The scores you need
| CLB level | IELTS General (S / L / R / W) | CELPIP-General (each skill) | PTE Core (S / L / R / W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | 7.5 / 8.5 / 8.0 / 7.5 | 10 | 89 / 89 / 88 / 90 |
| CLB 9 | 7.0 / 8.0 / 7.0 / 7.0 | 9 | 84 / 82 / 78 / 88 |
| CLB 8 | 6.5 / 7.5 / 6.5 / 6.5 | 8 | 76 / 71 / 69 / 79 |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 | 7 | 68 / 60 / 60 / 69 |
| CLB 5 | 5.0 / 5.0 / 4.0 / 5.0 | 5 | 51 / 39 / 42 / 51 |
S = speaking, L = listening, R = reading, W = writing. These are the lowest scores for each level. Convert any score with our CLB converter.
What each level is worth
First official language, core points for a single applicant:
| Level in all 4 skills | Core points |
|---|---|
| CLB 7 | 68 |
| CLB 8 | 92 |
| CLB 9 | 124 |
| CLB 10+ | 136 |
CLB 9 is a key target. It also raises your skill transferability points, which is why moving from CLB 8 to CLB 9 often adds far more than the table shows. See the CRS calculator.
Minimum levels by program
| Program | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker | CLB 7 in all skills |
| Canadian Experience Class, TEER 0 or 1 | CLB 7 in all skills |
| Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or 3 | CLB 5 in all skills |
| Federal Skilled Trades | CLB 5 speaking and listening, CLB 4 reading and writing |
How to choose
| IELTS General Training | CELPIP-General | PTE Core | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | British Council and IDP | Paragon Testing (Canada) | Pearson |
| Format to check | Paper or computer, with a live speaking test | Computer, including speaking | Computer, including speaking |
| Scores | Bands to 9 | Levels to 12 | Scores to 90 |
| May suit you if | You're used to it, or want a human speaking examiner | You like everyday Canadian English | You're comfortable with computer-based tasks |
Test formats and availability can change, so check with the test provider and your local test centre. Take a practice test on each one if you can, and go with where you score highest.
Rules that catch people out
- It must be the right version. IRCC needs IELTS General Training, not Academic, and it doesn't accept IELTS One Skill Retake for Express Entry. For Pearson, it must be PTE Core.
- Results must be under 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you apply for PR. If they expire before you apply, IRCC says it will refuse the application.
- Enter your scores exactly as shown on your results.
- French counts too. A strong TEF or TCF result can add up to 50 extra points.
FAQs
Which is easiest: IELTS, CELPIP or PTE Core?
There's no official answer. It depends on your strengths. A practice test is the best way to find out.
What IELTS score do I need for Canada PR?
For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, at least 6.0 in each skill (CLB 7). To be competitive, many candidates aim for CLB 9: 7.0 in speaking, reading and writing, and 8.0 in listening.
Does IRCC prefer one test?
No. IRCC converts all of them to CLB levels.
Can I use my best results from different tests?
No. Enter one test as your first language result. You can't mix skills from different test reports.