Free Express Entry language tool
IELTS to CLB calculator
CLB 7 needs IELTS General Training 6.0 in every skill. CLB 9 needs listening 8.0 and 7.0 in reading, writing and speaking. Enter your four bands to see each skill’s CLB, your lowest level and your CRS language points.
Checked 25 October 2026 against IRCC’s Express Entry language test tables and CRS criteria. BandLadder is an independent preparation platform.
Section 1 to 3 drills with answers and an instant score.
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IELTS General Training to CLB table
Read each column separately. IRCC converts every skill on its own, and the overall band is not used.
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 8.5–9.0 | 8.0–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0–7.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0–7.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0–5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0–4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0–4.5 | 4.0–4.5 |
A band below a skill’s CLB 4 minimum (listening 4.5, reading 3.5, writing 4.0, speaking 4.0) is shown as “Below CLB 4”.
What IELTS General band do I need for Canada PR?
It depends on the programme. The Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class with a TEER 0 or 1 job need CLB 7 in all four skills, which is 6.0 in each. Higher CLB levels earn more CRS points, and CLB 9 in every skill unlocks the higher skill transferability tier. IRCC sets the rules for each programme and draw, so check the official page before you apply.
Is IELTS Academic accepted for Express Entry?
No. IRCC requires the IELTS General Training option for Express Entry and does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake. Results must be less than two years old when you create your profile and when you apply. Comparing Academic scores for study instead? Use the PTE to IELTS converter.
Example: why the lowest skill matters
Listening 8.0, reading 7.0, writing 6.5 and speaking 7.0 is CLB 9 in three skills and CLB 8 in writing. You meet CLB 7 but not CLB 9 in every skill. Half a band in writing is the gap to close.
Taking PTE Core instead?
Use the PTE Core to CLB calculator, or compare all accepted tests on the CLB score chart: CLB 7, CLB 8, CLB 9, CLB 10.
Practise IELTS General for free
FAQ
- What IELTS General score do I need for CLB 7?
- IELTS General Training 6.0 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking. A 6.0 overall with one skill at 5.5 is not CLB 7 in that skill, because IRCC converts each skill separately.
- What IELTS score is CLB 9?
- Listening 8.0, reading 7.0, writing 7.0 and speaking 7.0 in IELTS General Training. Listening needs a higher band than the other three skills at CLB 8, 9 and 10.
- Is IELTS Academic accepted for Express Entry?
- No. IRCC requires the IELTS General Training option for Express Entry. It also does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake results.
- Does the IELTS overall band count for CLB?
- No. Each skill is converted on its own. Express Entry programmes set a minimum CLB for each ability, so your lowest skill decides whether you meet a level such as CLB 7.
- How many CRS points does my IELTS score give?
- For a single applicant’s first official language, IRCC gives 6 points per ability at CLB 4 or 5, 9 at CLB 6, 17 at CLB 7, 23 at CLB 8, 31 at CLB 9 and 34 at CLB 10 or more, up to 136 for all four. Points with a spouse or partner are lower, and skill transferability points are separate.
- How long are IELTS results valid for Express Entry?
- IRCC says results must be less than two years old on the day you create your Express Entry profile and on the day you submit your permanent residence application.