Language Tests for Canadian Immigration: Which Test, Which Score, Which CLB
IRCC accepts five language tests: three for English and two for French. This guide shows which test to take, how scores convert to CLB or NCLC levels and what each program asks for. Use the converter below to check your own scores.
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Convert your test scores to CLB or NCLC
Pick your test, enter your four scores and see your levels, your CRS points and the program minimums you meet. Last updated: October 2026. Levels come from IRCC’s equivalency charts.
What are CLB and NCLC levels?
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) are Canada’s standard for English ability. NCLC is the French standard. IRCC converts your test scores into levels from 4 to 10 for each of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Programs and the CRS use those levels, not your raw scores. Results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you apply (IRCC, 2026).
Which test should I take?
Take the test you score best on, in a format IRCC accepts. That means CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training or PTE Core for English, and TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. IELTS Academic is not accepted.
Why your level matters
- Eligibility: each program sets a minimum level
- CRS points: each of the four abilities earns points on its own
- Bigger tiers: CLB 7 and CLB 9 raise your skill transferability points
- French bonus: NCLC 7 in all four abilities adds 25 or 50 points
How do you choose a test?
A few questions to ask before you pay for a test.
Choose with these in mind
- English as your first language: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training or PTE Core
- French skills: TEF Canada or TCF Canada can add CRS points
- Both languages: second-language results earn up to 24 more points
- A test centre near you that offers your chosen test
Check first if you
- Hold results that are close to 2 years old
- Took IELTS Academic or another format
- Only have raw scores and need the CLB level
Use the converter below for your levels, then run the CRS calculator.
Minimum language level by program
These are the language minimums for the main skilled worker programs. Check the full rules on each program page and at IRCC.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
CLB 7 in all four abilities for your first official language.
Canadian Experience Class
CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 work experience. CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
CLB 5 in speaking and listening. CLB 4 in reading and writing.
Atlantic Immigration Program
CLB 5 for TEER 0 to 3 job offers. CLB 4 for TEER 4 job offers.
Community pilots
Rural pilot: CLB 6 (TEER 0 or 1), CLB 5 (TEER 2 or 3), CLB 4 (TEER 4 or 5). Francophone pilot: NCLC 5 in French.
Not sure which test to take?
We match your strengths, your program and your timeline to the right test.
The five approved tests
CELPIP-General
A computer-based English test. You must take the General version. Its levels map straight to CLB.
IELTS General Training
Take General Training, not Academic. Bands convert to CLB: 6.0 in all four abilities is CLB 7.
PTE Core
Scores run from 10 to 90. In reading, a score of 60 is CLB 7 and 78 is CLB 9.
TEF Canada
A French test scored in points. In reading, a score of 434 is NCLC 7 on the current chart.
TCF Canada
Reading and listening are scored out of 699. Speaking and writing are scored out of 20, and 10 is NCLC 7.
How long results last
Results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you apply.
Next steps
Use your levels to plan your score and your route.
Before you book
A few checks save a retake.
Pick an approved test
Book with an agency IRCC approves. You pay the fees yourself.
Check the format
IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
Check the ID rules
Read your test centre’s identity rules before test day.
Plan your timing
Book so your results are still valid when you apply, and leave time for any retake.
Plan a retake
IRCC does not accept the IELTS One Skill Retake. Plan to retake the whole test.
Want a plan built for you?
We help you pick a test, a target level and a date.
How to prepare and use your results, step by step
Six steps from your target to your profile.
Choose your target level
Check your program’s minimum, then aim one level higher for safety.
Pick a test and book it
Choose an accepted test and book it with an IRCC-approved agency.
Practise your weakest ability
Find the ability that scores lowest. Practise that one first.
Sit the test
Take the test. Keep your result sheet.
Convert your scores
Use the converter to turn your scores into CLB or NCLC levels.
Use your levels in your profile
Enter your results in your IRCC profile and run the CRS calculator.
Five mistakes that waste a test
These mistakes cost candidates time and money.
Taking the wrong format
IELTS Academic and CELPIP-LS are not accepted. Book the right format.
Letting results expire
Results must be less than 2 years old when you apply.
Planning a one-skill retake
IRCC does not accept the IELTS One Skill Retake.
Entering raw scores
Programs and the CRS use CLB or NCLC levels. Convert before you enter anything.
Ignoring your weakest ability
One low ability can cap your points. Practise it first.
Want a second set of eyes?
We review your plan before you pay for tests.
Language test facts at a glance
Key facts from IRCC’s language test pages.
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Language Test FAQs
What is the CLB?
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) are Canada’s standard for English ability. IRCC converts your test scores into CLB levels from 4 to 10 for speaking, listening, reading and writing. NCLC is the French equivalent.
Which language tests does IRCC accept?
For English: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core. For French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. IELTS Academic is not accepted.
How long are language test results valid?
Results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your permanent residence application.
What CLB do I need for Express Entry?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program needs CLB 7. The Canadian Experience Class needs CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 work and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3. The Federal Skilled Trades Program needs CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
What CLB do I need for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
CLB 5 for TEER 0, 1, 2 and 3 job offers, and CLB 4 for TEER 4 job offers.
What level do the community pilots ask for?
The rural pilot asks for CLB 6 for TEER 0 or 1, CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 and CLB 4 for TEER 4 or 5. The Francophone pilot asks for NCLC 5 in all four French abilities.
Is IELTS Academic accepted for immigration?
No. IRCC accepts IELTS General Training only. For CELPIP you must take CELPIP-General.
Can I use the IELTS One Skill Retake?
No. IRCC does not accept the IELTS One Skill Retake, so plan to retake the whole test if you need a higher score.
How do language results affect my CRS score?
Each of the four abilities earns points on its own, so a low ability limits your total. CLB 7 and CLB 9 also raise your skill transferability points, and NCLC 7 in French can add 25 or 50 bonus points.
How do I convert my scores to CLB?
Use our converter above. Pick your test, enter the four scores and it shows your CLB or NCLC levels based on IRCC’s equivalency charts, your CRS points and the program minimums you meet.