IELTS to CLB Converter - Convert IELTS Scores to CLB Levels Online

The IELTS to CLB Converter is an essential online tool for individuals applying for Canadian immigration, Express Entry, or other Canadian immigration programs. This tool converts IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores to CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) levels, which are required for Canadian immigration applications. Understanding your CLB levels is crucial for calculating your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points and determining your eligibility for various Canadian immigration programs.

What is IELTS?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the world's most popular English language proficiency tests. It's accepted by over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, and immigration authorities. IELTS tests four language skills:

Listening: Understanding spoken English in various contexts
Reading: Reading and understanding written English
Writing: Writing in English for academic or general purposes
Speaking: Speaking English in face-to-face conversations

Each skill is scored on a scale from 0.0 to 9.0, typically in 0.5 increments (e.g., 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5).

What is CLB?

CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) is the standard used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to describe, measure, and recognize the English language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants. CLB levels range from 1 to 12, with higher levels indicating greater language proficiency.

CLB is used for:

Express Entry: Calculating CRS points for Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class programs
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Language requirements for various provincial programs
Citizenship Applications: Language proficiency requirements
Professional Licensing: Some professional regulatory bodies use CLB levels

IELTS to CLB Conversion

The conversion from IELTS to CLB is done separately for each of the four language skills. The overall CLB level is determined by the lowest score among all four skills. This means if you score CLB 8 in three skills but CLB 7 in one skill, your overall CLB level is 7.

Conversion Table

Here's the official IRCC conversion table for IELTS to CLB:

IELTS Score	CLB Level
9.0	10
8.5	9
8.0	9
7.5	8
7.0	7
6.5	7
6.0	6
5.5	5
5.0	4
4.5	4
4.0	4

How to Use the IELTS to CLB Converter

Enter IELTS Scores: Input your IELTS scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
Auto Calculation: CLB levels are calculated automatically as you type (with a 500ms delay)
View Results: See the CLB level for each skill and your overall CLB level
Understand Your Level: The overall CLB is the lowest of all four skills

Key Features

Four Skills Conversion: Convert IELTS scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking separately
Overall CLB Calculation: Automatically calculates your overall CLB level (lowest of all skills)
Real-time Conversion: Instant conversion as you enter scores
Official Conversion Table: Uses the official IRCC conversion standards
Flexible Input: Enter scores for one or all four skills
Clear Display: Easy-to-read results showing both IELTS and CLB levels
Sample Data: Load sample scores to test the tool

Express Entry and CRS Points

Your CLB levels directly impact your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in Express Entry:

CLB 4 or below: 0 points for language
CLB 5: 4 points per skill (maximum 16 points for all four skills)
CLB 6: 5 points per skill (maximum 20 points)
CLB 7: 6 points per skill (maximum 24 points)
CLB 8: 6 points per skill (maximum 24 points)
CLB 9: 6 points per skill (maximum 24 points)
CLB 10 or above: 6 points per skill (maximum 24 points)

Note: Higher CLB levels can significantly increase your CRS score, making you more competitive in the Express Entry pool.

Minimum CLB Requirements

Different Canadian immigration programs have different minimum CLB requirements:

Federal Skilled Worker Program: Minimum CLB 7 in all four skills
Canadian Experience Class: Minimum CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs, CLB 5 for NOC B jobs
Federal Skilled Trades Program: Minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing
Provincial Nominee Programs: Varies by province and program

Use Cases

Express Entry Applications: Calculate your CLB levels for CRS points calculation
Immigration Planning: Determine if you meet minimum language requirements
Test Preparation: Set target IELTS scores based on required CLB levels
Application Review: Verify CLB levels before submitting immigration applications
Career Planning: Understand language requirements for professional licensing
Educational Purposes: Learn about the IELTS to CLB conversion system

Important Notes

Official Results: Always use your official IELTS test results for immigration applications
Test Validity: IELTS results are valid for 2 years for immigration purposes
Overall CLB: Your overall CLB level is the lowest of all four skills - focus on improving your weakest skill
IRCC Standards: This converter uses official IRCC conversion standards, but always verify with official IRCC sources
Test Type: Make sure you take the correct IELTS test type (General Training for most immigration programs)
Regular Updates: Immigration requirements may change - always check the latest IRCC guidelines

Improving Your CLB Level

To improve your CLB level and increase your CRS points:

Identify Weak Areas: Focus on improving your lowest-scoring skill
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice in all four skills is essential
Take Practice Tests: Familiarize yourself with the IELTS test format
Consider Retaking: If you're close to the next CLB level, consider retaking the IELTS test
Professional Training: Consider IELTS preparation courses or tutors

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the overall CLB level calculated?

The overall CLB level is the lowest of all four language skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). For example, if you score CLB 8 in three skills but CLB 7 in one skill, your overall CLB level is 7. This is important for Express Entry CRS points calculation.

Do I need to enter all four IELTS scores?

No, you can enter scores for one or more skills. However, for immigration purposes, you typically need scores for all four skills. The converter will calculate CLB levels for whichever scores you provide.

What IELTS score do I need for CLB 7?

For CLB 7, you need an IELTS score of 6.0 in each of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). However, note that 6.5 also converts to CLB 7, so scores between 6.0 and 6.5 all result in CLB 7.

Can I use this for Express Entry CRS calculation?

Yes, this tool helps you determine your CLB levels, which are used in Express Entry CRS calculations. However, always use your official IELTS test results and verify your CRS points using the official IRCC CRS calculator.

What's the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training?

IELTS Academic is for university admission, while IELTS General Training is typically required for immigration purposes. Both use the same scoring system and convert to CLB the same way. Make sure you take the correct test type for your immigration program.

How long are IELTS results valid for immigration?

IELTS results are valid for 2 years for Canadian immigration purposes. Make sure your test results are still valid when you submit your application.

What if my IELTS score is between two CLB levels?

The converter uses the official IRCC conversion table, which maps specific IELTS scores to CLB levels. If your score falls between two levels, it will be rounded down to the lower CLB level. For example, IELTS 6.3 would be treated as 6.0, which converts to CLB 6.

Is this conversion table official?

Yes, this converter uses the official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) conversion standards. However, immigration requirements can change, so always verify with the latest official IRCC guidelines before submitting your application.