CELPIP Score Chart
CELPIP score chart
CELPIP-General scores each skill from M (minimal) to 12. Those levels map one-to-one to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and decide how many Express Entry CRS points your English earns. Here’s the full chart, plus the score you need for PR, a PNP, and citizenship.
| CELPIP level | CLB equivalent | CRS points / skill (single) | CRS points / skill (with spouse) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CELPIP 12 | CLB 12 | 34 | 32 |
| CELPIP 11 | CLB 11 | 34 | 32 |
| CELPIP 10 | CLB 10 | 34 | 32 |
| CELPIP 9 | CLB 9 | 31 | 29 |
| CELPIP 8 | CLB 8 | 23 | 22 |
| CELPIP 7 | CLB 7 | 17 | 16 |
| CELPIP 6 | CLB 6 | 9 | 8 |
| CELPIP 5 | CLB 5 | 6 | 6 |
| CELPIP 4 | CLB 4 | 6 | 6 |
| CELPIP M | Below CLB 4 | 0 | 0 |
CELPIP levels 4–12 map 1:1 to CLB. “M” (minimal) is reported as below CLB 4 and earns no Express Entry language points. All four skills — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — use the same scale.
What CELPIP score do you need?
minimum Listening and Speaking for Canadian citizenship.
common floor for several Provincial Nominee streams and trades.
minimum for most Express Entry programs (FSW and CEC).
unlocks the maximum skill-transferability bonuses tied to your education and work experience. Going higher adds no more transferability points.
maxes out your core CRS language points at 34 per ability (32 with a spouse) - the true ceiling. CELPIP 10, 11 and 12 all count as CLB 10 here.
How CELPIP scoring works
Each CELPIP-General skill is scored on its own and reported as a level from M to 12 — there is no single combined CELPIP score. Immigration, licensing, and study programs read your four per-skill levels, and the lowest of the four is usually what gates your eligibility.
Because CELPIP levels equal CLB levels, converting is simple: your CELPIP number is your CLB number (for levels 4 and up). To see the exact Express Entry CRS points your scores earn, use the CELPIP to CLB calculator.
FAQ
CELPIP score questions
Is a CELPIP score the same as CLB?
Almost. CELPIP-General reports a level from M (minimal) to 12 for each of the four skills, and those levels map one-to-one to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB): CELPIP 9 = CLB 9, CELPIP 7 = CLB 7, and so on for levels 4 through 12. A level of M is treated as below CLB 4.
What is a good CELPIP score?
It depends on your goal. CELPIP 7 (CLB 7) is the usual minimum for Express Entry (FSW and CEC). CELPIP 9 (CLB 9) is the sweet spot for Express Entry because it unlocks the maximum skill-transferability bonuses. CELPIP 10 and above maxes out your core language points. For most immigration candidates, aiming for 9 across all four skills is the target.
What CELPIP score do I need for PR (Express Entry)?
Most Express Entry programs require at least CELPIP 7 (CLB 7) in every skill to be eligible. To be competitive on the CRS, candidates typically aim for CELPIP 9 (CLB 9) in all four abilities, which both maximizes first-language points and unlocks the skill-transferability bonuses.
What CELPIP score do I need for Canadian citizenship?
Canadian citizenship requires CLB 4 in Listening and Speaking, which is CELPIP 4 in each. The CELPIP-General LS test is commonly used to prove this.
How is the CELPIP test scored?
Each of the four skills — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — is scored independently and reported as a level from M to 12. There is no single overall CELPIP score; immigration and licensing bodies look at your per-skill levels (and the lowest one often gates eligibility).