IELTS to CLB Calculator
Short answer: in IELTS General Training, CLB 7 needs 6.0 in every ability. CLB 9 needs Listening 8.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Speaking 7.0. CLB 10, which earns the maximum 34 CRS points per ability, needs Listening 8.5, Reading 8.0, Writing 7.5, Speaking 7.5.
Source: IRCC language test page (dated 2026-06-22), checked 2026-10-12.
Enter your IELTS General Training band scores to see your CLB level for each ability and the CRS points they earn in Express Entry. You can also switch to CELPIP or PTE Core.
| Ability | Your score | CLB level | CRS points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 6.0 | CLB 7 | 17 |
| Reading | 6.0 | CLB 7 | 17 |
| Writing | 6.0 | CLB 7 | 17 |
| Speaking | 6.0 | CLB 7 | 17 |
- CLB 7 or higher in all four abilities: language now counts toward skill transferability points.
- Reaching CLB 9 in all four abilities unlocks the top tier of transferability points (up to 50 per combination).
IELTS to CLB chart
The minimum IELTS General Training score for each CLB level. Each ability is converted separately, so one overall band score is not enough to work out your CLB.
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | CRS points per ability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 6 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 6 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 9 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 17 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 23 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 31 |
| 10+ | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 34 |
CRS points are for English as your first official language, without a spouse or partner. With a spouse or partner the maximum is 32 per ability. Below CLB 4 earns no points.
Reading and listening thresholds are uneven: reading needs only 6.5 for CLB 8, while listening needs 7.5. Check the weakest ability first, since it usually decides whether you reach a program minimum.
IELTS or CELPIP?
Both are accepted for Express Entry. CELPIP reports a level that is the same number as the CLB level, so there is nothing to convert. See the CELPIP, IELTS and PTE score chart to compare all three tests, or the minimum score for each PR program.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score is CLB 7?
CLB 7 needs at least 6.0 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking in IELTS General Training. CLB 7 in all four abilities is the minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
What IELTS score is CLB 9?
CLB 9 needs Listening 8.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Speaking 7.0. Listening sets the highest bar: a listening score of 7.5 is only CLB 8.
What CLB level is IELTS 6.5?
It depends on the ability. 6.5 is CLB 7 in listening, CLB 8 in reading, and CLB 8 in writing and speaking.
Can I use IELTS Academic for Express Entry?
No. IRCC accepts only the IELTS General Training option for Express Entry, and it does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake.