During your Canadian immigration application process, you will come across this term: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). While it may sound intimidating there is no need to panic because it’s simply the charts used by Canadian authorities to determine your language proficiency for immigration purposes.

One of the biggest requirements is to be able to efficiently communicate in either English or French, Canada’s two official languages. The CLB shows whether your language abilities, according to language test results, meet the language requirements of an immigration program. Curious to learn more about how the CLB works? Keep reading!

What is a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)?

A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is a language test equivalency chart that is used for permanent resident applications. The CLB system converts scores from the four federal language tests (listed below) into the same equivalencies, so they can be compared to each other.

Each Canadian immigration program has specific language requirements that you should meet to qualify for the program. For example, those applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) must have a CLB score of 7 or higher in all four language abilities (listening, speaking, writing, and reading).

So, after taking a designated language test (IELTS) you can easily convert your test results by using the CLB chart designed for the particular testing organization and determine your CLB scores.

The Canadian Language Benchmark Charts

You can determine the equivalencies between the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) and the results of language tests from the four designated testing organizations below:

Designated Testing Organizations

  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP);

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS);

  • Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF Canada); and

  • Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada).

Calculate your CLB levels

Discover your CLB levels for reading, writing, speaking, and listening with the easy-to-follow charts below. This will work best if you have your test results at hand to compare your test marks to the CLB equivalents. For example, if you scored 6.5 for reading on your IELTS test then your CLB level for reading is 8.

How Do the Canadian Language Benchmarks Work?

As of now, there are ten distinct CLB Tiers. Those with higher CLB levels will be given better rankings in visa point systems, and those with higher CLB levels will have an easier time passing language tests.

Keep in mind that various immigration programs have varying CLB linguistic qualification thresholds. In general, the National Occupational Classification (NOC) A and NOC 0 visa categories have the most stringent requirements for the minimal CLB score a candidate must have.

See the table below for real examples.

FAQs: Canadian Language Benchmarks

1. Where to take the Canadian Language Benchmark test?

The Canadian Language Benchmark system is not a test. Instead, it converts your test results from an approved testing organization for immigration purposes. You can book a language test at a testing center near you. Check this website to find your nearest IELTS testing center, one of the most popular English tests for Canadian immigration.

2. How much does IELTS cost?

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer since many IELTS test fees depend on the testing center and the country in which the test is being taken. The IELTS exam fees can range between USD $140 – $310

3. If you want to know your CLB score, how do you go about doing it?

To prepare for the IELTS, use this application to determine your cumulative CLB.