CELPIP · Learn · 2 November 2026 · 5 min read

How CELPIP levels 0 to 12 match Canadian Language Benchmark levels, with the CEFR column, Australian visa bands, score validity and no raw score chart.

CELPIP reports each skill as a CELPIP level from 0 to 12, and for levels 3 to 12 the CELPIP level is the same number as the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level. So a CELPIP 7 in Reading is CLB 7 in Reading. Below that, CELPIP level 2 matches CLB 1 to 2, and levels 1 and 0 mean there was not enough information to assess. This one-to-one match makes CELPIP results easy to read against any requirement written as a CLB level.

This guide sets out the official chart, explains what it means for your application and shows how to use practice tests when there is no published raw-score conversion.

The official chart

The CEFR column is the one shown on CELPIP's own chart. It is useful if you are comparing CELPIP with a test that reports CEFR levels.

Reading the chart for your application

Each skill is separate

You get a level for each skill: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking (or Listening and Speaking only on CELPIP-General LS). Each level stands on its own: a high Listening level does not raise a lower Speaking level. Check whether the program you are applying to asks for a level in every skill, and whether it is the same level for each.

The number carries straight across

Because levels 3 to 12 match CLB one to one, you do not need a conversion table. If a requirement says CLB 7 in each skill, you need CELPIP 7 or higher in each skill.

Level 2 is different

CELPIP level 2 covers CLB 1 to 2 together, and levels 1 and 0 do not give a CLB level at all. That is why the chart does not continue one to one all the way down.

The Australian visa bands

The same CELPIP chart shows what Australia's Department of Home Affairs accepts for its English bands:

Each figure is the minimum CELPIP level for that skill. Note that the Superior and Proficient bands ask for a higher level in Writing than in the other skills.

How long scores last

CELPIP scores are valid for two years from the date on the score report. If you are planning an application several months ahead, check that your result will still be valid when you submit.

Why there is no raw score chart

CELPIP does not publish how many correct answers in Listening or Reading lead to each level. Listening and Reading also contain unscored items that cannot be identified. For both reasons, nobody outside CELPIP can turn a number correct into an exact CELPIP level, and you should be careful of any site that claims to.

That is why our practice tests give you a number correct out of 38, not a level. Use it as a guide to progress:

1. Take a baseline. Do our Listening practice test 1 and Reading practice test 7 once, under timed conditions.
2. Track by part. Note which parts cost you most marks. A low score in one part is easier to fix than a general weakness.
3. Retest after focused work. A rising number correct, especially in your weakest part, is the clearest sign you are improving.
4. Try the official sample. CELPIP offers a free online sample test on its website if you want a feel for the real thing.

How to use this

• Find your target. Look up the CLB level your program requires for each skill.
• Write it down as CELPIP levels. For levels 3 and above, it is the same number.
• Check validity dates. Two years from the score report.
• Practise every skill you need. CELPIP-General has four; CELPIP-General LS has two.

For the full test structure, read our guide to the CELPIP-General test format. All practice tests are on the CELPIP hub.

Key points

• CELPIP levels 3 to 12 = CLB levels 3 to 12.
• CELPIP 2 = CLB 1 to 2; 1 and 0 = insufficient information.
• Each skill is scored separately.
• Scores are valid for two years from the score report date.
• No official raw-score conversion is published.

Official source: celpip.ca "Test Format and Scoring" page (CELPIP to CLB chart), read on 1 November 2026.