Home > Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Guide
Several immigration programs in Canada mandate applicants to showcase a specific level of proficiency in either English, French, or both. To gauge language skills, immigration authorities in Canada typically ask for results from an authorized language test.
Do I Need Language Test Results?
With a few notable exceptions, such as spousal sponsorship and temporary immigration programs like International Experience Canada (IEC), most Canadian economic immigration programs demand evidence of language proficiency through an authorized language test, in either English or French.
Even if English or French are your first language and your proficiency is impeccable, an official test is still a requisite in most cases. There are exceptions to this rule, such as for citizenship applications and for some Quebec immigration Programs.
Proficiency in both French and English is never mandatory. When there is a minimum language ability requirement, it is only in either French or English. However, there are some immigration programs that value being proficient in both languages, by increasing the chances of being accepted for immigration to Canada. This is case for programs under the Express Entry system or some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
The type of test you’ll need to take and the scores you’ll need to achieve vary depending on the specific immigration program you are applying for. You will need to attain a specified score or level in each of the four sections of your approved language test, depending on the program's criteria. These sections assess your listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities in either English or French. The scores obtained in each section are then utilized to determine your eligibility for the Canadian immigration program under which you are applying.
depend on your immigration program.
Even if English or French are your first language and your proficiency is impeccable, an official test is still a requisite in most cases. There are exceptions to this rule, such as for citizenship applications and for some Quebec immigration Programs.
Proficiency in both French and English is never mandatory. When there is a minimum language ability requirement, it is only in either French or English. However, there are some immigration programs that value being proficient in both languages, by increasing the chances of being accepted for immigration to Canada. This is case for programs under the Express Entry system or some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
The type of test you’ll need to take and the scores you’ll need to achieve vary depending on the specific immigration program you are applying for. You will need to attain a specified score or level in each of the four sections of your approved language test, depending on the program's criteria. These sections assess your listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities in either English or French. The scores obtained in each section are then utilized to determine your eligibility for the Canadian immigration program under which you are applying.
depend on your immigration program.
Approved Language Tests for Immigration to Canada and Citizenship (IRCC)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Canadian federal immigration department, is responsible for approving which language tests will be accepted for each temporary or permanent immigration program that require minimum language requirements (and/or increase chances of being invited to apply), such as programs under Express Entry, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), the Student Direct Stream (SDS), etc.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) follow IRCC and accept the same approved language tests. Quebec is the only exception as they have their own list of accepted tests.
Permanent residence immigration programs:
For permanent residence programs, there are three approved English tests and two for French - Depending on the test and location, fees range between $300-$400 and results are usually available between 2 to 4 weeks:
Canadian citizenship:
For a citizenship application, there are three approved English tests and three for French:
Temporary residence programs:
For temporary residence programs, there is no specific list of accepted language tests. There is usually no set requirement to provide a language test result, however, applicants should check the processing office's document checklist to see if language tests are required. When unsure, it is recommended to include language test results, insufficient proof of language proficiency often leads to the refusal of study or work permits applications.
The only exception is for Student Direct Stream (SDS), where IRCC requires language test results from specific providers. You can find out more about it in the stream's page.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) follow IRCC and accept the same approved language tests. Quebec is the only exception as they have their own list of accepted tests.
Permanent residence immigration programs:
For permanent residence programs, there are three approved English tests and two for French - Depending on the test and location, fees range between $300-$400 and results are usually available between 2 to 4 weeks:
- IRCC-approved English tests:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): you must take the "General Training" option and not the "Academic Training"
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): you must take the "General Test" option and not the "General LS Test" (there are less test locations than IELTS and PTE but it is available in more than 20 countries)
- PTE Core (Pearson Test of English Core) : you must take the PTE Core option
- IRCC-approved French tests:
- TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation du français pour le Canada)
- TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada)
Canadian citizenship:
For a citizenship application, there are three approved English tests and three for French:
- IRCC-approved English tests:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): you must take the "General Training" option
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): you can take either the "General Test" (CELPIP-G)" or the "General LS (Listening and Speaking) Test"
- PTE Core (Pearson Test of English Core) : you must take the PTE Core option
- IRCC-approved French tests:
- TEFAQ (Test d’évaluation du français adapté pour le Québec)
- TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation du français pour le Canada)
- TEF Naturalisation (Test d’Évaluation de Français pour la naturalisation)
- TCF Québec (Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec)
- TCF (Test de connaissance du français)
- DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française)
- DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française)
Temporary residence programs:
For temporary residence programs, there is no specific list of accepted language tests. There is usually no set requirement to provide a language test result, however, applicants should check the processing office's document checklist to see if language tests are required. When unsure, it is recommended to include language test results, insufficient proof of language proficiency often leads to the refusal of study or work permits applications.
The only exception is for Student Direct Stream (SDS), where IRCC requires language test results from specific providers. You can find out more about it in the stream's page.
Approved Language Tests for Immigration to Quebec (MIFI)
Quebec Immigration Programs operate differently from IRCC and accept different French and English tests. Depending on the immigration stream, Quebec might also accept proof of French proficiency other than language test results, such as secondary school diplomas.
Permanent residence programs:
For permanent residence programs, there are eight approved French tests and only one for English - Depending on the test and location, fees range between $300-$400 and results are usually available between 2 to 4 weeks:
Temporary residence programs:
For the Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ), there is no requirement to submit proof of language proficiency and no specific list of accepted language tests. However, it is recommended to include one in your application.
Permanent residence programs:
For permanent residence programs, there are eight approved French tests and only one for English - Depending on the test and location, fees range between $300-$400 and results are usually available between 2 to 4 weeks:
- Quebec's French approved tests:
- From France Éducation international:
- TCF Québec (Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec)
- TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada)
- TCF (Test de connaissance du français)
- DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française)
- DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française)
- From Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris Île-de-France (CCIP-IDF):
- TEFAQ (Test d’évaluation du français adapté pour le Québec)
- TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation du français pour le Canada)
- TEF (Test d’évaluation du français)
- From France Éducation international:
- Quebec's English approved test:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): it is preferable to take the "General Training" option and not the "Academic Training".
Temporary residence programs:
For the Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ), there is no requirement to submit proof of language proficiency and no specific list of accepted language tests. However, it is recommended to include one in your application.
Language Test Results Validity
Your test results must be less than two years old from the date of the test to when you submit an application for temporary or permanent residence. This rule is valid for federal, provincial, as well as for Quebec immigration programs.
The only exception is for a citizenship application. If the test was used in the past for immigration or citizenship purposes, it can still be used for a citizenship application even if expired.
The only exception is for a citizenship application. If the test was used in the past for immigration or citizenship purposes, it can still be used for a citizenship application even if expired.
Language Test Results Conversion to CLB or EQNCF Score
Canada except Quebec - Converting Test Results to the Canadian Level Benchmark (CLB):
For each test, there is a conversion table from the test mark per ability (speaking, reading, listening, writing) to the Canadian Level Benchmark (CLB). The CLB is the norm for assessing language ability by IRCC and provincial immigration departments. Click on each test below to see the conversion table:
For each test, there is a conversion table from the test mark per ability (speaking, reading, listening, writing) to the Canadian Level Benchmark (CLB). The CLB is the norm for assessing language ability by IRCC and provincial immigration departments. Click on each test below to see the conversion table:
IELTS General Training
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) | IELTS Test Results | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | |
CLB10 and above | 7.5 - 9.0 | 8.5 - 9.0 | 8.0 - 9.0 | 7.5 - 9.0 |
CLB9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
CLB8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
CLB7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
CLB6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
CLB5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
CLB4 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
CELPIP General Test
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) | CELPIP Test Results | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | |
CLB10 and above | 10+ | 10+ | 10+ | 10+ |
CLB9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
CLB8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
CLB7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
CLB6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
CLB5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
CLB4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
PTE Core
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) | PTE Core Test Results | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | |
CLB10 and above | 88-90 | 90 | 89-90 | 89-90 |
CLB9 | 78-87 | 88-89 | 82-88 | 84-88 |
CLB8 | 69-77 | 79-87 | 71-81 | 76-83 |
CLB7 | 60-68 | 69-78 | 60-70 | 68-75 |
CLB6 | 51-59 | 60-68 | 50-59 | 59-67 |
CLB5 | 42-50 | 51-59 | 39-49 | 51-58 |
CLB4 | 33-41 | 41-50 | 28-38 | 42-50 |
CLB3 | 24-32 | 32-40 | 18-27 | 34-41 |
TEF Canada
For tests taken after December 10, 2023:
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) | TEF Canada Test Results | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension orale) | Reading (comprehension écrite) | Writing (expression écrite) | |
CLB10 and above | 556+ | 546+ | 546+ | 558+ |
CLB9 | 518 - 555 | 503 - 545 | 503 - 545 | 512 - 557 |
CLB8 | 494 - 517 | 462 - 502 | 462 - 502 | 472 - 511 |
CLB7 | 456 - 493 | 434 - 461 | 434 - 461 | 428 - 471 |
CLB6 | 422 - 455 | 393 - 433 | 393 - 433 | 379 - 427 |
CLB5 | 387 - 421 | 352 - 392 | 352 - 392 | 330 - 378 |
CLB4 | 328 - 386 | 306 - 351 | 306 - 351 | 268 - 329 |
For tests taken between October 1, 2019 and December 10, 2023:
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) | TEF Canada Test Results | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension orale) | Reading (comprehension écrite) | Writing (expression écrite) | |
CLB10 and above | 566 - 699 | 566 - 699 | 566 - 699 | 566 - 699 |
CLB9 | 533 - 565 | 533 - 565 | 533 - 565 | 533 - 565 |
CLB8 | 500 - 532 | 500 - 532 | 500 - 532 | 500 - 532 |
CLB7 | 450 - 499 | 450 - 499 | 450 - 499 | 450 - 499 |
CLB6 | 400 - 449 | 400 - 449 | 400 - 449 | 400 - 449 |
CLB5 | 350 - 399 | 350 - 399 | 350 - 399 | 350 - 399 |
CLB4 | 300 - 349 | 300 - 349 | 300 - 349 | 300 - 349 |
TCF Canada
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) | TCF Canada Test Results | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension orale) | Reading (comprehension écrite) | Writing (expression écrite) | |
CLB10 and above | 16 - 20 | 549 - 699 | 549 - 699 | 16 - 20 |
CLB9 | 14 - 15 | 523 - 548 | 524 - 548 | 14 - 15 |
CLB8 | 12 - 13 | 503 - 522 | 499 - 523 | 12 - 13 |
CLB7 | 10 - 11 | 458 - 502 | 453 - 498 | 10 - 11 |
CLB6 | 7 - 9 | 398 - 457 | 406 - 452 | 7 - 9 |
CLB5 | 6 | 369 - 397 | 375 - 405 | 6 |
CLB4 | 4 - 5 | 331 - 368 | 342 - 374 | 4 - 5 |
Your results, when converted to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), can be used, for example to calculate your CRS score under the Express Entry system, determine your eligibility under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), the Start-up Visa Program, some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), etc.
Quebec - Converting Test Results to the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétences en français (EQNCF)
For each French language test, there is a conversion table from the test mark per ability (speaking, reading, listening, writing) to the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétences en français (EQNCF). The EQNCF is the norm for assessing language ability by Quebec's immigration department. Click on each test below to see the conversion table:
For each French language test, there is a conversion table from the test mark per ability (speaking, reading, listening, writing) to the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétences en français (EQNCF). The EQNCF is the norm for assessing language ability by Quebec's immigration department. Click on each test below to see the conversion table:
TEF, TEF Canada or TEFAQ
Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétences en français (EQNCF) | Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) | TEF, TEF Canada or TEFAQ Test Results | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension orale) | Reading (comprehension écrite) | Writing (expression écrite) | ||
EQNCF11 or EQNCF12 | C2 | 600 - 699 | 600 - 699 | 600 - 699 | 600 - 699 |
EQNCF9 or EQNCF10 | C1 | 500 - 599 | 500 - 599 | 500 - 599 | 500 - 599 |
EQNCF7 or EQNCF8 | B2 | 400 - 499 | 400 - 499 | 400 - 499 | 400 - 499 |
EQNCF5 or EQNCF6 | B1 | 300 - 399 | 300 - 399 | 300 - 399 | 300 - 399 |
EQNCF4 | A2 | 260 - 299 | 260 - 299 | 260 - 299 | 260 - 299 |
EQNCF3 | A2 | 200 - 259 | 200 - 259 | 200 - 259 | 200 - 259 |
EQNCF1 or EQNCF2 | A1 | 100 - 199 | 100 - 199 | 100 - 199 | 100 - 199 |
TCF, TCF Canada or TCF Québec
Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétences en français (EQNCF) | Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) | TCF, TCF Canada or TCF Québec Test Results | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension orale) | Reading (comprehension écrite) | Writing (expression écrite) | ||
EQNCF11 or EQNCF12 | C2 | 18 - 20 | 600 - 699 | 600 - 699 | 18 - 20 |
EQNCF9 or EQNCF10 | C1 | 14 - 17 | 500 - 599 | 500 - 599 | 14 - 17 |
EQNCF7 or EQNCF8 | B2 | 10 - 13 | 400 - 499 | 400 - 499 | 10 - 13 |
EQNCF5 or EQNCF6 | B1 | 6 - 9 | 300 - 399 | 300 - 399 | 6 - 9 |
EQNCF4 | A2 | 3 - 5 | 260 - 299 | 260 - 299 | 3 - 5 |
EQNCF3 | A2 | 2 | 200 - 259 | 200 - 259 | 2 |
EQNCF1 or EQNCF2 | A1 | 1 | 100 - 199 | 100 - 199 | 1 |
DELF or DALF
Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétences en français (EQNCF) | Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) | DELF or DALF Diploma Results | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension orale) | Reading (comprehension écrite) | Writing (expression écrite) | ||
EQNCF11 or EQNCF12 | C2 | DALF C2 (at least 32/50) |
DALF C2 (at least 32/50) |
DALF C2 (at least 32/50) |
DALF C2 (at least 32/50) |
EQNCF9 or EQNCF10 | C1 | DALF C1 (at least 16/25) |
DALF C1 (at least 16/25) |
DALF C1 (at least 16/25) |
DALF C1 (at least 16/25) |
EQNCF7 or EQNCF8 | B2 | DELF B2 (at least 16/25) |
DELF B2 (at least 16/25) |
DELF B2 (at least 16/25) |
DELF B2 (at least 16/25) |
EQNCF5 or EQNCF6 | B1 | DELF B1 (at least 16/25) |
DELF B1 (at least 16/25) |
DELF B1 (at least 16/25) |
DELF B1 (at least 16/25) |
EQNCF3 or EQNCF4 | A2 | DELF A2 (at least 16/25) |
DELF A2 (at least 16/25) |
DELF A2 (at least 16/25) |
DELF A2 (at least 16/25) |
EQNCF1 or EQNCF2 | A1 | DELF A1 (at least 16/25) |
DELF A1 (at least 16/25) |
DELF A1 (at least 16/25) |
DELF A1 (at least 16/25) |
Depending on the Quebec immigration stream, DELF and DALF results below the minimum for a level can still grant one lower level. For example, the minimum DALF C2 result required is 32 over 50 - For a result between 16 to 31 over 50 under the DALF C2 test, a C1 level can be granted (EQNCF9 or EQNCF10).
For EQNCF4, there are multiple acceptable options:
For EQNCF4, there are multiple acceptable options:
- DELF A2: at least 16/25
- DELF B1: at least 12.5/25
- DELF B2: at least 12.5/25
- DALF C1: at least 12.5/25
- DALF C2: at least 25/50
- DELF B2: at least 16/25
- DALF C1: at least 8/25
- DALF C2: at least 16/50
Your results, when converted to the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétences en français (EQNCF), can be used, for example to calculate your expression of interest score under the Regular Skilled Worker Program, or determine your eligibility under the Quebec Experience Program.
For the IELTS test, Quebec uses is IRCC's Canadian language Benchmark (CLB). For the conversion, the table above in the converting to CLB section can be used.
For the IELTS test, Quebec uses is IRCC's Canadian language Benchmark (CLB). For the conversion, the table above in the converting to CLB section can be used.
Language Tests Practice - Free resources
There are lots of books and study sessions available in your country to prepare for the tests. However, they are not free.
For free material, you could check the following resources:
For free material, you could check the following resources:
- For IELTS:
- Sample test questions from the IELTS website.
- When you register for an IELTS test, you will be provided with two free mock tests.
- For CELPIP: here.
- For PTE Core: here.
- For TEF:
- With the Français 3.0 app, you have a few free mock exam questions.
- Some tutorials here.
- For TCF: here and here.
- For DELF/DALF: here.