CELPIP to IELTS General Training by CLB level
The table combines IRCC's two official equivalency charts: the Express Entry language test page and the language requirements instructions for officers. A CELPIP-General level equals the CLB level with the same number in every skill. IRCC writes the top row as 10+, and its second-language table runs CELPIP up to 12, so 10, 11 and 12 all sit at CLB 10 and above.
| CLB level | CELPIP-General (each skill) | IELTS GT listening | IELTS GT reading | IELTS GT writing | IELTS GT speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 and above | 10+ (10, 11 or 12) | 8.5–9.0 | 8.0–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 |
| CLB 9 | 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 8 | 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 7 | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 6 | 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| CLB 5 | 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| CLB 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
How to read the conversion
Convert one skill at a time. IRCC never compares overall scores, so an IELTS overall band plays no part. The IELTS figure is the minimum for that CLB level: a listening 7.0, for example, is above the CLB 7 minimum (6.0) but below CLB 8 (7.5), so it counts as CLB 7, the same as CELPIP listening 7.
Listening and reading do not line up with speaking and writing. CELPIP 8 in every skill needs IELTS listening 7.5 but only 6.5 in the other three, and CELPIP 9 needs listening 8.0 against 7.0 elsewhere. If you are switching tests, listening is usually where the IELTS target is highest.
Our CLB guide shows each level with the PTE Core scores IRCC accepts alongside.
Know your target? Check where you stand
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free scored IELTS mock →An immigration equivalence, not a universal concordance
These tables exist so IRCC officers can read any approved test on one scale. They cover IELTS General Training only; IRCC does not convert CELPIP to IELTS Academic. IRCC's instructions say CELPIP-General is accepted for immigration and citizenship, and CELPIP-General LS (listening and speaking) for citizenship only.
CELPIP is built for Canada and is used mainly for Canadian immigration and citizenship. A university, regulator or another country's government will not necessarily accept it, or use IRCC's equivalence, so check with the organisation before switching. For Express Entry, IRCC does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score is equal to CELPIP 9?+
On IRCC's tables CELPIP 9 is CLB 9, which needs IELTS General Training listening 8.0, reading 7.0, writing 7.0 and speaking 7.0.
Do CELPIP 10, 11 and 12 count differently?+
No. IRCC's top row is CLB 10 and above, written as CELPIP 10+, so a 10, 11 or 12 in a skill all count as CLB 10 and above.
Can I convert CELPIP to IELTS Academic?+
Not officially. IRCC's equivalency charts compare CELPIP-General with IELTS General Training only, for Canadian immigration and citizenship.
Why does IELTS's website show 3.0 for CLB 4 reading?+
On 4 October 2026 ielts.org's comparison page listed IELTS reading 3.0 for CLB 4, while both IRCC pages say 3.5. IRCC's figure is the one applied to applications.
How old can my CELPIP or IELTS result be?+
IRCC's instructions say results for temporary and permanent residence programs must not be more than two years old when IRCC receives the application.
Keep reading
Related
- CLB levels and IELTS scores
- IELTS for Canada Express Entry
- IELTS General vs PTE Core for Canada
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 4 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy