IELTS vs CELPIP vs PTE Core for Express Entry
The three English tests IRCC accepts, with the official score needed for each CLB level.
Last reviewed 2026-11-07 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
IRCC accepts three English tests for Express Entry: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core (not IELTS Academic, IELTS One Skill Retake or PTE Academic). All three convert to the same Canadian Language Benchmarks, so CLB 9 earns the same points whichever you take. CLB 9 means IELTS 7.0 in speaking, reading and writing and 8.0 in listening, CELPIP 9 in every skill, or PTE Core 84 speaking, 82 listening, 78 reading and 88 writing. Results must be less than 2 years old.
Side by side
| IELTS General Training | CELPIP-General | PTE Core | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accepted for Express Entry | Yes (General Training only; not Academic or One Skill Retake) | Yes (General only) | Yes (Core only; not PTE Academic) |
| Score scale | Bands 0–9 per skill | Levels per skill that match CLB levels | Points per skill |
| CLB 7 (speaking / listening / reading / writing) | 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 | 68 / 60 / 60 / 69 |
| CLB 9 | 7.0 / 8.0 / 7.0 / 7.0 | 9 / 9 / 9 / 9 | 84 / 82 / 78 / 88 |
| CLB 10 | 7.5 / 8.5 / 8.0 / 7.5 | 10 / 10 / 10 / 10 | 89 / 89 / 88 / 90 |
| Validity for IRCC | Less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply | Same | Same |
This table describes each program's published rules. It doesn't say which one suits you — that depends on your full situation.
Full CLB equivalency tables
Minimum score in each skill for each CLB level, from IRCC's language test page. Ranges are shown for PTE Core as IRCC publishes them.
IELTS General Training
| CLB | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 7.5 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
CELPIP-General
The CELPIP level equals the CLB level in every skill (CELPIP 7 = CLB 7, and so on from 4 to 10+).
PTE Core
| CLB | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 89+ | 89+ | 88+ | 90+ |
| 9 | 84–88 | 82–88 | 78–87 | 88–89 |
| 8 | 76–83 | 71–81 | 69–77 | 79–87 |
| 7 | 68–75 | 60–70 | 60–68 | 69–78 |
| 6 | 59–67 | 50–59 | 51–59 | 60–68 |
| 5 | 51–58 | 39–49 | 42–50 | 51–59 |
| 4 | 42–50 | 28–38 | 33–41 | 41–50 |
Converting your own scores
Use the converters: IELTS to CLB, CELPIP to CLB, PTE Core to CLB, or the combined CLB calculator. For French, IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Test fees, formats and booking are set by each test provider, not IRCC, so check the provider directly.
Official sources
| What we checked | Official page |
|---|---|
| Accepted tests, 2-year validity, CLB tables | IRCC — Express Entry language test results (canada.ca) |
Sources last checked 2026-11-07. Rules and fees change; the official page always wins.
Frequently asked questions
Does IRCC accept IELTS Academic for Express Entry?+
No. IRCC requires the IELTS General Training option, and doesn't accept IELTS One Skill Retake.
Is PTE Academic accepted for Canadian PR?+
No. IRCC accepts PTE Core for Express Entry, not PTE Academic.
Is CLB 9 easier to reach in one test than another?+
IRCC sets an equivalent score for each test, and the points are identical once converted. Which test feels easier is personal; the official tables are on this page.
How long are language test results valid for Express Entry?+
They must be less than 2 years old both when you create your profile and when you submit your PR application. IRCC refuses applications with expired results.
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