Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The PTE Core scores for CLB 9
Every skill has to reach CLB 9; one skill at CLB 8 drops you to the lower column. Ranges from IRCC's language test page.
| Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 9 | 78-87 | 88-89 | 82-88 | 84-88 |
| CLB 7 | 60-68 | 69-78 | 60-70 | 68-75 |
Skill transferability points that use language
From IRCC's CRS criteria. Each combination is capped at 50 points.
| Combination | CLB 7+ in all, one or more under CLB 9 | CLB 9+ in all four |
|---|---|---|
| One-year or longer post-secondary credential + language | 13 | 25 |
| Two or more credentials (one 3+ years), master's, professional or doctoral degree + language | 25 | 50 |
| 1 or 2 years of foreign work + language | 13 | 25 |
| 3 or more years of foreign work + language | 25 | 50 |
Need a CLB score for Canada?
IRCC accepts IELTS General Training and PTE Core, not IELTS Academic or PTE Academic. Practise the test you will actually sit, free.
Try PTE Core free →Practise before you book: free PTE mock test, PTE predictions, PTE Core practice test and PTE to IELTS converter.
What that means in practice
A single applicant with a master's degree and three years of foreign work gets 25 + 25 = 50 transferability points at CLB 7 or 8, and 50 + 50 = 100 at CLB 9, on top of the extra core language points: 31 a skill at CLB 9 against 23 at CLB 8.
Writing is often the last skill to reach CLB 9 on PTE Core because its band is narrow: 88 to 89. Plan practice around your weakest skill rather than the overall score, which IRCC does not use.
IRCC changes programme rules and score tables from time to time. Check the linked canada.ca page before you book a test or apply. This guide is general information, not immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
What PTE Core score is CLB 9?+
Reading 78, writing 88, listening 82 and speaking 84 at the minimum.
Do I get transferability points with CLB 9 in three skills?+
Only the lower column. The higher column needs CLB 9 or more in all four abilities.
What is the maximum skill transferability score?+
100 points in total; each language combination is capped at 50.
Do I get any transferability points at CLB 6?+
Not from education or foreign work combinations, which start at CLB 7 in all abilities.
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Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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