CRS Points for Language: Your IELTS, CELPIP or PTE Score
Language is the factor you can improve fastest, and it's worth up to 160 core points plus up to 100 skill transferability points. Your IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF or TCF scores convert to CLB/NCLC levels, and each ability is scored separately. Convert your scores → · IELTS score needed for each CLB level →
Points per ability (first official language)
| CLB level | IELTS General (L / R / W / S) | Single | With spouse | All four (single) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 4–5 | 4.5–5.0 / 3.5–4.0 / 4.0–5.0 / 4.0–5.0 | 6 | 6 | 24 |
| CLB 6 | 5.5 / 5.0 / 5.5 / 5.5 | 9 | 8 | 36 |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 | 17 | 16 | 68 |
| CLB 8 | 7.5 / 6.5 / 6.5 / 6.5 | 23 | 22 | 92 |
| CLB 9 | 8.0 / 7.0 / 7.0 / 7.0 | 31 | 29 | 124 |
| CLB 10+ | 8.5 / 8.0 / 7.5 / 7.5 | 34 | 32 | 136 |
Other tests: CELPIP (level = CLB) · PTE Core · TEF Canada · TCF Canada
Data · First-language points, all 4 skills (single)
Two one-level jumps are worth +32 points: CLB 6→7 and CLB 8→9
- CLB 424
- CLB 524
- CLB 636
- CLB 768
- CLB 892
- CLB 9124
- CLB 10+136
What a better score is really worth
Single, 29, master's degree, 3 years of foreign experience, changing only language (all four abilities at the same level):
| Language level | Total CRS score |
|---|---|
| CLB 7 | 363 |
| CLB 8 | 387 |
| CLB 9 | 469 |
| CLB 10 | 481 |
Going from CLB 8 to CLB 9 adds 82 points: 32 core points and 50 skill transferability points. Going from CLB 9 to CLB 10 adds only 12. That's why CLB 9 in all four abilities is the target most people should aim for.
Watch out for your weakest band
Skill transferability uses your lowest ability. IELTS 7.0 in every band is CLB 9 in reading, writing and speaking, but only CLB 8 in listening (CLB 9 needs 8.0). That one band keeps you out of the top transferability group.
Second official language and French
- Second language: 1 point per ability at CLB 5–6, 3 at CLB 7–8, 6 at CLB 9+ (max 24 single, 22 with spouse).
- French at NCLC 7+ in all four abilities adds 25–50 additional points. See CRS points for French.
FAQ
What is the CRS score for IELTS 7 in each band?
IELTS General 7.0 in every band is CLB 9 in reading, writing and speaking but only CLB 8 in listening (CLB 9 needs 8.0). That earns 116 first-language points if single, plus skill transferability points at the CLB 7–8 level.
How many CRS points is CLB 9?
31 points per ability if single (124 for all four), or 29 per ability with a spouse (116). CLB 9 in all four abilities also doubles most skill transferability points.
Does a second language add CRS points?
Yes. A second official language adds up to 24 points (single), and French at NCLC 7 or higher adds up to 50 additional points.
Source: IRCC, CRS criteria and language equivalency charts. More factors: age · education · work experience · spouse · French · full CRS score chart