CLB to IELTS conversion - is your English level sufficient for immigration to Canada?
We explain Canada's CLB language proficiency assessment system and figure out how and why you need to convert CLB scores to IELTS and vice versa.
One of the requirements for immigrating to Canada or applying to a Canadian university is taking an English or French language test. In this article, we'll focus only on English, but these principles also apply to French language testing.
IELTS English Language Test
IELTS is an international English language testing system used for study and immigration purposes, including to Canada. IELTS evaluates English proficiency across four categories:
- listening;
- reading;
- writing;
- speaking.
Each section is scored from 1 to 9 points. Scores increase in 0.5 increments. For example, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, etc.
Different immigration programs may require different types of IELTS tests. Immigration through the Express Entry program and most other immigration programs require IELTS General Training, while university and college applications require IELTS Academic. Test results are valid for two years from the test date.
CLB Levels
Canadian immigration programs specify language requirements using the CLB scale. CLB, or Canadian Language Benchmark, is Canada's system for evaluating English language proficiency. CLB levels range from 1 to 12, where CLB 1 represents basic language skills and CLB 12 represents advanced proficiency. For example, CLB 7, CLB 8, etc.
IELTS scores are different from CLB levels! It's important to understand the required score you'll need when taking the language test.
Converting CLB to IELTS
To convert IELTS test results to the Canadian CLB assessment system, use this conversion table:
| CLB Level | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing | IELTS Listening | IELTS Speaking |
| 10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Example of Using the Table
Let's say an immigration program requires CLB 4 English proficiency. This means you must achieve a minimum IELTS score of:
- 3.5 for reading;
- 4.0 for writing;
- 4.5 for listening;
- 4.0 for speaking.
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If you scored 4.0 in all IELTS sections, this wouldn't be sufficient because you need 4.5 for listening.
Achieving CLB 9 English proficiency gives you excellent immigration chances, as strong language skills combined with education or work experience provide additional points in the Express Entry system.
To achieve CLB 9, you don't need to score 9.0 on IELTS. You need an IELTS score combination of 8-7-7-7: for listening, reading, writing, and speaking respectively. Many successful immigration candidates aim for this exact score combination as it significantly improves their profile's competitiveness.
Important to Remember
Your overall level is determined by your lowest score. If three of your four IELTS scores equal CLB 8, but one equals CLB 7, your overall level will be CLB 7.
Note that each immigration program has its own language requirements. The higher your English score, the more points you earn for Canadian immigration. Language test results must be no more than two years old when submitting your immigration application.
Minimum CLB Level for Express Entry
To register in the Express Entry system under the Federal Skilled Worker program, you need CLB 7, which corresponds to IELTS 6.0 in each category.
For the federal Canadian Experience Class program, requirements may vary: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupations, and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations.
