IELTS to CLB calculator
Canada converts each IELTS General Training score to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). Choose your bands to see your CLB level, whether you meet each program's minimum, and your Federal Skilled Worker language points.
Do you meet the minimum?
- Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry): meets the minimumNeeds CLB 7 in all four abilities
- Canadian Experience Class, NOC TEER 0 or 1: meets the minimumNeeds CLB 7 in all four abilities
- Canadian Experience Class, NOC TEER 2 or 3: meets the minimumNeeds CLB 5 in all four abilities
- Federal Skilled Trades: meets the minimumNeeds CLB 5 in speaking and listening, CLB 4 in reading and writing
- Canadian citizenship (ages 18 to 54): meets the minimumNeeds CLB 4 in speaking and listening
Official IELTS to CLB chart
Minimum IELTS General Training band for each CLB level, from IRCC.
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
How the conversion works
Each skill is converted on its own, and the bands are not the same across skills. Listening needs the most: CLB 8 is 7.5 in listening but 6.5 in the other three. Reading needs the least: CLB 5 is only 4.0 in reading.
Programs set a minimum CLB for every skill, so your lowest skill decides whether you qualify. For Express Entry your results must be less than 2 years old, and only IELTS General Training counts, not Academic.
In the Federal Skilled Worker selection grid, each ability earns 4 points at CLB 7, 5 at CLB 8 and 6 at CLB 9 or above. Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score also rises with your CLB; use the official CRS tool to see the full effect.
See all the minimums by program on our IELTS requirements for Canada page.
Questions
- How do I convert IELTS to CLB?
- Each IELTS General Training skill is converted separately using the IRCC chart. For example, 6.0 in any skill is CLB 7, and CLB 9 needs 8.0 in listening and 7.0 in reading, writing and speaking. Programs look at your lowest skill.
- What IELTS score is CLB 7?
- CLB 7 is IELTS General Training 6.0 in listening, reading, writing and speaking. It is the minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
- What IELTS score is CLB 10?
- CLB 10 is 8.5 in listening, 8.0 in reading and 7.5 in writing and speaking. IRCC treats anything above that as CLB 10 too.
- Can I use IELTS Academic for CLB?
- No. IRCC only converts IELTS General Training results to CLB for Express Entry and citizenship.
Need a higher CLB?
Practise with free full-length General Training tests and get instant band scores, then check your writing and speaking with AI feedback.
Source: IRCC: How to find your language level based on your test results and IRCC: Express Entry language test results. Last checked 30 September 2026. TestWise Prep is not affiliated with the Government of Canada. Rules can change, so confirm on the official pages before you apply.