Short answer: CELPIP gives you a level from 0 to 12 for each skill. From level 3 to level 12, the CELPIP level is the same number as the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB): CELPIP 7 = CLB 7, CELPIP 8 = CLB 8, CELPIP 9 = CLB 9. The highest score is 12. Each skill is scored separately, and most immigration programs check every skill on its own.
CELPIP Score for CLB 4 to 10 at a Glance
| Your CLB target | CELPIP level you need in that skill | Listening: correct answers (about, out of 38) | Reading: correct answers (about, out of 38) | CEFR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 4 | 4 | 11–18 | 10–16 | A2 |
| CLB 5 | 5 | 17–23 | 15–20 | B1 |
| CLB 6 | 6 | 22–28 | 19–25 | B1 |
| CLB 7 | 7 | 27–31 | 24–28 | B2 |
| CLB 8 | 8 | 30–33 | 28–31 | B2 |
| CLB 9 | 9 | 33–35 | 31–33 | B2 |
| CLB 10 | 10 | 35–38 (levels 10–12) | 33–38 (levels 10–12) | C1 |
The correct-answer ranges come from CELPIP's approximate charts and can change slightly between test versions. Speaking and Writing have no correct-answer count: raters give the level directly. To check your own practice test, use the free CELPIP score calculator. To keep the chart next to you, download the free printable CELPIP to CLB score chart (PDF).
CELPIP Score Chart: CELPIP Level, CLB and CEFR
| CELPIP level | CLB level | CEFR | Official description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 12 | C2 | Expert proficiency in high-stakes social, educational, or workplace contexts |
| 11 | 11 | C1 | Advanced proficiency in high-stakes social, educational, or workplace contexts |
| 10 | 10 | C1 | Highly effective proficiency in some high-stakes social, educational, or workplace contexts |
| 9 | 9 | B2 | Effective proficiency in some high-stakes social, educational, or workplace contexts |
| 8 | 8 | B2 | Good proficiency in more demanding social, educational, or workplace contexts |
| 7 | 7 | B2 | Adequate proficiency in somewhat demanding social, educational, or workplace contexts |
| 6 | 6 | B1 | Developing proficiency in everyday social, educational, or workplace contexts |
| 5 | 5 | B1 | Acquiring proficiency in everyday social, educational, or workplace contexts |
| 4 | 4 | A2 | Adequate proficiency for daily life activities |
| 3 | 3 | A2 | Some proficiency in limited contexts |
| 2 | 1–2 | A1 | Limited ability in contexts related to immediate needs |
| 0–1 | — | — | Insufficient information to assess |
Source: the CELPIP score chart on celpip.ca, checked October 2026. "NA" on a score report means that part of the test was not given.
There is no conversion formula to learn. (IELTS is different: its band scores have to be converted, and the conversion is not the same for every skill.)
Each skill counts on its own. A result of Listening 9, Reading 8, Writing 7, Speaking 6 means CLB 6 in Speaking, even though the other scores are higher.
What Does Each CELPIP Level Mean?
CELPIP Level 4 Meaning (CLB 4)
CELPIP 4 = CLB 4 (CEFR A2): "adequate proficiency for daily life activities". You can handle familiar, everyday situations in simple English. CLB 4 in Speaking and Listening is the usual requirement for Canadian citizenship (ages 18–54), and the CELPIP-General LS test (Listening and Speaking only) is accepted for it.
CELPIP score for CLB 4: CELPIP level 4 in that skill. On CELPIP's approximate chart, that is about 11–18 correct answers out of 38 in Listening and 10–16 in Reading.
CELPIP Level 5 Meaning (CLB 5)
CELPIP 5 = CLB 5 (CEFR B1): "acquiring proficiency in everyday social, educational, or workplace contexts". CLB 5 in all four skills is the usual minimum for the Canadian Experience Class with a TEER 2 or 3 job, and CLB 5 in Speaking and Listening is part of the Federal Skilled Trades minimum.
CELPIP score for CLB 5: CELPIP level 5 in that skill. On CELPIP's approximate chart, that is about 17–23 correct answers out of 38 in Listening and 15–20 in Reading.
CELPIP Level 6 Meaning (CLB 6)
CELPIP 6 = CLB 6 (CEFR B1): "developing proficiency". You can manage most everyday situations, but longer or more formal tasks are still hard. CLB 6 gives 9 CRS points per skill (without a spouse), so moving a CLB 6 skill up to 7 adds 8 points in that skill alone.
CELPIP score for CLB 6: CELPIP level 6 in that skill. On CELPIP's approximate chart, that is about 22–28 correct answers out of 38 in Listening and 19–25 in Reading.
CELPIP Level 7 Meaning (CLB 7)
CELPIP 7 = CLB 7 (CEFR B2): "adequate proficiency in somewhat demanding contexts". This is the most common target: CLB 7 in all four skills is the minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker program and for the Canadian Experience Class with a TEER 0 or 1 job.
CELPIP score for CLB 7: CELPIP level 7 in that skill. On CELPIP's approximate chart, that is about 27–31 correct answers out of 38 in Listening and 24–28 in Reading.
CELPIP Level 8 Meaning (CLB 8)
CELPIP 8 = CLB 8 (CEFR B2): "good proficiency in more demanding contexts". It is above most minimums, so it matters mostly for Express Entry points: CLB 8 gives 23 CRS points per skill (without a spouse) instead of 17 at CLB 7.
CELPIP score for CLB 8: CELPIP level 8 in that skill. On CELPIP's approximate chart, that is about 30–33 correct answers out of 38 in Listening and 28–31 in Reading.
CELPIP Level 9 Meaning (CLB 9)
CELPIP 9 = CLB 9 (CEFR B2): "effective proficiency in some high-stakes contexts". CLB 9 is the level many Express Entry candidates aim for, because the points jump again (31 per skill without a spouse) and CLB 9 in all four skills roughly doubles the skill transferability points for education (see the CRS section below).
CELPIP score for CLB 9: CELPIP level 9 in that skill. On CELPIP's approximate chart, that is about 33–35 correct answers out of 38 in Listening and 31–33 in Reading.
CELPIP Level 10 Meaning (CLB 10)
CELPIP 10 = CLB 10 (CEFR C1): "highly effective proficiency". CLB 10 is the top band for CRS language points: CLB 10, 11 and 12 all give the same 34 points per skill (without a spouse). Going above 10 does not add Express Entry points.
CELPIP score for CLB 10: CELPIP level 10 in that skill. On CELPIP's approximate chart, that is about 35–38 correct answers out of 38 in Listening and 33–38 in Reading (the approximate range for levels 10–12).
CELPIP Level 11 and 12 Meaning
CELPIP 11 = CLB 11 (CEFR C1): "advanced proficiency in high-stakes contexts". CELPIP 12 = CLB 12 (CEFR C2): "expert proficiency in high-stakes contexts", the highest level. For Express Entry, levels 11 and 12 give the same language points as level 10. CELPIP's approximate chart does not separate levels 10, 11 and 12 by correct answers in Listening and Reading.
What Is a Good CELPIP Score?
A good CELPIP score is the one that meets your program's requirement in every skill. As a rough guide:
- CLB 4 in Speaking and Listening: enough for citizenship.
- CLB 7 in all four skills: the minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker program and for the Canadian Experience Class with a TEER 0 or 1 job, and the most common target.
- CLB 9 in all four skills: a strong Express Entry score, because both language points and skill transferability points go up.
- CLB 10+: the maximum for CRS language points.
The maximum CELPIP score is 12 in each skill.
What CLB 9 Takes in Each Skill
CLB 9 means level 9 in each skill you need it in, so look at the four skills one by one. Here is what level 9 asks for in each one, and where I would put the practice time.
Listening (about 33–35 of 38): you can only miss a few questions in the whole test. At this level, points are usually lost on details, for example mixing up the details of two options in Part 3, or confusing what is certain with what is only expected in a news item. After each practice test, write down why every wrong answer felt right; the same few traps usually repeat. My CELPIP Listening tips go through a strategy for each part.
Reading (about 31–33 of 38): again, only a few mistakes are possible, and each part has its own timer, so you can't borrow time from an easy part. Practise each part with its own timer and prove every answer with a sentence from the text. See my CELPIP Reading tips.
Writing: answer every point the task lists, keep one tone from the first line to the last, and use precise words instead of general ones ("the heater has not worked since Monday" instead of "there is a problem"). Study the CELPIP Writing Task 1 sample emails and Task 2 sample responses for structure, not to memorize them.
Speaking: use the full time with a clear structure, give concrete details and examples, and speak to the person in the task. Raters also listen for natural rhythm and fewer pauses. Record yourself, listen back, and compare with the CELPIP Speaking sample answers.
To see where you are now, take one of the free practice tests for the CELPIP test under real timing, then spend most of your time on the skill that is furthest from 9.
What CLB Do You Need for Immigration and Citizenship?
Requirements change, so always confirm the current rules on the official Government of Canada (IRCC) website before you book.
| Goal | Typical minimum | Test |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizenship (ages 18–54) | CLB 4 in Speaking and Listening | CELPIP-General LS |
| Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker | CLB 7 in all four skills | CELPIP-General |
| Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class, TEER 0 or 1 jobs | CLB 7 in all four skills | CELPIP-General |
| Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or 3 jobs | CLB 5 in all four skills | CELPIP-General |
| Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades | CLB 5 Speaking and Listening, CLB 4 Reading and Writing | CELPIP-General |
CELPIP-General is not the only option: IRCC also accepts other approved tests for permanent residence, such as IELTS General Training and PTE Core (see CELPIP vs PTE Core). For citizenship, see the CELPIP LS test; for a post-graduation work permit, see the CELPIP score for the PGWP.
CRS Points for Each CELPIP Level (Express Entry)
In Express Entry, the minimum only makes you eligible. Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score keeps rising as you move up from CLB 5 to CLB 10. These are the points for your first official language, for each of the four skills:
| CELPIP / CLB level (per skill) | CRS points, no spouse or partner | CRS points, with spouse or partner |
|---|---|---|
| Below 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 or 5 | 6 | 6 |
| 6 | 9 | 8 |
| 7 | 17 | 16 |
| 8 | 23 | 22 |
| 9 | 31 | 29 |
| 10, 11 or 12 | 34 | 32 |
Source: IRCC, "Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) criteria", checked October 2026. Points with a spouse apply when your spouse or partner is coming with you to Canada and is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Multiply by four for the whole test. For example, without a spouse, CLB 7 in every skill gives 4 × 17 = 68 points, and CLB 9 in every skill gives 4 × 31 = 124 points.
Skill transferability. Language also adds points when combined with your education or foreign work experience. For education, CLB 7 or higher in all four skills (with at least one below 9) gives up to 25 extra points, and CLB 9 or higher in all four gives up to 50. For example, with one post-secondary credential of one year or longer, that is 13 points at CLB 7–8 and 25 points at CLB 9+. That is why the step from CLB 8 to CLB 9 is often the most valuable one.
How Is the CELPIP Test Scored?
Listening and Reading are scored by computer. Every question is either right or wrong, and a blank answer counts as wrong, so never leave a question empty. Your number of correct answers is turned into a CELPIP level. Some questions are unscored test items, and you can't tell which ones they are, so treat every question as if it counts.
Speaking and Writing are scored by trained raters. According to CELPIP, each Speaking performance is rated by three to five raters and each Writing performance by four to six raters, working independently. If their ratings disagree, an extra benchmark rater checks the performance.
CELPIP marking criteria for Speaking and Writing
Raters look at four areas:
| Area | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|
| Content/Coherence | Number and quality of ideas, organization, examples and details | Same as Speaking |
| Vocabulary | Word choice, precision, range, suitable use | Same as Speaking |
| Listenability / Readability | Rhythm, pronunciation and intonation; pauses and self-correction; grammar and sentence variety | Format and paragraphs; connectors; grammar; spelling and punctuation |
| Task Fulfillment | Relevance, completeness, tone, length | Relevance, completeness, tone, word count |
Each area has five performance levels. The ratings are combined into a component score, and that score is turned into a CELPIP level.
CELPIP Raw Score Chart for Each Skill
Your score report shows only your CELPIP level for each skill, not how many questions you answered correctly. Still, CELPIP publishes an approximate example chart for Listening and Reading, so you can turn your practice test results into a level. Speaking and Writing work differently, because there are no "correct answers" to count.
To turn your own practice test answers into an approximate level and CLB, use the free CELPIP score calculator.
Listening: correct answers and CELPIP level
The Listening test has 38 scored questions.
| Correct answers (out of 38) | CELPIP level | CLB level |
|---|---|---|
| 35–38 | 10–12 | 10–12 |
| 33–35 | 9 | 9 |
| 30–33 | 8 | 8 |
| 27–31 | 7 | 7 |
| 22–28 | 6 | 6 |
| 17–23 | 5 | 5 |
| 11–18 | 4 | 4 |
| 7–12 | 3 | 3 |
| 0–7 | below level 3 | — |
Reading: correct answers and CELPIP level
The Reading test also has 38 scored questions, but you need a few fewer correct answers than in Listening for most levels.
| Correct answers (out of 38) | CELPIP level | CLB level |
|---|---|---|
| 33–38 | 10–12 | 10–12 |
| 31–33 | 9 | 9 |
| 28–31 | 8 | 8 |
| 24–28 | 7 | 7 |
| 19–25 | 6 | 6 |
| 15–20 | 5 | 5 |
| 10–16 | 4 | 4 |
| 8–11 | 3 | 3 |
| 0–7 | below level 3 | — |
Source: "Approximate Scores and CELPIP Levels" for the Listening and Reading tests on celpip.ca, checked October 2026. The ranges overlap because questions have different levels of difficulty, so the number of correct answers for a level can change slightly from one version of the test to another.
Speaking and Writing: there is no raw score
In Speaking and Writing, trained raters listen to or read all your answers in that component. Each rater gives you a level in four areas (see the marking criteria above), and each area has five performance levels. CELPIP then turns these ratings into one CELPIP level for Speaking and one for Writing. So there is no "number of correct answers" for these two skills: to move up a level, you need to improve the four areas, especially answering the exact task and organizing your ideas clearly.
How many correct answers do you need for CLB 7?
For CLB 7 you need roughly 27–31 of 38 in Listening and roughly 24–28 of 38 in Reading. For CLB 9, it's roughly 33–35 in Listening and 31–33 in Reading. In practice tests, aim for the top of the range, so you have a safety margin on test day.
What the Difference Between Levels Sounds Like in Speaking
This is a simplified teaching summary based on the four rating areas, not an official scoring guide. Real ratings look at the whole performance, and a strong answer can still contain some mistakes.
Around CLB 5: the speaker answers the question, but with long pauses, simple sentences and repeated words. Some mistakes make the meaning unclear. The answer often ends early.
Around CLB 7: the answer is organized and uses the full time. There are mistakes, but they don't block meaning. Vocabulary is everyday but appropriate, with simple connectors like because, so, for example.
Around CLB 9: the answer flows naturally with a clear structure. Vocabulary is precise ("a twenty-minute delay" instead of "a long wait"). The speaker adjusts tone to the situation, for example more polite when persuading a manager, and corrects themselves smoothly.
Writing works the same way: moving up a level is less about "big words" and more about completing the task fully, organizing clearly and making fewer mistakes that affect meaning.
Practical Facts About Your Results
- Scores are posted online in your CELPIP account 2–4 business days after the test, and you download the Official Score Report as a PDF. More in CELPIP results: timing, validity and re-evaluation.
- For Express Entry, IRCC needs your results to be less than two years old when you create your profile and when you apply for permanent residence.
- You can ask for a re-evaluation of some or all components within six months of the test date. There is a fee per component, refunded if that component's level changes. Listening and Reading are computer-scored, so re-evaluation rarely changes them.
- If one skill is below your target, you would normally retake the whole test (or first request a re-evaluation of that skill). That is why it pays to prepare your weakest skill before the first attempt.
How to Plan Around Your Target
- Find your target per skill. Write down the exact CLB your program needs for each skill, and the level that gives you the CRS points you want.
- Check where you are now. Take a full practice test under real timing, or start with the free English level test.
- Start with the biggest gap. If you need CLB 7 and you are at 7 in Listening but 5 in Speaking, most of your time goes to Speaking.
- Practise with the real task types. See the task-by-task guide to CELPIP Speaking, CELPIP Speaking sample answers, the Listening part-by-part guide, the Reading part-by-part guide and CELPIP Writing Task 1 sample emails.
- Book the test when your practice scores are at your target, not before.
Still deciding which test to take? Read IELTS or CELPIP in 2026 or CELPIP vs Duolingo.
If you want a clear plan to reach your CLB target, with feedback on your speaking and writing, see preparation for the CELPIP test with Masha.
To practise with real-format questions, try my free practice questions with model answers. For Speaking, get my free CELPIP Speaking vocabulary list (PDF), and if you'd like a full practice test with feedback on Speaking and Writing, join the waitlist for Ready Sprint, my course for the CELPIP test.