99.2% visa on time — Instantly convert your IELTS General Training scores to CLB levels.
Reading skills are essential for understanding written information
IELTS to CLB conversion translates General Training scores into Canadian Language Benchmark levels. Your overall CLB is determined by your lowest individual skill score.
So, what does this conversion of IELTS to CLB Converter look like in practice? Here are a couple of examples to paint a clearer picture of how to convert IELTS to CLB:
But before you ask to convert my IELTS to CLB levels. Let's break down what IELTS and CLB are.
Before we dive into the IELTS to CLB Converter, let's understand how IELTS scores work. The IELTS exam assesses your abilities in four key areas:
Listening: This module comprises four sections, each containing different types of recordings. Candidates listen to various audio clips and answer 40 questions within 30 minutes. An additional 10 minutes are provided to transfer answers to the answer sheet.
Reading: Candidates encounter three passages, each followed by a set of 40 questions. They are allotted 60 minutes to read the passages, comprehend the content, and answer the questions accordingly.
Writing: In this module, candidates complete two tasks. Task 1 requires writing a minimum of 150 words based on visual information provided, while Task 2 involves crafting an essay of at least 250 words in response to a given prompt. They are allocated 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2.
Speaking: Divided into three parts, the speaking module assesses the candidate's ability to communicate effectively. It begins with a brief introduction, followed by a task involving a cue card topic, and concludes with a discussion.
Each skill is scored on a scale from 0 to 9, with 9 indicating native-like proficiency.
CLB, short for Canadian Language Benchmarks, is the standard measurement used to assess the language skills of immigrants who are looking to live, work, or study in the country. It serves as the gold standard for describing and recognizing language skills, encompassing listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities. It is scored on 12 Levels with 12 being the highest you can go.
There are 3 phases of CLB stages to rank according to English proficiency.
Now let’s see how to convert IELTS to CLB works.
The IELTS to CLB Converter compares the Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking band scores obtained on the IELTS with the appropriate CLB criteria.
On the other hand, the CLB framework is employed by immigration officials to gauge language proficiency. Each of the twelve standards, which range from CLB 1 to CLB 12, represents a distinct competence position in each of the four language domains.
Here is a detailed breakdown of how to convert IELTS to CLB for each order:
The IELTS listening module is designed to evaluate your listening skills in various contexts. Here's what you need to know:
| IELTS Band Score | CLB Level |
|---|---|
| 8.0 - 9.0 | CLB 10-12 |
| 7.5 | CLB 9 |
| 6.0 - 7.0 | CLB 7-8 |
| 5.5 | CLB 6 |
| 5.0 | CLB 5 |
| Below 5.0 | Below CLB 5 |
The IELTS reading test is tailored to suit the specific needs of test-takers, with separate versions for whether you are taking the test to pursue education or if you plan to work there.
| IELTS Band Score | CLB Level |
|---|---|
| 8.0 - 9.0 | CLB 10-12 |
| 7.0 - 7.5 | CLB 9 |
| 6.0 | CLB 8 |
| 5.0 - 5.5 | CLB 6-7 |
| 4.0 - 4.5 | CLB 4-5 |
| Below 4.0 | Below CLB 4 |
The IELTS writing module comprises two distinct tasks:
| IELTS Band Score | CLB Level |
|---|---|
| 7.0 - 9.0 | CLB 10-12 |
| 6.5 | CLB 9 |
| 5.5 - 6.0 | CLB 8 |
| 4.0 - 5.0 | CLB 6-7 |
| 3.5 | CLB 5 |
| Below 3.5 | Below CLB 5 |
The IELTS speaking test is your chance to showcase your spoken English skills in a face-to-face interview with an examiner. It consists of three parts and typically lasts 11-14 minutes.
| IELTS Band Score | CLB Level |
|---|---|
| 7.0 - 9.0 | CLB 10-12 |
| 6.0 - 6.5 | CLB 9 |
| 5.0 | CLB 8 |
| 4.0 - 4.5 | CLB 6-7 |
| 3.5 | CLB 5 |
| Below 3.5 | Below CLB 5 |
Apart from individual skill assessments, Express Entry uses the overall band score to determine eligibility and ranking.
| Overall IELTS Band Score | CLB Level |
|---|---|
| 9.0 | CLB 12 |
| 8.5 | CLB 11 |
| 8.0 | CLB 10 |
| 7.5 | CLB 9 |
| 7.0 | CLB 8 |
| 6.0 - 6.5 | CLB 7 |
| 5.0 - 5.5 | CLB 6 |
| Below 5.0 | Below CLB 6 |

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You said to convert my IELTS to CLB levels, and we complied. WorkAbroad’s IELTS to CLB converter is a helpful tool for anyone planning to move to Canada. It's part of WorkAbroad's services, which make the immigration process easier. With this IELTS to CLB Converter, you can check how well you speak English and understand what level you're at for living or studying in Canada.
Because Canada uses the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) standard to score language files in the Express Entry draw and provincial programs, while the IELTS score uses bands. The converter helps calculate matching points.
Yes, you can also take the CELPIP General test or PTE Core for English. For French language proficiency, TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted.
Simply input your reading, listening, writing, and speaking bands in our step-by-step calculator wizard above to see your exact matching CLB results.
CLB is converted on an individual basis for each skill. The lowest band score among the four skills usually determines your overall profile benchmark level.
It depends on the individual sub-scores. In Writing, Reading, and Speaking, 6.5 maps to CLB 8 or CLB 9. In Listening, 6.5 maps to CLB 7 or CLB 8.
CLB 7 requires a minimum of 6.0 in all four IELTS General skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking).