CELPIP vs IELTS General Training
CELPIP®-General and IELTS General Training are accepted language tests for Express Entry. Compare results through IRCC's CLB tables for each skill, rather than treating an overall IELTS band as a direct CELPIP conversion.
Checked 2026-10-22 — IRCC language test results and CLB tables · Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP test-taker guide · Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP-General format · Checked 2026-10-21 — IRCC citizenship language proof
Try a free CELPIP writing taskCELPIP and IELTS: compare the application first
For Express Entry, compare CELPIP-General with IELTS General Training. For citizenship, follow IRCC's language-proof steps before booking: you may already hold usable evidence. CELPIP-General LS is designed for listening-and-speaking testing for citizenship.
Checked 2026-10-22 — IRCC language test results and CLB tables · Checked 2026-10-21 — IRCC citizenship language proof · Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP-General LS
CELPIP format, test length and computer delivery
CELPIP-General is computer-based, including recorded speaking, and takes about 2 hours 50 minutes in one sitting. It tests listening, reading, writing and speaking. Try an original writing task and a recorded speaking task to see how the delivery feels before booking.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP test-taker guide · Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP-General format
CELPIP to CLB: compare each skill separately
| CELPIP level | CLB |
|---|---|
| 12 | 12 |
| 11 | 11 |
| 10 | 10 |
| 9 | 9 |
| 8 | 8 |
| 7 | 7 |
| 6 | 6 |
| 5 | 5 |
| 4 | 4 |
Check listening, reading, writing and speaking individually. For Express Entry language points, IRCC groups CLB 10 and above together. A level in one skill does not replace a weaker result in another.
Open the CLB calculator to review your skill results and language points.
Checked 2026-10-22 — IRCC language test results and CLB tables
CELPIP 7, 8 or 9 to IELTS General Training
Start with the CLB for the CELPIP skill, then look up the IELTS General Training requirement for that same skill in IRCC's language test tables. Compare listening with listening and reading with reading; an overall IELTS band is insufficient for this comparison.
CELPIP 7 corresponds to CLB 7, CELPIP 8 to CLB 8 and CELPIP 9 to CLB 9. Use the IELTS row for the relevant CLB and check every skill column.
Checked 2026-10-22 — IRCC language test results and CLB tables
Calculate first-language points
124 first-language points for CLB 9 in all four abilities, without a spouse or common-law partner.
Use the IRCC scoring column applicable to your application. This is the core first-language component only, not total CRS or a transferability calculation. Practice estimates are not application evidence.
View the source table and calculate without JavaScript
| CLB | With spouse / partner | Without spouse / partner |
|---|---|---|
| Below 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 or 5 | 6 | 6 |
| 6 | 8 | 9 |
| 7 | 16 | 17 |
| 8 | 22 | 23 |
| 9 | 29 | 31 |
| 10 or more | 32 | 34 |
Find each ability in the chosen column and add the four points. Source: IRCC Comprehensive Ranking System criteria, page dated 16 October 2026, captured 22 October 2026.
Checked 2026-10-22 — IRCC CRS first-language points table · Checked 2026-10-22 — IRCC language test results and CLB tables
Related resources and task guides
Frequently asked questions
Which IELTS test is accepted for Express Entry?
IRCC lists IELTS General Training. It also lists CELPIP-General as an accepted English test for Express Entry.
Checked 2026-10-22 — IRCC language test results and CLB tables
Is CELPIP speaking recorded on a computer?
Yes. In CELPIP-General, you respond verbally to on-screen prompts and record your answers as part of the computer-based sitting.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP-General format · Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP Speaking Pro study pack
Is CELPIP or IELTS easier?
There is no universal answer. Compare the tasks, the delivery format and your own practice performance before choosing.
Is CELPIP-General LS the Express Entry version?
No. IRCC specifies CELPIP-General for Express Entry. General LS is the listening-and-speaking version used for citizenship.
Checked 2026-10-22 — IRCC language test results and CLB tables · Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP-General LS