CLB Comparison Guide
Understanding the relationship between CELPIP scores and Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels
What is CLB?
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) are a national standard used in Canada to describe, measure, and recognize the English language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants for living and working in Canada.
CELPIP and CLB Levels
CELPIP scores are mapped to CLB levels, which are widely recognized for immigration, education, and professional certification purposes.
Score Comparison
Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts
Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts
Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts
Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts
Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts
Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts
Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts
Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts
Adequate proficiency for daily life activities
Some proficiency in limited contexts
Limited ability in contexts related to immediate needs
Insufficient information to assess
Insufficient information to assess
Test taker did not receive this test component
| CELPIP Score | CLB Level | Proficiency Level | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
12 | 12 | Advanced | Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
11 | 11 | Advanced | Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
10 | 10 | Advanced | Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
9 | 9 | Proficient | Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
8 | 8 | Proficient | Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
7 | 7 | Intermediate | Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
6 | 6 | Intermediate | Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
5 | 5 | Basic | Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
4 | 4 | Basic | Adequate proficiency for daily life activities |
3 | 3 | Limited | Some proficiency in limited contexts |
2 | 1, 2 | Limited | Limited ability in contexts related to immediate needs |
1 | — | Minimal | Insufficient information to assess |
0 | — | Minimal | Insufficient information to assess |
NA | — | Not Administered | Test taker did not receive this test component |
CELPIP Levels & CLB Level Equivalencies
Below is a visual representation of CELPIP Levels & CLB Level Equivalencies:
Image taken from Official CELPIP website.
Usage of CLB Levels
CLB levels are used by immigration authorities to assess language skills for:
Canadian Citizenship
Required for citizenship applications
Permanent Residency
Essential for PR programs like Express Entry
Professional Licensing
Needed for professional certifications
Key Takeaway
Understanding the correlation between CELPIP scores and CLB levels helps test-takers know where they stand in terms of their English language proficiency and what opportunities are available to them in Canada.