CELPIP levels, CLB and CEFR
This chart is from Paragon's test format and scoring page and its results page. There is no overall CELPIP score; you get a level for each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. NA means the component was not administered.
| CELPIP level | Descriptor | CLB | CEFR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Expert proficiency in high-stakes social, educational, or workplace contexts | 12 | C2 |
| 11 | Advanced proficiency in high-stakes contexts | 11 | C1 |
| 10 | Highly effective proficiency in some high-stakes contexts | 10 | C1 |
| 9 | Effective proficiency in some high-stakes contexts | 9 | B2 |
| 8 | Good proficiency in more demanding contexts | 8 | B2 |
| 7 | Adequate proficiency in somewhat demanding contexts | 7 | B2 |
| 6 | Developing proficiency in everyday contexts | 6 | B1 |
| 5 | Acquiring proficiency in everyday contexts | 5 | B1 |
| 4 | Adequate proficiency for daily life activities | 4 | A2 |
| 3 | Some proficiency in limited contexts | 3 | A2 |
| 2 | Limited ability in contexts related to immediate needs | 1, 2 | A1 |
| 1 and 0 | Insufficient information to assess | – | – |
Approximate raw scores for Listening and Reading
Listening and Reading each have 38 scored questions, marked right or wrong by computer, and a blank answer counts as wrong. Paragon publishes these approximate ranges and warns that the raw score for a level can vary slightly between test forms because of equating (celpip.ca). Ranges overlap for the same reason.
| CELPIP level | Listening score /38 | Reading score /38 |
|---|---|---|
| 10-12 | 35-38 | 33-38 |
| 9 | 33-35 | 31-33 |
| 8 | 30-33 | 28-31 |
| 7 | 27-31 | 24-28 |
| 6 | 22-28 | 19-25 |
| 5 | 17-23 | 15-20 |
| 4 | 11-18 | 10-16 |
| 3 | 7-12 | 8-11 |
| M | 0-7 | 0-7 |
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How Speaking and Writing are scored
Each Speaking performance is rated by three to five raters and each Writing performance by four to six, working independently (celpip.ca). Speaking is judged on Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability and Task Fulfillment; Writing on Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability and Task Fulfillment. If raters disagree, a benchmark rater is assigned automatically.
What your CELPIP level is worth in Canada and Australia
For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, IRCC needs at least CLB 7 in all four abilities. Your first official language earns 4 points per ability at CELPIP-G 7, 5 at 8, and 6 at 9 or 10 and above (IRCC). The Canadian Experience Class needs CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3.
Paragon maps CELPIP levels to Australian English levels too (celpip.ca); the full requirements are in CELPIP for Australian visas. To compare with IELTS, use CELPIP to IELTS or the CLB calculator.
| Australian level | CELPIP needed |
|---|---|
| Superior English | Listening 10, Reading 10, Writing 12, Speaking 10 |
| Proficient English | Listening 9, Reading 8, Writing 10, Speaking 8 |
| Competent English | At least 7 in each component |
| Vocational English | At least 5 in each component |
Frequently asked questions
Is CELPIP 7 the same as CLB 7?+
Yes. For levels 3 to 12, Paragon's chart maps each CELPIP level to the same CLB level. CELPIP 2 covers CLB 1 and 2.
What CEFR level is CELPIP 9?+
B2. Paragon maps CELPIP 7, 8 and 9 to B2, 10 and 11 to C1, and 12 to C2.
How many questions do I need right for CELPIP 9 in Listening?+
About 33 to 35 out of 38, according to Paragon's approximate chart. The exact cut-off varies slightly between test forms.
Does CELPIP give an overall score?+
No. You get a separate level from M to 12 for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
What CELPIP score do I need for Express Entry?+
At least CLB 7, so CELPIP 7, in all four abilities for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Higher levels earn more points.
Keep reading
Related
- CLB score calculator
- CELPIP to IELTS score conversion
- CELPIP exam pattern 2026
- IELTS vs CELPIP for Canada
- All 1712 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 14 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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