CELPIP Score Chart
CELPIP reports a level from 1 to 12 for each of listening, reading, writing and speaking. For Canadian immigration, each CELPIP level equals the same CLB level. This chart shows what the levels mean and how they compare with IELTS General Training and PTE Core.
Based on IRCC and CELPIP tables, checked 2026-10-05.
Calculate your CLB levels and CRS points →
CELPIP levels and what they mean
| CELPIP level | CLB | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 12 | Expert. Handles high-stakes social, study and work situations with full control. |
| 11 | 11 | Advanced. Handles high-stakes situations very well. |
| 10 | 10 | Highly effective in some high-stakes situations. |
| 9 | 9 | Effective in some high-stakes situations. |
| 8 | 8 | Good in more demanding situations. |
| 7 | 7 | Adequate in somewhat demanding situations. |
| 6 | 6 | Developing in everyday situations. |
| 5 | 5 | Acquiring proficiency in everyday situations. |
| 4 | 4 | Adequate for daily life activities. |
| 3 | 3 | Some ability in limited situations. |
| 2 | 1–2 | Limited ability, mainly for immediate needs. |
| 0–1, M | — | Not enough information to assess. |
| NA | — | Not administered: this component was not taken. |
Descriptions are summarised from the official CELPIP level descriptors. Results appear in your CELPIP account about 2 to 4 business days after the test.
CELPIP, IELTS General and PTE Core comparison chart
The minimum score needed in each ability for each CLB level. CELPIP is the same number as the CLB level in every ability, while IELTS and PTE thresholds differ by ability.
| CLB | CELPIP | IELTS Listening | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing | IELTS Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| 5 | 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 7 | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 9 | 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 10+ | 10–12 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| CLB | PTE Listening | PTE Reading | PTE Writing | PTE Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 28 | 33 | 41 | 42 |
| 5 | 39 | 42 | 51 | 51 |
| 6 | 50 | 51 | 60 | 59 |
| 7 | 60 | 60 | 69 | 68 |
| 8 | 71 | 69 | 79 | 76 |
| 9 | 82 | 78 | 88 | 84 |
| 10+ | 89 | 88 | 90 | 89 |
One practical difference: IELTS listening needs 8.0 for CLB 9, a higher bar than its other abilities, while CELPIP asks for the same level 9 in every ability. If you are aiming for CLB 9, compare where each test sets the bar for your weakest ability.
Raw scores
Paragon Testing does not publish how many correct answers make each level. Listening and reading are scored by computer, each correct answer counts proportionately, and some questions are unscored trial items. Charts online that convert a number of correct answers into a level are estimates.