Language tests · IRCC charts checked October 29, 2026
IELTS vs CELPIP vs PTE Core for Express Entry
IRCC accepts three English tests for Express Entry: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core. All three convert to the same Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, so the question is which test gets you to the level you need. Here are IRCC’s minimum scores side by side.
By the Express Entry Draws team · Updated
| CLB | IELTS General Training | CELPIP-General | PTE Core | CRS points per ability (single / with spouse) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 7.5 / 8.5 / 8.0 / 7.5 | 10 / 10 / 10 / 10 | 89 / 89 / 88 / 90 | 34 / 32 |
| 9 | 7.0 / 8.0 / 7.0 / 7.0 | 9 / 9 / 9 / 9 | 84 / 82 / 78 / 88 | 31 / 29 |
| 8 | 6.5 / 7.5 / 6.5 / 6.5 | 8 / 8 / 8 / 8 | 76 / 71 / 69 / 79 | 23 / 22 |
| 7 | 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 | 68 / 60 / 60 / 69 | 17 / 16 |
CLB 9 matters most: it’s where first-language points jump from 23 to 31 per ability (single), and where skill transferability pays its top column. Four abilities at CLB 9 instead of 8 is worth 32 core points before transferability.
What the charts show
- CELPIP-General maps one for one: a 9 in each ability is CLB 9, so your result reads straight off.
- IELTS asks most of listening: CLB 9 needs 8 in listening but 7 in reading, speaking and writing.
- PTE Core asks most of writing at the top: CLB 9 needs 88 in writing and CLB 10 needs 90, out of 90.
None of these tells you which test is easier for you: that depends on your strengths. Results are valid for two years and must still be valid when you create your profile and when you apply for permanent residence.
Tests IRCC doesn’t accept
- IELTS Academic (only General Training counts)
- CELPIP-LS (only CELPIP-General)
- IELTS One Skill Retake
- PTE Academic (only PTE Core)
Minimum levels by program
- Federal Skilled Worker: CLB 7 in all four abilities.
- Canadian Experience Class: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs.
- Federal Skilled Trades: CLB 5 speaking and listening, CLB 4 reading and writing.
Convert your own scores with the CLB calculator. French tests (TEF Canada and TCF Canada) are on the same page.
Express Entry Draws is not affiliated with IRCC or the Government of Canada, and this page is not immigration or legal advice. Your official score is the one in your Express Entry profile.
Questions people ask
+Is CELPIP or IELTS better for Express Entry?
IRCC treats them the same: both convert to CLB levels with equal points. CELPIP scores read straight across as CLB levels; IELTS needs a higher listening score than its other abilities for CLB 9.
+Is PTE Core accepted for Express Entry?
Yes. PTE Core is accepted; PTE Academic is not.
+How long are language test results valid?
Two years. They must be less than two years old when you create your profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence.
Sources
- IRCC, Language test equivalency charts and approved tests, checked October 29, 2026
- IRCC, Comprehensive Ranking System criteria, checked October 29, 2026