IELTS vs CELPIP vs PTE Core for Express Entry
- CELPIP General: easiest to read (level 9 = CLB 9), North American English, available in Canada and a few other countries.
- IELTS General Training: available almost everywhere; watch the 8.0 listening needed for CLB 9.
- PTE Core: fully computer-scored, fast results; integrated tasks reward test strategy.
Scores needed for CLB 7 and CLB 9
| Test | CLB 7 (L / R / W / S) | CLB 9 (L / R / W / S) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS General | 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 | 8.0 / 7.0 / 7.0 / 7.0 |
| CELPIP General | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 | 9 / 9 / 9 / 9 |
| PTE Core | 60 / 60 / 69 / 68 | 82 / 78 / 88 / 84 |
Convert any score with our CLB calculator, or use the test-specific charts: IELTS to CLB · CELPIP to CLB · PTE to CLB.
Why CLB 9 is the target
For a typical candidate (single, 29, master's, 3 years of foreign experience), going from CLB 8 to CLB 9 in all four abilities moves the CRS score from 387 to 469, an 82-point jump. No other single change is that big without a nomination. See the full language points table.
Format comparison
| IELTS General | CELPIP General | PTE Core | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Paper or computer | Computer | Computer |
| Speaking | Face-to-face with an examiner | Recorded into a microphone | Recorded, AI-scored |
| Duration | About 2 h 45 min | About 3 hours | About 2 hours |
| Accent | International | Canadian | International |
| Results | About 3–13 days | About 4–5 business days | Usually within 2 days |
Times are typical and vary by test centre. Check the test provider before booking.
Which test should you take?
- Strong listener, prefer talking to a person: IELTS.
- Living in Canada, comfortable with Canadian English: CELPIP.
- Need results fast, comfortable with computer tasks: PTE Core.
- Speak French? Take TEF Canada or TCF Canada too: up to 50 extra points. See why.
FAQ
Which English test is easiest for CLB 9?
It depends on your strengths. CELPIP maps level-for-level to CLB and is fully computer-based in North American English. IELTS needs 8.0 in listening for CLB 9, which many find the hardest band. PTE Core is fully computer-scored.
Is IELTS Academic accepted for Express Entry?
No. Only IELTS General Training, CELPIP General and PTE Core are accepted for English. TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted for French.
How long are language test results valid?
Two years from the test date. They must be valid on the day you submit your application for permanent residence.