CELPIP to IELTS converter
Choose your CELPIP level in each skill to see the CLB level and the IELTS General Training band IRCC treats as the same, or switch to convert an IELTS score to CELPIP.
Listening: CELPIP 9 = CLB 9 = IELTS 8.0
Reading: CELPIP 9 = CLB 9 = IELTS 7.0
Writing: CELPIP 9 = CLB 9 = IELTS 7.0
Speaking: CELPIP 9 = CLB 9 = IELTS 7.0
Based on IRCC’s CLB equivalence for IELTS General Training. CELPIP 10, 11 and 12 all count as CLB 10+, and the IELTS score shown is the minimum band for that CLB level.
What Are CELPIP and IELTS?
CELPIP
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
A fully computer-based English test created by Paragon Testing Enterprises at the University of British Columbia. Available in two versions: CELPIP General (all four skills) for permanent residency, and CELPIP General LS (Listening/Speaking only) for citizenship.
IELTS
International English Language Testing System
A globally recognized English test managed by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English since 1989. Two versions: Academic (university) and General Training (immigration/employment). Only General Training is accepted for Canadian immigration.
Important: Both tests assess the same four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) and both convert to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, which IRCC uses for all immigration programs.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CELPIP | IELTS General Training |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 100% computer-based | Paper or computer-based |
| Duration | ~3 hours (single sitting) | 2h 45min + separate speaking |
| Speaking | Private computer recording | Face-to-face examiner interview |
| Writing Tasks | Email + survey response | Letter + essay (250+ words) |
| Listening Accents | Canadian English only | British, Australian, American, others |
| Question Types | ~3 types (mostly multiple choice) | 10+ types (fill-in, matching, short answer) |
| Score Scale | 1-12 (maps directly to CLB) | 0-9 bands (with half-bands) |
| Results Timeline | 3-4 business days | 3-5 days (computer) or 13 days (paper) |
| Cost (Canada) | CA$299 + tax | CA$335-$361 + tax |
| Retake Wait | One test per 5 calendar days | No mandatory waiting period |
| IRCC Accepted | Yes | General Training only |
| Australian Visa | DHA accepted | Accepted |
| Test Centers (Canada) | 60+ | 100+ |
| Global Availability | Canada, Australia, India, Philippines, UAE | 140+ countries |
Section-by-Section Breakdown
Here is how each skill section compares between CELPIP and IELTS.
Listening
Canadian English audio with everyday conversations, news, workplace discussions, viewpoints. Questions appear after audio plays.
Mixed accents (British, Australian, American). Questions visible before and during audio playback.
Reading
Canadian-focused materials (emails, news, workplace memos, diagrams). All multiple choice, no spelling penalties.
Diverse sources (books, magazines, newspapers, notices). Multiple question formats including fill-in-the-blank and matching.
Writing
Task 1: Email (150-200 words). Task 2: Survey response (150-200 words). Real Canadian scenarios.
Task 1: Letter (150+ words). Task 2: Essay (250+ words). More academic in style.
Speaking
Computer-recorded responses covering advice, scene descriptions, predictions, comparisons, opinions. No human interaction.
Face-to-face with examiner. Introduction/interview, long turn on topic card, then discussion with follow-ups.
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Start Practicing Free →CELPIP to IELTS Score Conversion Chart
CELPIP and IELTS don’t convert to each other directly. Both convert to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), using IRCC’s official charts. CELPIP scores map one to one (CELPIP 9 = CLB 9), while IELTS uses different bands for each skill — notably, IELTS Listening needs 8.0 for CLB 9 while the other skills need 7.0. Find your CELPIP score in the first column to read across to the IELTS bands it equals.
| CLB | CELPIP | IELTS (by skill) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | ||
| CLB 10+ | 10-12 | 8.0+ | 7.5+ | 8.5+ | 7.5+ |
| CLB 9 | 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 8 | 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 7 | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 6 | 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| CLB 5 | 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| CLB 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
CELPIP 10-12 = CLB 10+ = IELTS 8.5+ listening, 8.0+ reading, 7.5+ writing and 7.5+ speaking.
CELPIP 9 = CLB 9 = IELTS 8.0 listening, 7.0 reading, 7.0 writing and 7.0 speaking.
CELPIP 8 = CLB 8 = IELTS 7.5 listening, 6.5 reading, 6.5 writing and 6.5 speaking.
CELPIP 7 = CLB 7 = IELTS 6.0 listening, 6.0 reading, 6.0 writing and 6.0 speaking.
CELPIP 6 = CLB 6 = IELTS 5.5 listening, 5.0 reading, 5.5 writing and 5.5 speaking.
CELPIP 5 = CLB 5 = IELTS 5.0 listening, 4.0 reading, 5.0 writing and 5.0 speaking.
CELPIP 4 = CLB 4 = IELTS 4.5 listening, 3.5 reading, 4.0 writing and 4.0 speaking.
Express Entry CRS Points Impact
Language proficiency is the largest single CRS factor. Points are based on CLB level, not which test you took — so CELPIP and IELTS earn the same points at the same CLB level.
| CLB Level | Per Skill (with spouse) | Per Skill (without spouse) |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 4-5 | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 6 | 8 | 9 |
| CLB 7 | 16 | 17 |
| CLB 8 | 22 | 23 |
| CLB 9 | 29 | 31 |
| CLB 10+ | 32 | 34 |
Example: Improving from CLB 7 to CLB 9 in all four skills increases your CRS by 56 points (without spouse) — potentially the difference between receiving an ITA or not.
Cost Comparison (Canada)
CELPIP
IELTS
CELPIP fees from celpip.ca and IELTS fees from IDP Canada, checked October 2026. Tax depends on your province, and IELTS fees also vary by test center.
Which Test Is Easier?
Neither is officially easier — both measure the same proficiency standards. However, your background and preferences can make one feel more comfortable than the other.
CELPIP may feel easier if you:
IELTS may feel easier if you:
8 Reasons to Choose CELPIP
Single-Sitting Completion
All four sections completed in one 3-hour session. No separate speaking appointment to schedule.
Private Speaking Test
Record on a computer in a private setting. No face-to-face examiner pressure.
Direct CLB Mapping
CELPIP 9 = CLB 9. No conversion math needed — the number is the same.
Faster Results
3-4 business days versus up to 13 days for paper-based IELTS.
Canadian English Only
No accent variety confusion. Exclusively Canadian pronunciation and vocabulary throughout.
Canadian Content
Scenarios reflect actual Canadian workplace, community, and civic situations.
Fewer Question Types
About 3 question formats versus 10+ for IELTS. Less test-strategy memorization required.
No Spelling Penalties
Listening and Reading sections are entirely multiple choice. Spelling accuracy is irrelevant.
When to Choose IELTS Instead
IELTS may be the better choice in specific situations:
Ready to start preparing for CELPIP?
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Start Practicing Free →How to Prepare for CELPIP
Follow this 4-step study plan to reach your target CLB level efficiently.
Take a Full Mock Exam
Establish your baseline CLB level across all four skills. Identify which areas need the most work.
Focus on Your Weakest Skills
Prioritize Speaking and Writing — they offer the highest improvement potential and benefit most from targeted practice.
Use AI Feedback Daily
Submit Writing and Speaking responses for instant scoring. Get detailed feedback on exactly what to fix at every CLB level.
Simulate Test Day
Complete 2-3 full mock exams under real conditions — no breaks, strict timing. Build stamina and comfort with the format.
Timeline: 4 to 8 weeks of focused daily practice is typically enough to improve by 1-2 CLB levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Start My Free Practice →This comparison is for informational purposes only. Test formats, fees, and acceptance criteria are subject to change. Verify current details on the official CELPIP and IELTS websites. PrepCelpeep is not affiliated with, endorsed, sponsored, or approved by Paragon Testing Enterprises, the British Council, IDP, or Cambridge Assessment English.