CELPIP Score Chart 2025 | CLB Levels & IELTS Conversion Guide

Understanding CELPIP Scoring System

CELPIP Scale

CELPIP uses a 12-point scale plus level M (minimal proficiency):

10-12: Advanced
8-9: Effective
6-7: Adequate
4-5: Developing
3: Limited
M: Minimal

CLB Equivalency

Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) directly correspond to CELPIP levels:

CELPIP 10-12 = CLB 10-12: Advanced proficiency
CELPIP 9 = CLB 9: Effective proficiency
CELPIP 7-8 = CLB 7-8: Adequate for work
CELPIP 5-6 = CLB 5-6: Developing skills
CELPIP 4 = CLB 4: Basic proficiency

Important Scoring Rules

• Your overall CLB level is determined by your lowest score among the four skills
• Raw scores (correct answers) are converted to CELPIP levels using scaled scoring
• Test difficulty variations are accounted for in the conversion process
• Writing and Speaking use holistic scoring with 4 assessment criteria each

👓 CELPIP Reading Score Chart

Raw Score to CELPIP Level Conversion

The CELPIP Reading section has 38 questions. Your raw score (correct answers) is converted to a CELPIP level:

Raw Score (out of 38)	CELPIP Level	CLB Level	Proficiency Description
35-38 correct	10-12	10-12	Advanced: Near-native proficiency
33-34 correct	9	9	Effective: Workplace ready
31-32 correct	8	8	Good: Professional environments
28-30 correct	7	7	Adequate: Express Entry minimum
24-27 correct	6	6	Developing: Daily communication
19-23 correct	5	5	Initial intermediate
15-18 correct	4	4	Basic: Citizenship requirement
10-14 correct	3	3	Limited proficiency
0-9 correct	M	0-2	Minimal proficiency

💡 Reading Score Tips

• These ranges are approximate - actual conversion may vary slightly based on test difficulty
• CELPIP uses adaptive scoring to ensure fairness across test versions
• Focus on accuracy rather than speed - no penalty for wrong answers
• Time management is crucial: 54-60 minutes for 38 questions

🎧 CELPIP Listening Score Chart

Raw Score to CELPIP Level Conversion

The CELPIP Listening section also has 38 questions. Similar scoring applies:

Raw Score (out of 38)	CELPIP Level	CLB Level	Listening Ability
36-38 correct	10-12	10-12	Understands complex academic lectures
34-35 correct	9	9	Follows detailed presentations
32-33 correct	8	8	Understands workplace discussions
29-31 correct	7	7	Follows instructions and conversations
25-28 correct	6	6	Understands routine conversations
20-24 correct	5	5	Understands simple conversations
16-19 correct	4	4	Understands basic information
11-15 correct	3	3	Limited understanding
0-10 correct	M	0-2	Very limited understanding

🎯 Listening Task Types

Task 1: Problem Solving (8 questions)
Task 2: Daily Life Conversations (5 questions)
Task 3: Information (6 questions)
Task 4: News (5 questions)
Task 5: Discussion (8 questions)
Task 6: Viewpoints (6 questions)

🎧 Listening Success Tips

• Listen for keywords and main ideas
• Take brief notes while listening
• Use context clues for unfamiliar words
• Practice with Canadian accents

CELPIP Score Conversion Charts

CELPIP to CLB Conversion

CELPIP Level	CLB Level	Proficiency Description	Immigration Programs
12	12	Advanced proficiency plus	Maximum CRS points
11	11	Advanced proficiency	Maximum CRS points
10	10	Advanced proficiency	Maximum CRS points
9	9	Effective operational proficiency	High CRS points, CEC
8	8	Good operational proficiency	High CRS points, CEC
7	7	Adequate operational proficiency	Express Entry minimum, FSWP
6	6	Developing proficiency	Some PNPs, FSTP
5	5	Initial intermediate proficiency	FSTP (Reading/Writing), CEC
4	4	Basic operational proficiency	Citizenship (L/S), FSTP (L/S)
3	3	Limited proficiency	Not eligible for most programs
M	0-2	Minimal proficiency	Not eligible for programs

CELPIP vs IELTS Score Comparison

CELPIP	CLB	IELTS Reading	IELTS Listening	IELTS Writing	IELTS Speaking
10-12	10-12	8.0-9.0	8.5-9.0	7.5-9.0	7.5-9.0
9	9	7.0-7.5	8.0	7.0	7.0
8	8	6.5	7.5	6.5	6.5
7	7	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0
6	6	5.0	5.5	5.5	5.5
5	5	4.0	5.0	5.0	5.0
4	4	3.5	4.5	4.0	4.0
3	3	Below 3.5	Below 4.5	Below 4.0	Below 4.0

⚠️ Conversion Notes

• These conversions are approximate - different organizations may use slightly different scales
• CELPIP and IELTS test different skills and formats, so direct comparison has limitations
• For immigration purposes, always check the specific requirements of your program
• Some programs accept only IELTS or only CELPIP - verify acceptance before taking the test

🇨🇦 CELPIP Score Requirements for Immigration

Express Entry System

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Minimum CLB 7 (CELPIP 7) in all four skills

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

CLB 7 (CELPIP 7) for NOC 0/A jobs
CLB 5 (CELPIP 5) for NOC B jobs

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

CLB 5 (CELPIP 5) for Speaking/Listening
CLB 4 (CELPIP 4) for Reading/Writing

Provincial Nominee Programs

Requirements vary by province:

• Most require CLB 4-7 minimum
• Higher scores improve chances
• Some streams have specific requirements
• Check individual PNP guidelines

Canadian Citizenship

Language Requirements:

• CLB 4 (CELPIP 4) in Speaking and Listening only
• Ages 18-54 must meet requirement
• Reading and Writing not required
• Proof required at application

Family Sponsorship

Sponsor Requirements:

• No language requirement for spouse/children
• May be required for parent/grandparent sponsorship
• Check specific program requirements

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Points

Higher CELPIP scores significantly increase your Express Entry CRS points

CELPIP Level (CLB)	First Official Language Points	Maximum Points Available	Impact on Application
9+ (CLB 9+)	136	136 points	Maximum language points - highly competitive
7-8 (CLB 7-8)	124-128	124-128 points	Strong language points - competitive
7 (CLB 7)	124	124 points	Minimum for FSWP - decent points
5-6 (CLB 5-6)	88-106	88-106 points	Lower points - may need high scores elsewhere
4 (CLB 4)	64	64 points	Low points - not competitive for Express Entry

🎯 Immigration Success Tips

• Aim for CLB 9+ (CELPIP 9+): Maximizes your CRS points and competitiveness
• Balanced scores matter: Your lowest score determines your CLB level
• Retake if necessary: CELPIP allows unlimited retakes with 4-day waiting period
• Consider both tests: Some provinces prefer IELTS, others accept both equally
• Plan ahead: Results are available in 4-5 business days

Frequently Asked Questions

How many correct answers do I need for CLB 7?

For CLB 7 (CELPIP 7), you typically need approximately 28-30 correct answers out of 38 for Reading and Listening. However, this can vary slightly based on test difficulty and adaptive scoring.

Can I retake only one section of CELPIP?

No, CELPIP does not offer section-specific retakes. You must retake the entire test. However, you can retake the test as many times as needed with a 4-day waiting period between attempts.

How long are CELPIP scores valid?

CELPIP scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. This applies to all immigration and citizenship applications. Make sure your scores won't expire before you complete your application process.

Why did I get level 8 with 31 correct answers?

CELPIP uses scaled scoring that accounts for question difficulty and test version differences. The same raw score might result in slightly different CELPIP levels depending on the specific test you took. This ensures fairness across all test administrations.

What's the difference between CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS?

CELPIP-General tests all four skills (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) and is required for permanent residence. CELPIP-General LS tests only Listening and Speaking and is acceptable for Canadian citizenship applications.

How is CELPIP scored compared to IELTS?

CELPIP uses levels 3-12 plus M, while IELTS uses bands 0-9 with half bands. Both are accepted equally for Canadian immigration. CELPIP tends to be more predictable in scoring, while IELTS Writing can be more variable.

Can I use CELPIP scores for study permits?

Most Canadian universities and colleges accept IELTS for study permits, but CELPIP acceptance varies. Check with your specific institution. For immigration after studies, CELPIP is fully accepted and often preferred.

What happens if I get level M?

Level M indicates minimal proficiency and is equivalent to CLB 0-2. This score does not meet requirements for any immigration program and you would need to retake the test after improving your English skills.

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Quick CELPIP to CLB Calculator

Your CLB Level

Understanding CELPIP Scoring System

CELPIP Scale

CLB Equivalency

Important Scoring Rules

👓 CELPIP Reading Score Chart

Raw Score to CELPIP Level Conversion

💡 Reading Score Tips

🎧 CELPIP Listening Score Chart

Raw Score to CELPIP Level Conversion

🎯 Listening Task Types

🎧 Listening Success Tips

✍️ CELPIP Writing Scoring System

Holistic Scoring Approach

Content/Coherence

Vocabulary

Readability

Task Fulfillment

Writing Performance Descriptors

🏆 Advanced (10-12)

💼 Workplace Ready (7-9)

📝 Developing (4-6)

✍️ Writing Success Strategies

🗨 CELPIP Speaking Scoring System

Holistic Assessment

Content/Coherence

Vocabulary

Listenability

Task Fulfillment

Speaking Task Overview

📞 Task Types

Performance Levels

🗨 Speaking Success Tips

CELPIP Score Conversion Charts

CELPIP to CLB Conversion

CELPIP vs IELTS Score Comparison

⚠️ Conversion Notes

🇨🇦 CELPIP Score Requirements for Immigration

Express Entry System

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Provincial Nominee Programs

Canadian Citizenship

Family Sponsorship

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Points

🎯 Immigration Success Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

How many correct answers do I need for CLB 7?

Can I retake only one section of CELPIP?

How long are CELPIP scores valid?

Why did I get level 8 with 31 correct answers?

What's the difference between CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS?

How is CELPIP scored compared to IELTS?

Can I use CELPIP scores for study permits?

What happens if I get level M?

Ready to Achieve Your Target CELPIP Score?