IELTS to CLB Converter
Turn IELTS band scores into CLB levels for Canada.
Listening: CLB 8 · Reading: CLB 8 · Writing: CLB 7 · Speaking: CLB 8
Lowest level across the four skills: CLB 7. Express Entry and most Canadian programs compare each skill separately.
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 |
IELTS to CLB Converter
Canada measures language ability with the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). If you took the IELTS General Training test, use this converter to translate each of your four band scores into a CLB level. Choose your band for listening, reading, writing and speaking and the result appears immediately.
How to use it
- Select your IELTS band score for each skill from the drop-down lists (bands go from 0 to 9 in steps of 0.5).
- Read the CLB level for each skill and the lowest level across all four.
- Compare your levels with the minimum requirement of your program or with the full table below the result.
Why CLB levels matter
Express Entry, provincial nominee programs and many work permits set minimum CLB levels, for example CLB 7 in all four skills for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The Comprehensive Ranking System also gives points per skill: higher CLB levels earn more points, and the biggest jumps are at CLB 7, 9 and 10.
Reading the table
The table lists the minimum IELTS band required for each CLB level. For example, listening 8.0 gives CLB 9 and 8.5 gives CLB 10, while reading 7.0 gives CLB 9 and 8.0 gives CLB 10. Writing and speaking use the same thresholds. A score below the CLB 4 threshold is shown as below 4.
Improving your CLB
Look at your lowest skill first. Raising a weak writing score from 6.0 to 6.5 can lift it from CLB 7 to CLB 8, which may be worth more than polishing a strong skill. Many candidates retake only the skills they need to improve; check the rules of your test provider.
Disclaimer
This tool is for planning only. IRCC publishes the official chart and may update it, so always verify your final numbers there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CLB stand for?
CLB means Canadian Language Benchmark, the national standard Canada uses to describe English ability on a scale from 1 to 12. Immigration programs such as Express Entry convert test scores into CLB levels and award points for them.
Does the IELTS Academic test convert the same way?
Immigration programs accept IELTS General Training for the economic classes. The conversion table is published for General Training, so use the scores from that module when you apply.
Is CLB calculated separately for each skill?
Yes. Listening, reading, writing and speaking each get their own CLB level. Express Entry points and minimum language requirements are checked per skill, so your lowest skill often matters most.
How accurate is this converter?
It follows the IELTS to CLB equivalency chart used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Rules and charts can change, so confirm the numbers on the official IRCC website before you submit an application.