Last Updated on December 4, 2022 by Visa Journal
The following tables show the relationships and conversions between the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) for English (IELTS and CELPIP), the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French (TCF and TEF), and the results of language tests from recognized testing organizations.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
This test, which is often called the IELTS, is used to measure how well someone speaks English. The IELTS test is given at test centres in many countries around the world, and it is the most common test for people who want to move to Canada. The General IELTS and the Academic IELTS are the two types of this test. Applicants for immigration programs (FSW, CEC, FST) and/or submitting their application through Express Entry System will have to show results from the General IELTS Exam. The test looks at your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Each skill gets a score from 0 to 9 points. For more information about this test, check out the International English Language Testing System’s official website (IELTS).
CLB Equivalency Table(IELTS):
| CLB | L | R | W | S | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 8.5+ | 8+ | 7.5+ | 7.5+ | |
| 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | |
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 |
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
CELPIP is one of two acceptable English-language tests for Canadian immigration. This test is available only in few countries as of now. During this test the language proficiency of an individual is tested for Speaking, listening, reading, and writing against a score of 10 points. For additional information, see the website (CELPIP).
CLB Equivalency Table(CELPIP):
| CLB | L | R | W | S | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 10+ | 10+ | 10+ | 10+ | |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF Canada)
The TEF is one of two acceptable French-language tests for Federal immigration. This test is available worldwide. Using the Test Score Equivalency chart, each ability is scored individually. Please refer to the Test d’évaluation de français website for more information.
CLB Equivalency Table(TEF):
| CLB | L | R | W | S | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 316-333 | 263-277 | 393-415 | 393-415 | |
| 9 / C1-C2 | 298-315 | 248-262 | 371-392 | 371-392 | |
| 8 / C1 | 280-297 | 233-247 | 349-370 | 349-370 | |
| 7 / B2 | 249-279 | 207-232 | 310-348 | 310-348 | |
| 6 / B2 | 217-248 | 181-206 | 271-309 | 271-309 | |
| 5 / B1 | 181-216 | 151-180 | 226-270 | 226-270 | |
| 4 / B1 | 145-180 | 121-150 | 181-225 | 181-225 |
Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada)
For additional information about this exam, please visit the Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada website.
CLB Equivalency Table(TCF):
| CLB | L | R | W | S | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 549-699 | 549-699 | 16-20 | 16-20 | |
| 9 / C1-C2 | 523-548 | 524-548 | 14-15 | 14-15 | |
| 8 / C1 | 503-522 | 499-523 | 12-13 | 12-13 | |
| 7 / B2 | 458-502 | 453-498 | 10-11 | 10-11 | |
| 6 / B2 | 398-457 | 406-452 | 7-9 | 7-9 | |
| 5 / B1 | 369-397 | 375-405 | 6-6 | 6-6 | |
| 4 / B1 | 331-368 | 342-374 | 4-5 | 4-5 |