CELPIP Score Chart 2026: Levels, CLB and CRS Points

The CELPIP Score Chart: Levels to CLB

CELPIP-General gives you a separate score of up to 12 for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The equivalency chart below comes from the official CELPIP guidebook for test takers, published in July 2026.

CELPIP level	CLB level	What the level means
12	12	Expert proficiency in high-stakes contexts
11	11	Advanced proficiency in high-stakes contexts
10	10	Highly effective proficiency in some high-stakes contexts
9	9	Effective proficiency in some high-stakes contexts
8	8	Good proficiency in more demanding contexts
7	7	Adequate proficiency in somewhat demanding contexts
6	6	Developing proficiency in everyday contexts
5	5	Acquiring proficiency in everyday contexts
4	4	Adequate proficiency for daily life activities
3	3	Some proficiency in limited contexts
2	1–2	Limited ability in contexts related to immediate needs
0–1	—	Insufficient information to assess

IRCC’s Express Entry tables show the same direct match: for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, CELPIP 7 is CLB 7, CELPIP 8 is CLB 8, CELPIP 9 is CLB 9, and CELPIP 10 or above is CLB 10 or higher.

The key takeaway: unlike IELTS, CELPIP doesn’t require a conversion chart. Your score for each skill is also your CLB level for that skill.

Minimum CLB for Express Entry Programs

IRCC accepts CELPIP-General for Express Entry. CELPIP-General LS, which tests only Listening and Speaking, is approved for citizenship but not permanent residence.

Program	Minimum English level
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)	CLB 7 in all four skills
Canadian Experience Class, TEER 0 or 1	CLB 7 in all four skills
Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or 3	CLB 5 in all four skills
Federal Skilled Trades	CLB 5 speaking and listening, CLB 4 reading and writing

You need to meet the minimum in every skill. For example, scores of 9 in three skills and 6 in Writing don’t meet the FSW minimum.

On the FSW selection grid, first-language scores are worth 4 points per skill at CLB 7, 5 at CLB 8, and 6 at CLB 9 or higher. This grid determines eligibility; your CRS score determines your rank in the pool.

CRS Points per CLB Level

This is IRCC’s first-language table from its CRS criteria page. The points are listed per skill, so multiply by four if you have the same level in all four.

CLB per skill	With spouse or partner	Without spouse or partner
CLB 4 or 5	6	6
CLB 6	8	9
CLB 7	16	17
CLB 8	22	23
CLB 9	29	31
CLB 10 or higher	32	34

For a single applicant, here’s the total value of each step across all four skills:

Move	Per skill	All four skills
CLB 7 → CLB 8	+6	+24
CLB 8 → CLB 9	+8	+32
CLB 9 → CLB 10	+3	+12

The biggest jump is from CLB 8 to CLB 9. Once you reach CLB 10, you can’t earn more first-language points, so CELPIP 10, 11, and 12 all score the same.

CLB 9 also lifts skill transferability

Skill transferability points combine language ability with education or foreign work experience. If you score CLB 7 or higher in every skill, but fall below CLB 9 in at least one, a post-secondary credential of one year or more earns 13 points. Score CLB 9 or higher in all four skills, and that credential earns 25 points. With three or more years of foreign work experience, the same increase is from 25 to 50 points. Each combination is capped at 50 points.

French as a bonus

If you also have NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills, you can earn 50 extra points when your English is CLB 5 or higher in all four. With English at CLB 4 or lower (or no English test), the French bonus is 25.

What Changed in the CRS on November 3, 2026

IRCC updated its CRS criteria page on November 3, 2026. Here are the confirmed changes:

New Labour Market Integration factor. It awards points for Canadian work experience or a high-wage job offer, not both. The maximum is 140 points with a spouse and 150 without.
Job offers. LMIA and LMIA-exemption requirements were removed for all Express Entry job offers. A high-wage job offer earns 100, 70 or 50 points depending on the wage level.
Recalculation and paused draws. IRCC is recalculating existing profiles, which it says could take up to 2 weeks. Invitation rounds are paused until it's done.

The first-language points shown in the table above reflect IRCC’s updated values. If you already have an Express Entry profile, check your score once the recalculation is complete.

Fees, Results and Validity

Fees

The official CELPIP-General page lists the test fee in Canada as under $300, plus tax; prices outside Canada vary. The CELPIP website and guidebook have shown slightly different prices during 2026, so check the amount displayed when you book.

Test format

Component	Time	Structure
Listening	46–55 min	6 parts
Reading	43–56 min	4 parts
Writing	53 min	2 tasks
Speaking	15 min	8 tasks

The whole test takes about 3 hours in one sitting.

When results arrive

You can access your scores online within 2 to 4 business days. CELPIP will email you when they’re ready, and two printed copies of your official score report will be sent by registered mail.

How long results are valid

For Express Entry, IRCC requires results that are less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and again when you submit your permanent residence application. Results that expire in between can lead to a refusal, so time your test with your application plan in mind.

FAQ

Is CELPIP 7 the same as CLB 7?

Yes. CELPIP levels correspond one-to-one with CLB levels from 3 to 12, and IRCC uses the same conversion for Express Entry.

What CELPIP score do I need for FSW?

You need a score of at least 7 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

How many CRS points is CLB 9 worth?

31 points per skill without a spouse (124 across all four skills), or 29 per skill with a spouse (116 total).

Does a CELPIP 12 give more CRS points than a 10?

No. CRS first-language points max out at CLB 10 or higher: 34 points per skill without a spouse.

Can I use CELPIP-General LS for Express Entry?

No. Express Entry requires the full CELPIP-General test. CELPIP-LS is approved for citizenship applications.

Get to Your Target Level

Many test takers get stuck moving from CLB 8 to CLB 9 in Writing and Speaking. That jump is worth 32 points for a single applicant. TestSucceed offers full-length CELPIP mock tests, plus AI scoring and feedback on your speaking and writing. You can use it on the web or through the iOS and Android apps. Take a mock test to find out which skill is holding back your CLB, then book your CELPIP test when you’re ready.

Try a mock test →