Understanding the CELPIP Score Chart is the most important step in your Canadian immigration journey. Your CELPIP score isn’t just a number; it’s the key that translates your test performance into a CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) level.
Knowing how this conversion works is mandatory. This article breaks down the complete CELPIP Score Chart so you know exactly what score you need to target.
The Official CELPIP Score Chart (CELPIP to CLB Conversion)
This is the most important table you need. The CELPIP test is designed to map directly to the CLB levels. For most scores, the conversion is a simple 1-to-1 match.
Here is the official breakdown:
| CELPIP Score | CLB Level | Proficiency Level |
| 10-12 | 10+ | Advanced |
| 9 | 9 | Effective |
| 8 | 8 | Good |
| 7 | 7 | Adequate |
| 6 | 6 | Developing |
| 5 | 5 | Acquiring |
| 4 | 4 | Adequate (for daily tasks) |
| 3 | 3 | Some proficiency |
| 0-2 | 0-2 | Minimal / Not Assessed |
Key Takeaway: Notice that a CELPIP score of 9 equals a CLB 9, an 8 equals a CLB 8, and a 7 equals a CLB 7. This makes it easy to know your score. Also, note that getting a CELPIP 10, 11, or 12 all count as “CLB 10+” for immigration purposes.
Why the CELPIP Score Chart Matters for Express Entry
our CLB level is not just a score; it’s the key to unlocking points in Canada’s Express Entry system (which manages the Federal Skilled Worker Program).
There are two “magic numbers” you must know:
1. The “Magic Number”: CLB 7
To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), you must score a minimum of CLB 7 in all four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). On the CELPIP Score Chart, this means you need a minimum score of 7 in every single section.
If you get a 9 in Reading, 9 in Listening, 9 in Speaking, but a 6 in Writing, you are not eligible.
2. The “Golden Number”: CLB 9
This is where you get the maximum points for language. When you hit CLB 9 in all four skills, your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for language jumps dramatically.
For most applicants, achieving a “CLB 9” (a CELPIP 9 in all four sections) is the primary goal for being competitive in the Express Entry pool.
What Holds Most People Back from a CLB 9?
t’s common to see a CELPIP Score Chart with high scores in Reading and Listening but a frustrating 7 or 8 in the Writing section. Why?
The Writing section is not just about grammar; it’s about Task Fulfillment. Raters use a strict checklist. If you fail to address every part of the prompt, your score drops, no matter how good your vocabulary is.
For example, in Writing Task 2, you are asked to choose between two options. A high-scoring answer requires you to clearly state your choice, provide strong supporting reasons for it, and acknowledge the other option. Missing any of those steps will prevent you from getting a CLB 9.
To see the exact formula for this task, you can review our Ultimate Study Guide for CELPIP Writing Task 2: Responding to a Survey.
Stop Guessing Your Score. Get Real Feedback.
Looking at a CELPIP Score Chart tells you your destination. It doesn’t tell you how to get there.
You can do 20 practice tests and still have no idea why you’re stuck at a CLB 8 in Speaking. You’re just practicing your mistakes. To improve, you don’t need more tests, you need a coach.
This is exactly why we built Exam Hero. We don’t just give you practice; we give you a Smart AI Coach.
- Instant AI Feedback: Our AI acts like a real rater, giving you detailed feedback on your Speaking and Writing. It will tell you exactly why you lost points on “Task Fulfillment” or “Listenability.”
- Personalized Study Plan: Our system finds your weak spots and builds a custom study plan to fix them. Stop wasting time on the sections you’ve already mastered.
Stop practicing in the dark. Know your score before you walk into the test.
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