Free Tool
CELPIP to CLB Converter
CELPIP scores map directly to CLB levels on a 1:1 basis — CELPIP 9 = CLB 9, CELPIP 10 = CLB 10, and so on. Select your scores below to see what your CLB levels mean for Express Entry.
Your CLB Levels
Listening
CLB 9
Max CRS language points
Reading
CLB 9
Max CRS language points
Writing
CLB 9
Max CRS language points
Speaking
CLB 9
Max CRS language points
Maximum CRS language points
Requires CLB 9 in all four skills (CELPIP 9+)
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) eligible
Minimum CLB 7 in all four skills
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligible
Minimum CLB 7 in all four skills
Full CELPIP to CLB Reference Table
| CELPIP Score | CLB Level | Express Entry Implication |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | CLB 12 | Highest level — maximum CRS language points |
| 11 | CLB 11 | Maximum CRS language points (same as CLB 10+) |
| 10 | CLB 10 | Maximum CRS language points |
| 9 | CLB 9 | Maximum CRS language points (31 pts/skill, single) |
| 8 | CLB 8 | Eligible for FSW/CEC — reduced CRS language points |
| 7 | CLB 7 | FSW/CEC minimum — lower CRS language points |
| 6 | CLB 6 | Below FSW minimum — not eligible for most streams |
| 5 | CLB 5 | Below FSW minimum |
| 4 | CLB 4 | Minimum level — citizenship requirement |
| M | Below CLB 4 | Does not meet any Express Entry minimums |
CELPIP-CLB equivalencies are established by IRCC. Verify current requirements at canada.ca before submitting your application.
Frequently asked questions
Do CELPIP scores convert directly to CLB levels?
Yes — CELPIP scores map 1:1 to CLB levels. CELPIP 9 = CLB 9, CELPIP 8 = CLB 8, and so on up to CELPIP 12. This is unlike IELTS, which uses a separate conversion table to arrive at CLB equivalencies. The 1:1 mapping makes CELPIP scores straightforward to use for Express Entry purposes.
What CELPIP score do you need for Express Entry?
The minimum CELPIP score for Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is 7 in all four skills (CLB 7). CELPIP 9 in all four skills earns the maximum CRS language points. CELPIP scores below 7 do not meet the minimum language requirement for FSW or CEC.
What CELPIP score gives maximum CRS points?
CELPIP 9 (CLB 9) in all four skills gives the maximum CRS language points available at CLB 9: 31 points per skill for a single applicant (124 total), or 6 points per skill if you have a spouse. CELPIP 10 and above (CLB 10+) give slightly more: 34 points per skill (136 total).
What does CELPIP score 'M' mean?
A score of 'M' on CELPIP stands for 'Missed' — meaning you did not complete that section. It is treated as below CLB 4 for immigration purposes. An M in any section means you do not meet the minimum language requirement for Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class.
Can you use different CELPIP test attempts for different skills in Express Entry?
No — IRCC requires all four skill scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) to come from a single CELPIP test session. You cannot combine your Reading score from one attempt with your Speaking score from another. If you want to improve individual skills, you must retake the full test.