testing Enterprises is approved for Canadian citizenship applications. Another more expensive option is taking the IELTS-General Training language test and the CELPIP-General.
TABLE 1: CELPIP-LS in comparison to IELTS-General Training
CELPIP-LS (Recommended) | IELTS-GENERAL TRAINING | |
---|---|---|
IRCC APPROVED FOR CITIZENSHIP | YES | YES |
PRICE | $195 + Taxes | Around $300 + Taxes |
TEST DURATION | 1 hour in total | Arrive before 8:15AM and be ready to stay until 6PM as the speaking test schedule is separate |
TEST DELIVERY | Computer-delivered | Computer-delivered and/or Paper-based |
SPEAKING TEST | Online (scenarios are given) | Face-to-face |
TEST RESULTS | Available online in 4-5 calendar days after the test date | Available online in 13 calendar days after the test date |
ACCENT USED IN THE LISTENING TEST | North American Accent | British Accent |
REVIEW MATERIALS | Available - free and for purchase | Available - free and for purchase |
Expired Approved Language Tests
If you have taken an approved language test in the past, such as when you applied for immigration to Canada, this is an acceptable proof of language ability, even if it's expired. You'll need to provide a photocopy or a scanned copy of your expired test results. Bijoy 2003 free download for windows 7.
IRCC approved language tests for Canadian Immigration
If you intend to immigrate to Canada using your skills, education and work experience, there are two IRCC approved language tests you can choose from:
1. CELPIP-General, administered by Paragon Testing Enterprises
2. IELTS-General Training, administered by Cambridge Assessment English, IDP Australia and The British Council
TABLE 2: CELPIP-General in comparison to IELTS-General Training
CELPIP-General (Recommended) | IELTS-GENERAL TRAINING | |
---|---|---|
IRCC APPROVED FOR PR STATUS | YES | YES |
PRICE | Canada - $280 CAD + Taxes Philippines - $215 CAD + Taxes India - ₹10845 + Taxes UAE - $340 CAD + Taxes USA - $285 CAD + Taxes China - $335 CAD + Taxes | Around $300 + Taxes |
TEST DURATION | Single 3-Hour Test Sitting | Arrive before 8:15AM and be ready to stay until 6PM as the speaking test schedule is separate |
TEST DELIVERY | Computer-delivered | Computer-delivered and/or Paper-based |
SPEAKING TEST | Online (scenarios are given) | Face-to-face |
TEST RESULTS | Available online in 4-5 calendar days after the test date | Available online in 13 calendar days after the test date |
ACCENT USED IN THE LISTENING TEST | North American Accent | British Accent |
REVIEW MATERIALS | Available - free and for purchase | Available - free and for purchase |
Booking your English language test
Booking your French language test
Links to Preparation Materials
Convert your CELPIP and IELTS language test results into CLB Level
Convert your language test results into CLB level or NCLC level using the tables below.
CELPIP Level to CLB Level
CLB LEVEL | LISTENING ABILITY | READING ABILITY | WRITING ABILITY | SPEAKING ABILITY |
---|---|---|---|---|
CLB 12 | CELPIP Level 12 | CELPIP Level 12 | CELPIP Level 12 | CELPIP Level 12 |
CLB 11 | CELPIP Level 11 | CELPIP Level 11 | CELPIP Level 11 | CELPIP Level 11 |
CLB 10 | CELPIP Level 10 | CELPIP Level 10 | CELPIP Level 10 | CELPIP Level 10 |
CLB 9 | CELPIP Level 9 | CELPIP Level 9 | CELPIP Level 9 | CELPIP Level 9 |
CLB 8 | CELPIP Level 8 | CELPIP Level 8 | CELPIP Level 8 | CELPIP Level 8 |
CLB 7 | CELPIP Level 7 | CELPIP Level 7 | CELPIP Level 7 | CELPIP Level 7 |
CLB 6 | CELPIP Level 6 | CELPIP Level 6 | CELPIP Level 6 | CELPIP Level 6 |
CLB 5 | CELPIP Level 5 | CELPIP Level 5 | CELPIP Level 5 | CELPIP Level 5 |
CLB 4 | CELPIP Level 4 | CELPIP Level 4 | CELPIP Level 4 | CELPIP Level 4 |
IELTS Band Score to CLB Level
CLB LEVEL | LISTENING ABILITY | READING ABILITY | WRITING ABILITY | SPEAKING ABILITY |
---|---|---|---|---|
CLB 12 | Band score 9.0 | Band score 9.0 | Band score 9.0 | Band score 9.0 |
CLB 11 | Band score 9.0 | Band score 8.5 | Band score 8.0 | Band score 8.0 |
CLB 10 | Band score 8.5 | Band score 8.0 | Band score 7.5 | Band score 7.5 |
CLB 9 | Band score 8.0 | Band score 7.0 | Band score 7.0 | Band score 7.0 |
CLB 8 | Band score 7.5 | Band score 6.5 | Band score 6.5 | Band score 6.5 |
CLB 7 | Band score 6.0 | Band score 6.0 | Band score 6.0 | Band score 6.0 |
CLB 6 | Band score 5.5 | Band score 5.0 | Band score 5.5 | Band score 5.5 |
CLB 5 | Band score 5.0 | Band score 4.0 | Band score 5.0 | Band score 5.0 |
CLB 4 | Band score 4.5 | Band score 3.5 | Band score 4.0 | Band score 4.0 |
Convert your CELPIP and IELTS language test results into CLB Level
Convert your language test results into CLB level or NCLC level using the tables below.
CELPIP Level to CLB Level
CLB LEVEL | LISTENING ABILITY | READING ABILITY | WRITING ABILITY | SPEAKING ABILITY |
---|---|---|---|---|
CLB 12 | CELPIP Level 12 | CELPIP Level 12 | CELPIP Level 12 | CELPIP Level 12 |
CLB 11 | CELPIP Level 11 | CELPIP Level 11 | CELPIP Level 11 | CELPIP Level 11 |
CLB 10 | CELPIP Level 10 | CELPIP Level 10 | CELPIP Level 10 | CELPIP Level 10 |
CLB 9 | CELPIP Level 9 | CELPIP Level 9 | CELPIP Level 9 | CELPIP Level 9 |
CLB 8 | CELPIP Level 8 | CELPIP Level 8 | CELPIP Level 8 | CELPIP Level 8 |
CLB 7 | CELPIP Level 7 | CELPIP Level 7 | CELPIP Level 7 | CELPIP Level 7 |
CLB 6 | CELPIP Level 6 | CELPIP Level 6 | CELPIP Level 6 | CELPIP Level 6 |
CLB 5 | CELPIP Level 5 | CELPIP Level 5 | CELPIP Level 5 | CELPIP Level 5 |
CLB 4 | CELPIP Level 4 | CELPIP Level 4 | CELPIP Level 4 | CELPIP Level 4 |
IELTS Band Score to CLB Level
CLB LEVEL | LISTENING ABILITY | READING ABILITY | WRITING ABILITY | SPEAKING ABILITY |
---|---|---|---|---|
CLB 12 | Band score 9.0 | Band score 9.0 | Band score 9.0 | Band score 9.0 |
CLB 11 | Band score 9.0 | Band score 8.5 | Band score 8.0 | Band score 8.0 |
CLB 10 | Band score 8.5 | Band score 8.0 | Band score 7.5 | Band score 7.5 |
CLB 9 | Band score 8.0 | Band score 7.0 | Band score 7.0 | Band score 7.0 |
CLB 8 | Band score 7.5 | Band score 6.5 | Band score 6.5 | Band score 6.5 |
CLB 7 | Band score 6.0 | Band score 6.0 | Band score 6.0 | Band score 6.0 |
CLB 6 | Band score 5.5 | Band score 5.0 | Band score 5.5 | Band score 5.5 |
CLB 5 | Band score 5.0 | Band score 4.0 | Band score 5.0 | Band score 5.0 |
CLB 4 | Band score 4.5 | Band score 3.5 | Band score 4.0 | Band score 4.0 |
Convert your CELPIP and IELTS language test results into CLB Level
TEF Canada Scores to NCLC Level
Convert My Ielts To Clb Conversion
NCLC LEVEL | Compréhension écrite | Expression écrite | Compréhension orale | Expression orale |
---|---|---|---|---|
NCLC 10 | 263-277 | 393-415 | 316-333 | 393-415 |
NCLC 9 | 248-262 | 371-392 | 298-315 | 371-392 |
NCLC 8 | 233-247 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 349-370 |
NCLC 7 | 207-232 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 310-348 |
NCLC 6 | 181-206 | 271-309 | 217-248 | 271-309 |
NCLC 5 | 151-180 | 226-270 | 181-216 | 226-270 |
NCLC 4 | 121-150 | 181-225 | 145-180 | 181-225 |
TCF Canada Scores to NCLC Level
Clb Vs Ielts
NCLC LEVEL | Compréhension écrite | Expression écrite | Compréhension orale | Expression orale |
---|---|---|---|---|
NCLC 10 | 549-699 | 16-20 | 549-699 | 16-20 |
NCLC 9 | 524-548 | 14-15 | 523-548 | 14-15 |
NCLC 8 | 499-523 | 12-13 | 503-522 | 12-13 |
NCLC 7 | 453-498 | 10-11 | 458-502 | 10-11 |
NCLC 6 | 406-452 | 7-9 | 398-457 | 7-9 |
NCLC 5 | 375-405 | 6 | 369-397 | 6 |
NCLC 4 | 342-374 | 4-5 | 331-368 | 4-5 |