CLB and NCLC: Canada's common language scale

Convert test scores to CLB / NCLC

IRCC does not grade IELTS or TEF directly. Every approved test converts to a CLB level (English) or NCLC level (French) that feeds into your Express Entry CRS score and program eligibility.

Overview

The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) is Canada's federal scale for adult English proficiency, and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) is its French parallel. Every IRCC-approved test maps to one of them, so a CLB 9 from IELTS and a CLB 9 from CELPIP score identically.

How IRCC uses it

Each CLB or NCLC level describes what a test-taker can do at that level (speak, listen, read, and write) across everyday workplace, academic, and community contexts. IRCC uses four ability-level CLB or NCLC values per applicant (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) and applies the CRS calculator's Language factor to those levels directly. Test providers publish official conversion tables; Passavia's CLB/NCLC calculator uses those same tables.

CLB vs NCLC

CLB and NCLC are numerically identical: CLB 9 and NCLC 9 describe the same level of proficiency. They differ in language (English vs French) and in the normative source: the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks publishes CLB, while the Centre des niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens publishes NCLC. The descriptors are parallel but not translations of each other; each scale was developed independently against its language's linguistic norms.

CLB / NCLC level overview

CLB and NCLC are scaled from 1 to 12. IRCC uses levels 4 through 10 for most Express Entry decisions. Levels 1–3 are below the threshold for economic programs, and levels 11–12 do not earn additional CRS points above level 10.

4 — Basic / initial intermediate

Below Express Entry threshold. Used for some provincial programs, pre-PR work permit classes, and settlement services.

5 — Initial intermediate

Minimum for spouse/common-law partner CRS points and for Federal Skilled Trades (FST) speaking + listening.

7 — Adequate intermediate

Minimum for Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in the primary language. Bilingualism bonus threshold.

9 — Advanced

Significant CRS point jump over CLB 7; most competitive at this level or above for Express Entry draws.

10 — Upper advanced

Maximum CRS points for language. No further points earned at levels 11 or 12.

12 — Advanced / near-native

Above IRCC scoring ceiling; level descriptor is used for professional licensing and settlement program design.

Where CLB / NCLC are used

CLB and NCLC levels appear across Canadian immigration and settlement programs.

• Express Entry CRS scoring (language factors, bilingualism bonus, and spouse language factor).
• Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class minimum-language thresholds.
• Most Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams: levels required vary by province and stream.
• Canadian citizenship applications (CLB 4 or higher in Speaking and Listening for adult grant applicants).
• Federally funded settlement and language training programs (LINC, CLIC): intake levels are assigned in CLB/NCLC terms.

Frequently asked questions

Is CLB 9 the same as CEFR B2 or C1?

Roughly. CLB 9 aligns with upper B2 / lower C1 on the Common European Framework for most abilities, but the two systems were built independently and there is no official crosswalk. If you hold a CEFR-based result (for example, DALF), you will still need an IRCC-approved test with a CLB/NCLC-based score.

Do I need the same CLB in all four abilities for Express Entry?

No. CRS scoring is per-ability, so you can have different CLB levels for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. However, program-minimum thresholds (for example, CLB 7 across all four for FSW) are applied per-ability. You must hit the threshold in every ability, not just the average.

If my CLB levels differ between two test results, which one does IRCC use?

IRCC uses the result you submit in your Express Entry profile. You may update the profile with a newer/better result as long as it is valid (within 2 years of the test date). Only one active result is used at a time. IRCC does not combine scores across multiple tests.

Can I submit a CLB 'self-assessment' instead of a test?

No. The CLB-OSA (Online Self-Assessment) is useful for personal planning but is not an IRCC-accepted document. Every Express Entry submission requires an official result from IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada.