IELTS to CLB Converter
Convert your IELTS General Training scores to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels for Express Entry, skill by skill, instantly.
IELTS General Training to CLB Converter
Enter your IELTS General Training band for each skill. This is the test used for Canada Express Entry.
How Your IELTS Score Becomes a CLB Level
CLB stands for Canadian Language Benchmark. Canada does not read your IELTS band directly for Express Entry, it converts each of your four skills into a CLB level using a fixed table, and your lowest skill is the one that counts.
That last point catches people out. If your Reading is CLB 9 but your Writing is CLB 7, your language level for Express Entry is CLB 7, not an average. One weak skill drags the whole profile down, which is why balanced scores matter more than a single high band.
For Express Entry you sit IELTS General Training, not Academic. CLB 7 across all four skills is the floor for the Federal Skilled Worker program. CLB 9 is the level that earns you the most points in the Comprehensive Ranking System, and it is the realistic target for most Indian applicants aiming for an invitation.
Use the converter above to see your CLB per skill, then use the CRS score calculator to turn that into an Express Entry score. For the score you actually need, see our IELTS band for Canada PR guide.
IELTS General Training to CLB table
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Each figure is the minimum IELTS band needed for that CLB. Your CLB is worked out skill by skill, and your lowest skill sets your Express Entry language level.
Common Questions
What IELTS score is CLB 9?
CLB 9 needs Listening 8.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0 and Speaking 7.0 on IELTS General Training. All four skills must reach their CLB 9 minimum, because your lowest skill decides your overall CLB level.
What is CLB 7 in IELTS?
CLB 7 is IELTS General Training 6.0 in every one of the four skills. It is the minimum language level to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker program under Express Entry.
Do I use IELTS Academic or General Training for CLB?
General Training. Canada Express Entry and most permanent residence routes require IELTS General Training. Academic is mainly for university admission, and its Reading conversion is different.
Why does my lowest skill decide my CLB?
Express Entry awards language points per ability and uses your weakest skill as the benchmark for eligibility thresholds. A single skill below CLB 7 can keep you out of Federal Skilled Worker even if your other three are strong.
Is CLB the same as CRS?
No. CLB is your language level, from 4 to 10. CRS is your total Express Entry score out of 1200, which uses your CLB along with age, education and work experience. Higher CLB feeds a higher CRS.
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