CELPIP to IELTS Converter
Enter your CELPIP-General overall score, see the equivalent IELTS General Training band per skill, and instantly know what your CLB-aligned result unlocks for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and Canadian Permanent Residence.
Your CELPIP Score
Enter your CELPIP-General overall score from your test report (M, 3 to 12).
CELPIP and IELTS share the CLB scale (per skill)
Both tests are accepted by IRCC for Canadian immigration. They report results differently (CELPIP: 3 to 12 per skill; IELTS GT: 0 to 9 by 0.5 per skill) but map to the same Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) scale, which IRCC uses to award Express Entry CRS points.
Find your CELPIP score on the CLB scale
Per IRCC: CELPIP 12 = CLB 12, CELPIP 11 = CLB 11, CELPIP 10 = CLB 10, CELPIP 9 = CLB 9, CELPIP 8 = CLB 8, CELPIP 7 = CLB 7. The numeric mapping is direct above CLB 7.
The IELTS GT band at that CLB is the equivalent
A CELPIP 9 maps to CLB 9, which equals IELTS GT Listening 8.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Speaking 7.0. The conversion is per skill, not overall to overall.
Check the per-program threshold
Express Entry FSWP minimum is CLB 7 (CELPIP 7 / IELTS GT 6.0 across all skills). Competitive draws expect CLB 9+ (CELPIP 9+ / IELTS GT L 8.0 R 7.0 W 7.0 S 7.0). Canadian Experience Class minimum is CLB 5 for some occupations and CLB 7 for others.
CELPIP and IELTS GT: same purpose, different format
Two things to understand before reading either result.
CELPIP-General: Canadian-built, computer-delivered
The CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is owned by Paragon Testing Enterprises, a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia. Fully computer-delivered (no paper, no in-person speaking interview), Canadian English accents in the audio, results in 8 calendar days. Four skills, each scored 3 to 12 (M is the lowest score band).
Use the CELPIP Score Calculator to compute your CELPIP overall and per-skill CLB equivalents.
IELTS General Training: the global GT track
IELTS General Training is the GT track of IELTS, designed for migration and workplace English (the IELTS Academic track is for university admission). Four skills, each scored 0 to 9 by 0.5. IRCC accepts IELTS GT only; IELTS Academic is NOT accepted for Canadian Express Entry. Available in paper and computer-delivered formats, with a face-to-face Speaking interview.
Use the IELTS Band Score Calculator to compute your IELTS overall band and CLB equivalents.
CELPIP score to CLB to IELTS GT band (per skill)
Per the IRCC official conversion chart. The conversion is per skill: each CELPIP skill score maps to a different IELTS GT band.
| CELPIP | CLB | IELTS GT L / R / W / S | What this unlocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | CLB 10+ | 8.5 / 8.0 / 7.5 / 7.5 | Maxes out CRS language points; competitive Express Entry |
| 9 | CLB 9 | 8.0 / 7.0 / 7.0 / 7.0 | Strong CRS language points; common Express Entry target |
| 8 | CLB 8 | 7.5 / 6.5 / 6.5 / 6.5 | Solid CRS points; Canadian Experience Class for NOC TEER 0/1 |
| 7 | CLB 7 | 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 | FSWP minimum threshold; CEC minimum for NOC TEER 0/1 |
| 6 | CLB 6 | 5.5 / 5.0 / 5.5 / 5.5 | Some PNP streams; CEC for NOC TEER 2/3 occupations |
| 5 | CLB 5 | 5.0 / 4.0 / 5.0 / 5.0 | CEC minimum for NOC TEER 2/3; some trades streams |
| 4 | CLB 4 | 4.5 / 3.5 / 4.0 / 4.0 | Some Provincial Nominee Programs only; below FSWP minimum |
IELTS Academic is NOT accepted by IRCC. Only IELTS General Training scores can be entered in your Express Entry profile.
When the conversion is enough vs when one test is required
Most use cases accept either certificate at the CLB equivalent. A few cases name one test specifically.
IRCC accepts CELPIP-General and IELTS General Training equally for all Express Entry programs. IELTS Academic is NOT accepted. Your CRS language points are awarded per skill on the CLB scale, so converting CELPIP to IELTS shows your equivalent score, but the actual submission uses CELPIP CLB or IELTS GT CLB directly.
All provincial nominee streams that require English proof accept both CELPIP-General and IELTS GT. Minimum CLB varies by stream (typically CLB 4 to CLB 9). Verify with the specific province.
For citizenship, IRCC accepts CELPIP-General LS (Listening + Speaking only, a different test from CELPIP-General), CELPIP-General overall, IELTS General Training Listening and Speaking, plus a few other Canadian tests. Minimum CLB 4 in Listening and Speaking.
Most Canadian universities require IELTS Academic (typically band 6.5+) for undergraduate admission. CELPIP-General acceptance is uneven; some universities accept it with overall 9+ (roughly IELTS Academic 7.0 equivalent), but always verify with the specific program.
Graduate programs typically specify IELTS Academic 7.0+ or TOEFL iBT equivalent. CELPIP-General is rarely accepted for graduate admission. If your goal is a Canadian master's or PhD, take IELTS Academic.
Some Canadian professional regulators (e.g., engineering associations, nursing colleges) accept CELPIP-General for licensing language proof; others require IELTS Academic specifically. Always verify with the licensing body for your profession and province.
CELPIP to IELTS questions, answered
How do I convert my CELPIP score to an IELTS band?
CELPIP-General and IELTS General Training both map to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) scale, so the conversion goes through CLB. Per the IRCC official chart: CELPIP 10+ = CLB 10 = IELTS GT Listening 8.5 / Reading 8.0 / Writing 7.5 / Speaking 7.5. CELPIP 9 = CLB 9 = IELTS GT L 8.0 / R 7.0 / W 7.0 / S 7.0. CELPIP 7 = CLB 7 = IELTS GT L 6.0 / R 6.0 / W 6.0 / S 6.0 (the FSWP minimum). The conversion is per skill, not overall to overall, because IRCC scores Express Entry on per-skill CLB.
Can I use IELTS instead of CELPIP for Canadian immigration?
Yes, but only IELTS General Training. IRCC accepts IELTS GT and CELPIP-General for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and Canadian Permanent Residence. IELTS Academic is NOT accepted by IRCC for any immigration program. If you took IELTS Academic by mistake, you must retake the General Training version. CELPIP-General is the only CELPIP version IRCC accepts; CELPIP-General LS (Listening + Speaking only) is accepted only for citizenship, not Express Entry.
What is the per-skill CELPIP to IELTS conversion?
Per IRCC chart: CELPIP 10+ = IELTS L 8.5 / R 8.0 / W 7.5 / S 7.5 (CLB 10+); CELPIP 9 = IELTS L 8.0 / R 7.0 / W 7.0 / S 7.0 (CLB 9); CELPIP 8 = IELTS L 7.5 / R 6.5 / W 6.5 / S 6.5 (CLB 8); CELPIP 7 = IELTS L 6.0 / R 6.0 / W 6.0 / S 6.0 (CLB 7); CELPIP 6 = IELTS L 5.5 / R 5.0 / W 5.5 / S 5.5 (CLB 6); CELPIP 5 = IELTS L 5.0 / R 4.0 / W 5.0 / S 5.0 (CLB 5); CELPIP 4 = IELTS L 4.5 / R 3.5 / W 4.0 / S 4.0 (CLB 4).
Why is the conversion per skill instead of overall to overall?
Because IRCC scores Express Entry on per-skill CLB, not on an overall test score. Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) language points are calculated per skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking), each rounded to a CLB level. CELPIP and IELTS use different scales, so the only consistent way to convert is to translate each skill score to its CLB equivalent and then to the corresponding IELTS GT band. Overall to overall conversion would lose the per-skill detail IRCC actually uses.
What CELPIP score do I need for Express Entry?
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) minimum: CELPIP 7 in all four skills (CLB 7), equivalent to IELTS GT 6.0 across the board. To be competitive in Express Entry draws (cutoffs typically 470+ CRS): CELPIP 9+ in all skills (CLB 9), equivalent to IELTS GT L 8.0 / R 7.0 / W 7.0 / S 7.0. CELPIP 10+ (CLB 10) maxes out the language CRS points and is what most successful Express Entry candidates achieve.
Should I take CELPIP or IELTS for Canadian PR?
Both are accepted equally by IRCC. CELPIP advantages: fully computer-delivered (no paper), Canadian English accent, results in 8 calendar days, and many candidates find Listening and Speaking easier because the format is more familiar. IELTS GT advantages: globally recognised (useful if you also need IELTS for the UK or Australia), longer test history, more practice material available. For Canada-only goals, CELPIP is often the practical pick.
How long are CELPIP and IELTS scores valid?
Both are valid for 2 years from the test date for IRCC immigration purposes. The Express Entry profile requires test results valid at the time of submission AND at the time of Invitation to Apply (ITA). If your scores expire mid-process, you must retake the test. Plan to test 4 to 6 months before your expected ITA window to minimise the retake risk.
Is CELPIP accepted at Canadian universities like IELTS?
University acceptance is uneven. Most Canadian universities accept IELTS Academic as the standard English proficiency proof; CELPIP-General acceptance varies by institution. Some Canadian universities accept CELPIP-General with a minimum overall of 9 or 10 (roughly IELTS Academic 7.0 to 7.5 equivalent), but always verify with the specific program. For university admission, IELTS Academic remains the safer pick. CELPIP is the strong choice when your goal is immigration first, university second.
Keep going
CELPIP Score Calculator →
Calculate your CELPIP overall from per-skill inputs (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking, each 3 to 12). Includes CLB equivalents and Express Entry CRS estimates.
IELTS Band Score Calculator →
Calculate your IELTS overall band from per-skill scores. Includes Academic vs General Training distinctions and CLB conversion for Canadian immigration.
CELPIP to CEFR Converter →
Convert CELPIP scores to CEFR levels for European universities, employers, and visa applications outside Canada.
Ready to take CELPIP or IELTS?
Practice with realistic CELPIP-General and IELTS GT tasks at every CLB level, AI-rated Writing and Speaking feedback, and a study plan tuned to your Express Entry CRS target, built by LingUp.
Start PracticingCELPIP is a registered trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises (a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia). IELTS is a registered trademark of the British Council, IDP IELTS Australia, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. This converter is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations. Conversion based on the IRCC official CLB chart.
