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NEWOntario replaced all 8 OINP streams on June 26, 2026. Everything here covers the new Workforce Priority stream.
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CLB converter

Convert IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF or TCF scores to CLB/NCLC levels, ability by ability, using the official IRCC equivalency tables.

Official IRCC tables5 accepted testsShows your OINP points
Key facts at a glance
What CLB measures
English ability on a 1 to 12 scale (NCLC for French)
How your level is set
By your lowest of listening, reading, writing, speaking
Accepted English tests
IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core
Accepted French tests
TEF Canada, TCF Canada
Not accepted
IELTS Academic, PTE Academic
Validity
2 years from the test date
OINP minimum: TEER 0 to 3
CLB 6 in all four abilities
OINP minimum: TEER 4 to 5
CLB 4 in all four abilities
Maximum OINP language points
15, at CLB 9 or higher
Which test did you take?

Enter the band score for each ability from your test report.

Your abilities, converted
Listening
n/a
Reading
n/a
Writing
n/a
Speaking
n/a
Enter all four scores to see your overall level.

The rule that costs people points

Every ability converts separately, and then your lowest one becomes your level. Three abilities at CLB 9 and one at CLB 6 is a CLB 6 profile, for eligibility and for OINP scoring alike. This is why the lane above turns red on your weakest ability: it is the only one that matters for your benchmark, and it is where a retake pays.

Practical consequence

Before booking a retake, identify the single ability capping your file and target only that one. Moving a lone reading band from CLB 8 to CLB 9 often does more for your score than improving a skill you are already strong in.

Which tests Canada accepts in 2026

TestLanguageScaleNotes
IELTS General TrainingEnglishBands 1 to 9Academic version is not accepted.
CELPIP-GeneralEnglishLevels 1 to 12Converts one to one with CLB.
PTE CoreEnglish10 to 90 per skillPTE Academic is not accepted.
TEF CanadaFrenchVaries by abilityUse “Équivalence ancien score”, not /699.
TCF CanadaFrenchMixed scalesListening/reading /699; speaking/writing /20.

What CLB level means for your OINP score

Your levelOINP language pointsEligibility
CLB 9 or higher15Clears every pathway
CLB 812Clears every pathway
CLB 78Clears every pathway
CLB 64Minimum for TEER 0 to 3 job offers
CLB 50Listed skilled trades only
CLB 40Minimum for TEER 4 to 5 job offers

Note the gap between eligibility and scoring: CLB 6 lets you apply for a skilled job offer but earns only 4 of 15 points. Add French at NCLC 6 alongside English and the bilingualism factor pays another 5. See the full calculator →

CLB converter FAQ

What people ask when converting test scores for immigration.

How do I convert my IELTS score to CLB?

Convert each of the four abilities separately using the official IRCC equivalency table, then take your lowest converted ability as your overall level. Listening and reading use different conversion scales from writing and speaking, so a single band score cannot be converted on its own.

What is CLB?

Canadian Language Benchmarks is the national standard for describing English ability on a 1 to 12 scale. NCLC is the French equivalent. Canadian immigration programs convert every accepted test into a CLB or NCLC level and score that, never the raw test score.

Which language tests does Canada accept?

For English: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core. For French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Academic versions of IELTS and PTE are not accepted for immigration, and results must be less than two years old.

Does my lowest ability really decide my CLB level?

Yes. For OINP eligibility and scoring, your benchmark is your weakest of the four abilities. Three abilities at CLB 9 and one at CLB 6 makes you a CLB 6, worth 4 points instead of 15.

What CLB do I need for the OINP?

CLB or NCLC 6 in all four abilities for a TEER 0 to 3 job offer, CLB 5 for listed skilled trades, and CLB 4 for a TEER 4 to 5 job offer. Self employed physicians need CLB 6.

Does CELPIP convert directly to CLB?

Yes. CELPIP-General levels map one to one with CLB, so a CELPIP 9 in speaking is CLB 9 in speaking. It is the simplest of the accepted tests to interpret.

How long are language test results valid?

Two years from the test date. They must still be valid when you submit your application, not merely when you register your expression of interest.

Which TEF score should I enter?

Use the "Équivalence ancien score" column on your statement of results, not the score out of 699. Entering the wrong column produces a wildly incorrect level and is a known source of application errors.

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