CLB Levels — Complete Reference Guide
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 4 through 10+, with TEF Canada, TCF Canada, IELTS, and CELPIP equivalents — and what each level means for Express Entry and Canadian immigration.
Master Conversion Table
TEF Canada scores are the minimum needed to achieve each CLB level per skill. TCF Canada Writing and Speaking scores are on a 0–20 scale; Listening and Reading are on a 0–699 scale. Last verified: May 2026.
| CLB | CEFR | TEF Canada (Listening / Reading / Writing / Speaking) | TCF Canada (Listening / Reading / Writing / Speaking) | IELTS (avg) | CRS pts/skill | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 4 | B1 | 145–180 / 121–150 / 181–225 / 181–225 | 331–368 / 342–374 / 4–5 / 4–5 | 4.5 | 6 | ||||||
| CLB 5 | B1+ | 181–216 / 151–180 / 226–270 / 226–270 | 369–397 / 375–405 / 6 / 6 | 5.0 | 6 | ||||||
| CLB 6 | B2 | 217–248 / 181–205 / 271–309 / 271–309 | 398–457 / 406–452 / 7–9 / 7–9 | 5.5 | 9 | ||||||
| CLB 7EE min | B2+ | 249–279 / 206–232 / 310–348 / 310–348 | 458–502 / 453–498 / 10–11 / 10–11 | 6.0 | 17 | ||||||
| CLB 8 | C1 | 280–297 / 233–247 / 349–370 / 349–370 | 503–522 / 499–523 / 12–13 / 12–13 | 7.5 | 23 | ||||||
| CLB 9 | C1+ | 298–315 / 248–262 / 371–392 / 371–392 | 523–548 / 524–548 / 14–15 / 14–15 | 8.0 | 31 | ||||||
| CLB 10+ | C2 | 316+ / 263+ / 393+ / 393+ | 549+ / 549+ / 16+ / 16+ | 8.5+ | 34 | ||||||
CRS pts/skill = points per skill for first official language (no spouse). Maximum is 34 × 4 = 136 points from language.
What Each CLB Level Means
CLB 4
Intermediate. Can handle simple, predictable tasks and conversations on familiar topics. Understands the main points of routine personal and job-related matters.
TEF Listening
145–180
out of 360
TEF Reading
121–150
out of 300
TCF Listening
331–368
out of 699
IELTS Overall
4.5
band score
CLB 5
Lower-intermediate to intermediate. Can participate in most routine social and work situations. Understands the main points of moderately complex discourse.
TEF Listening
181–216
out of 360
TEF Reading
151–180
out of 300
TCF Listening
369–397
out of 699
IELTS Overall
5.0
band score
CLB 6
Upper-intermediate. Can communicate effectively in most personal, social, and professional contexts. Understands complex oral and written texts on a wide range of topics.
TEF Listening
217–248
out of 360
TEF Reading
181–205
out of 300
TCF Listening
398–457
out of 699
IELTS Overall
5.5
band score
CLB 7— Express Entry minimum
Upper-intermediate. Communicates fluently and flexibly. Produces clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects. Understands the main ideas of complex text including technical discussions in their field.
TEF Listening
249–279
out of 360
TEF Reading
206–232
out of 300
TCF Listening
458–502
out of 699
IELTS Overall
6.0
band score
CLB 8
Advanced. Expresses ideas fluently and spontaneously without obvious searching for expressions. Uses language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.
TEF Listening
280–297
out of 360
TEF Reading
233–247
out of 300
TCF Listening
503–522
out of 699
IELTS Overall
7.5
band score
CLB 9
High advanced. Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. Expresses ideas fluently with precise meaning. Can use language flexibly and effectively.
TEF Listening
298–315
out of 360
TEF Reading
248–262
out of 300
TCF Listening
523–548
out of 699
IELTS Overall
8.0
band score
CLB 10+
Near-native proficiency. Can express ideas precisely and differentiates fine shades of meaning. Mastery of idiomatic and colloquial expressions. Communicates effortlessly in any context.
TEF Listening
316+
out of 360
TEF Reading
263+
out of 300
TCF Listening
549+
out of 699
IELTS Overall
8.5+
band score
CLB vs. CEFR: How They Map
CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) is the international standard used by the TEF, TCF, DELF, DALF, and most European language certifications. CLB is Canada's national system, used exclusively by IRCC for immigration decisions.
| CEFR Level | CLB Range | What this means practically |
|---|---|---|
| A1–A2 | Below CLB 4 | Beginner. Not eligible for Express Entry language-based programs. |
| B1 | CLB 4–5 | Intermediate. Basic communication in familiar contexts. Still below Express Entry threshold. |
| B2 | CLB 6–7 | Upper-intermediate. CLB 7 (B2+) is the critical Express Entry minimum. |
| C1 | CLB 8–9 | Advanced. Full professional proficiency. Unlocks higher CRS points and French draw eligibility. |
| C2 | CLB 10–12 | Near-native. Maximum CRS points. Rarely needed but worth achieving if within reach. |
Frequently Asked Questions About CLB Levels
What is CLB 7 equivalent to in IELTS?
CLB 7 is equivalent to an IELTS overall band of approximately 6.0, with individual skills ranging from 5.5–6.5. For Speaking: 6.0, Listening: 6.0, Reading: 6.0, Writing: 6.0.
What CLB level do I need for Express Entry?
The minimum CLB depends on the program. Federal Skilled Worker requires CLB 7 in all four English skills. For French, CLB 7 in all four skills unlocks the 25–50 point bonus. CLB 9+ in all four French skills is often needed for French-language category draws.
Is NCLC the same as CLB?
Numerically yes. NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) is the French version of CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks). NCLC 7 = CLB 7. The conversion tables and eligibility rules are identical.
What TEF Canada score do I need for CLB 9?
For CLB 9 on TEF Canada: Listening ≥298/360, Reading ≥248/300, Writing ≥371/450, Speaking ≥371/450. All four skills must individually reach these thresholds.
What is the difference between CLB and CEFR?
CLB is the Canadian benchmark system used by IRCC for immigration. CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) is used internationally. CLB 4–5 ≈ B1, CLB 6–7 ≈ B2, CLB 8–9 ≈ C1, CLB 10–12 ≈ C2.
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