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Language tests for Canada PR: the approved tests and how scores become CLB levels

For Express Entry, IRCC accepts five tests: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core in English, and TEF Canada and TCF Canada in French. Results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you apply. Scores are converted into Canadian Language Benchmark (English) or NCLC (French) levels, and the minimum level depends on the program.

Most people planning for Canadian permanent residence end up in the same place: a booking page for an English or French test, and a question about which one counts. The answer is in IRCC's list of approved tests, but the useful part is the conversion table that turns a test score into a "CLB" level, because CLB levels are what the programs and the points tables use.

This page explains how that system works. It covers the tests IRCC approves for Express Entry, the language scales, the minimum levels each federal program asks for, the score ranges IRCC publishes for the four skills, how long results last, and what provincial programs do differently. It is general information. It does not tell any reader which test to take, what score they will get, or whether they meet a minimum. Every figure below was read on IRCC's language testing page (dated 22 June 2026) on 10 October 2026, and the legal basis was read in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (current to 21 September 2026). Score ranges are the sort of data that gets updated, so use the table on IRCC's page when you plan a test.

The approved tests

IRCC's page lists five approved tests for Express Entry, three in English and two in French.

English: - CELPIP: the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. You must take the CELPIP-General test. - IELTS: the International English Language Testing System. You must take the IELTS General Training option. IRCC states that IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted for Express Entry. - PTE Core: the Pearson Test of English. You must take the PTE Core option.

French: - TEF Canada: the Test d'évaluation de français. - TCF Canada: the Test de connaissance du français.

Two details catch people. First, the version matters. IRCC's page names the exact version of each English test (General, General Training, Core) and does not mention academic versions as accepted for this purpose. A result from the wrong version is not a different score; it is a different test. Second, the page says nothing about tests outside this list. If a test is not on IRCC's page, it is not approved for Express Entry.

The legal mechanism sits in section 74 of the Regulations. The Minister may designate an organization or institution to evaluate language proficiency and approve the test it uses, provided the organization has expertise in evaluating language proficiency and has given the Minister an equivalency between its results and the benchmarks in the Canadian Language Benchmarks or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens. Section 74(4) requires the Minister to make the names of the designated organizations and approved tests available to the public, which is what IRCC's page does. Section 74(6) lets the Minister revoke a designation or approval in listed circumstances. In practice that means the list is a living document, and a test approved today is approved only until IRCC says otherwise.

CLB and NCLC: the scales behind the scores

Test scores are not what the programs use. IRCC says English results are measured on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and French results on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). The Regulations say the same thing in law: under section 74(2), the minimum language thresholds the Minister fixes "shall be established in reference to" those two benchmark systems.

The practical result is that a requirement is stated as a level, for example "CLB 7", and each approved test has its own score ranges that IRCC maps onto each level, separately for each of the four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The same CLB level corresponds to different numbers on different tests. For instance, according to IRCC's conversion table for the Federal Skilled Worker Program as read on 10 October 2026: - CLB 7: CELPIP 7 in each skill; IELTS 6.0 in speaking, listening, reading and writing; PTE Core 68 to 75 speaking, 60 to 70 listening, 60 to 68 reading, 69 to 78 writing. - CLB 8: CELPIP 8; IELTS 6.5 speaking, 7.5 listening, 6.5 reading, 6.5 writing; PTE Core 76 to 83 speaking, 71 to 81 listening, 69 to 77 reading, 79 to 87 writing. - CLB 9: CELPIP 9; IELTS 7.0 speaking, 8.0 listening, 7.0 reading, 7.0 writing; PTE Core 84 to 88 speaking, 82 to 88 listening, 78 to 87 reading, 88 to 89 writing.

For French, the same table shows NCLC 7 as TEF Canada 310 to 348 in speaking, 249 to 279 in listening, 207 to 232 in reading and 310 to 348 in writing, and TCF Canada 10 to 11 in speaking, 458 to 502 in listening, 453 to 498 in reading and 10 to 11 in writing. NCLC 8 is TEF 349 to 370, 280 to 297, 233 to 247 and 349 to 370; TCF 12 to 13, 503 to 522, 499 to 523 and 12 to 13.

Notice the shape: a level is the lowest score in each skill. A requirement of CLB 7 means level 7 in all four abilities, not an average. A strong writing score does not make up for a weak listening score. IRCC's page states the minimums for programs that set one level as applying in all four abilities.

These ranges are IRCC's, copied from the table on its page. They can change. Always read the table on the day you book a test.

Minimum levels by federal program

IRCC's page sets out minimum language levels for the three programs managed through Express Entry. These are the numbers as read on 10 October 2026: - Canadian Experience Class: CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four abilities for work experience in a NOC TEER 0 or 1 occupation; CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four abilities for TEER 2 or 3. - Federal Skilled Worker Program: CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four abilities in the first official language, and CLB or NCLC 5 in the second official language. - Federal Skilled Trades Program: CLB 5 or NCLC 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 or NCLC 4 for reading and writing.

Meeting a minimum is a threshold to be eligible for the program, not a score. Ranking inside the Express Entry pool is a separate step, and IRCC explains how language points are built in the Comprehensive Ranking System criteria (see CRS score explained). For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the table on IRCC's page shows points per ability for the first official language: 4 points per ability at CLB 7, 5 at CLB 8, and 6 at CLB 9 and above, with a maximum of 24, and 4 points in total for the second official language at CLB or NCLC 5 and above. Those are the figures on the page as read; the Regulations set the framework and the Minister fixes the thresholds under section 74(1).

Section 75(2)(d) of the Regulations ties the Federal Skilled Worker class to the test rules: the person must have submitted results of an approved test, provided by a designated organization, less than two years old on the date the application is made, showing that they met or exceeded the applicable threshold in either English or French for each of the four skill areas. The Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades class have equivalent language provisions in sections 87.1 and 87.2, which are described in Canadian Experience Class requirements and Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Programs outside Express Entry set their own language rules. Do not carry a number from one program to another without reading that program's page.

How long results last, and what happens when they expire

IRCC's page is direct: "Your test results must be less than 2 years old when you:" and the two moments it names are completing your Express Entry profile and submitting your application for permanent residence. For the Federal Skilled Worker Program the Regulations measure the two-year limit on the date the application is made.

The page also states the consequence. In IRCC's wording: "If you apply for permanent residence with language test results that have expired, we’ll refuse your application." This has the same shape as the ECA rule, where the clock runs to the application date and not just to the date the profile was created. Someone who tests early to be ready may find the result has expired by the time an invitation arrives.

Practical points that come from this, stated as facts and not as advice: - The date that counts is the test date shown on the result, so write down the date two years later. - A new test produces a new result and a new profile entry. The profile has to show the results that are current when the application is submitted. - Booking a test close to the date you expect to be ready is a trade-off between lead time and validity. That is a personal planning question and this page does not answer it.

For people sitting the TEF Canada, IRCC's page carries a specific note. For tests taken between 11 December 2023 and 6 May 2024, a temporary scoring change was reverted, and applicants may need to update their Express Entry profile using the column that IRCC labels "Équivalence ancien score". If you hold a TEF Canada result from that period, read the note on IRCC's page directly.

IRCC also says that if a disability prevents completing one or more sections of a test, an applicant should use the averaged scores from IRCC's language averaging tool. That is IRCC's process and the page is the place to read it.

Provincial programs have their own language rules

A provincial nominee program is run by the province, and each sets its own language rules. Two examples, both read on 10 October 2026, show how different they can be from the federal numbers above.

BC's Skills Immigration page for workers lists a language requirement of Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 for both the Skilled Worker and Health Authority streams. The page says the stream requirement is "Must meet the minimum language requirement of Canadian Language Benchmark level 4". See the BC PNP overview.

Saskatchewan's page on language requirements for the SINP says that the minimum scores for its accepted tests are equivalent to CLB 4, that it accepts only the tests it lists, and that tests must be less than two years old when you apply to the SINP. It also says candidates in the Express Entry sub-categories must show results that match the language level in their Express Entry profile. See the SINP overview. The SINP has different accepted-test lists and different score tables from IRCC's, so an IRCC table cannot be used for SINP purposes without checking.

The difference matters in a practical way. Someone who passes a provincial language minimum has met that province's rule. They have not met a federal Express Entry minimum unless the result also satisfies IRCC's table, and the other way round. The provincial pages do not pretend otherwise, and neither should a person's plan.

In general, a provincial program that nominates through Express Entry still needs the federal profile to be valid, so the IRCC rules above stay relevant after nomination. IRCC's page on the Provincial Nominee Program describes the Express Entry path as one that begins with a province's nomination and then an Express Entry profile. The PNP explainer covers how the two layers fit together.

Where language results go wrong

Most trouble with language results comes from a small set of avoidable mismatches.

The wrong version of the test. CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core are the versions IRCC names. IELTS One Skill Retake is expressly not accepted. A score from the wrong version cannot be converted.

A level reached on average, not on every skill. A "CLB 7" requirement is met only if each of the four skills reaches level 7. IRCC's page states the minimums as a level in all four abilities.

An expired result. The two-year clock runs to the application date.

A score misread through the wrong table. IRCC publishes separate conversion tables per program on the same page. The Federal Skilled Worker table shown here begins at CLB 7. The Federal Skilled Trades section of the same page contains rows for lower levels. Read the table that belongs to the program.

A profile that does not match the result. Entering a score that differs from the report is a mismatch that can be seen. Honest errors can still cause delay, and deliberate ones fall under section 40 of the Act (see misrepresentation and the five-year ban).

Assuming a requirement is the same everywhere. A province may require CLB 4 where a federal program requires CLB 7. Each program is its own rule set.

If you are unsure which scale or table applies to your situation, that is a question about your own facts. Only a lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant may advise on it for a fee, under section 91 of the Act. Using a representative is optional; if you hire one, check the licence on the public register.

Find a regulated adviser

If you want a licensed immigration consultant or a lawyer to look at which language scale and table apply to your own application, use the Migratio directory to find a regulated adviser, and check their licence on the official register before you sign anything. Migratio is a directory and booking platform. It does not give immigration advice, does not choose a program for anyone and has no connection to IRCC or any province.

Questions people ask

Which English tests are accepted for Canada PR?

For Express Entry, IRCC lists CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core. IRCC says IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted. French tests are TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Check IRCC's language testing page for the current list.

What is the CLB level for IELTS 6.0?

On IRCC's Federal Skilled Worker conversion table, as read on 10 October 2026, IELTS General Training 6.0 in speaking, listening, reading and writing corresponds to CLB 7. Other CLB levels use different numbers per skill, so read the full table on IRCC's page.

How long are language test results valid for Express Entry?

IRCC says results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application. Expired results at application lead to refusal, according to IRCC's page.

What CLB level do I need for Express Entry?

It depends on the program. IRCC's page lists CLB 7 for the Federal Skilled Worker Program in the first official language, CLB 7 or 5 for the Canadian Experience Class depending on the TEER of the work experience, and CLB 5 for speaking and listening with CLB 4 for reading and writing in the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Are CLB and NCLC the same thing?

They are parallel scales. CLB measures English and NCLC measures French, and IRCC sets requirements in both. A level in one scale does not convert into the other; each language is tested and scored on its own scale.

Sources

Last checked 2026-10-10.

Related guides

  • Express Entry explained: how the system and its three programs work — Express Entry is an online system IRCC uses to manage applications for permanent residence under three programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. You create a profile, candidates with the highest scores are invited in rounds, invited candidates apply, and an officer decides. This page explains the mechanics. It cannot tell you whether you are eligible.
  • CRS score explained: where Express Entry points come from — The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores Express Entry profiles out of 1,200: core factors up to 500 (460 with a spouse), spouse factors up to 40, skill transferability up to 100 and additional points up to 600. A provincial nomination is worth 600. Job offers have not earned CRS points since 25 March 2025. This page explains the scoring. It cannot say whether a score will lead to an invitation.
  • Canadian Experience Class requirements: what the rules say — The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for people with skilled work experience gained in Canada. IRCC's page says at least 1 year of work or 1,560 hours in the 3 years before applying, in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, with temporary resident status and paid employment, plus approved language tests. There is no education requirement. The CEC is managed through Express Entry.
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program: who it covers and what it asks for — The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) is for people qualified in a skilled trade. IRCC's page asks for 2 years of full-time trade work in the 5 years before applying, language minimums of CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing, and either a valid job offer of at least 1 year or a certificate of qualification. It is managed through Express Entry. There is no education requirement.
  • Educational credential assessment (ECA) for Canada: who issues it and what it is used for — An educational credential assessment (ECA) is a report from an organization IRCC has designated. It says what a credential earned outside Canada is equal to in Canada. For the Federal Skilled Worker Program it must be less than 5 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and again when you submit your application. Fees and times differ by organization, so check each one.
  • BC Provincial Nominee Program: how the streams, fees and invitations work — The BC PNP has two main branches on WelcomeBC: Skills Immigration for workers (the Skilled Worker and Health Authority streams) and Entrepreneur Immigration (Base, Regional and Strategic Projects). Workers register and may be invited to apply; the worker application fee on the page read was $1,750. Streams change, so check WelcomeBC on the day you apply.
  • Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): categories, points grid and 2026 limits — The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program lists four categories: International Skilled Worker, Worker with Saskatchewan Work Experience, Entrepreneur, and Farm Owner and Operator. Some sub-categories use a 110-point grid with a 60-point minimum. Saskatchewan says it makes the final choice on nominations, and its FAQ describes 2026 sector caps and intake windows. Check saskatchewan.ca before applying.
  • How to check an RCIC licence on the College's Public Register — Search the consultant on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Public Register (register.college-ic.ca). Only people with an "Active" status and "Yes" in the "Entitled to Practise" column may legally give you immigration advice for a fee. Then contact them using the details on the register, not the ones in an ad or a message.