CLB to IELTS Converter
See the IELTS band you need for your target CLB level.
Listening: 8.0 · Reading: 6.5 · Writing: 6.0 · Speaking: 6.0
These are the lowest band scores that still reach the CLB level you selected in each skill.
Full IELTS to CLB table (minimum band per level)
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| CLB 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| CLB 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| CLB 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
CLB to IELTS Converter
If you know the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level you need, this tool tells you the minimum IELTS General Training band score for each skill. Pick a target CLB level for listening, reading, writing and speaking and see exactly which bands to aim for.
How to use it
- Choose the CLB level you want for each skill (CLB 4 to CLB 10).
- Read the minimum IELTS band shown for that skill in the result box.
- Use the full table below to compare neighboring levels and decide how much extra effort a higher level takes.
Typical targets
- CLB 5 – minimum for some trade programs and the Canadian Experience Class for lower-skilled jobs.
- CLB 7 – the common minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. In IELTS terms this is listening 6.0, reading 6.0, writing 6.0 and speaking 6.0.
- CLB 9 – a strong score for the Comprehensive Ranking System, with listening 8.0 and reading, writing and speaking 7.0.
- CLB 10 – the top points tier, with listening 8.5, reading 8.0 and writing and speaking 7.5.
Setting a study plan
Because every skill has a different threshold, you can plan more precisely. Listening needs 8.5 for CLB 10 but only 6.0 for CLB 7, so a gap of 2.5 bands. Reading from CLB 7 to CLB 9 requires only one more band, from 6.0 to 7.0. Compare these jumps with your current practice test scores to focus on the skill where the next level is within reach.
About the data
The thresholds come from the IELTS General Training to CLB equivalency used by IRCC. They are the minimum band for the level, so any score above it up to the next threshold gives the same CLB. Always confirm the latest chart on the official Canada.ca website before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the IELTS score I need for CLB 9?
Select CLB 9 for each skill. You need at least 8.0 in listening, 7.0 in reading, 7.0 in writing and 7.0 in speaking.
Why are the IELTS bands different for each skill?
The CLB scale is mapped separately for every skill because the tests are scored differently. The same band score can equal a different CLB level in listening than in reading.
What CLB level do I need for Express Entry?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program requires CLB 7 in all four skills. The Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program have their own minimums depending on the job category, and competitive Comprehensive Ranking System scores often need CLB 9 or higher.
Can I mix target levels for different skills?
Yes. The tool lets you choose a different CLB for each skill, which helps when you already meet the target in some skills and need a plan for the others.