Canadian Language Benchmark
CLB 10 equivalent: the scores you need on every test
Highly advanced: the top of the CRS language table. Here is the score that equals CLB 10 (NCLC 10 in French) on each test IRCC accepts, and what the level is worth for Express Entry.
Updated
- IRCC charts as of June 22, 2026
- 34 CRS points per ability
What is CLB 10 in IELTS?
CLB 10 on IELTS General Training is at least 7.5 in speaking, 8.5 in listening, 8.0 in reading and 7.5 in writing. On CELPIP-General it is 10 or higher in each ability. For the CRS, CLB 10 in your first official language is worth 34 points per ability for a single applicant (136 for all four) or 32 per ability with a partner.
- IELTS listening
- 8.5
- CELPIP
- 10 to 12
- CRS, single
- 34 per ability
- CRS, with partner
- 32 per ability
CLB 10 scores on IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, TEF and TCF
Scores in each ability that place you at CLB 10 or above. A higher score moves you to the next level.
| Test | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS General Training | 7.5 to 9.0 | 8.5 to 9.0 | 8.0 to 9.0 | 7.5 to 9.0 |
| CELPIP-General | 10 to 12 | 10 to 12 | 10 to 12 | 10 to 12 |
| PTE Core | 89 to 90 | 89 to 90 | 88 to 90 | 90 to 90 |
| TEF Canada | 393 to 450 | 316 to 360 | 263 to 300 | 393 to 450 |
| TCF Canada | 16 to 20 | 549 to 699 | 549 to 699 | 16 to 20 |
What CLB 10 qualifies you for
- The maximum first-language points: 34 per ability single, 32 with a partner
- Three more points per ability than CLB 9
CRS points for CLB 10
| Who | Per ability | All four abilities |
|---|---|---|
| First official language, single | 34 | 136 |
| First official language, with a partner | 32 | 128 |
| Second official language | 6 | 24 |
| Your spouse or partner’s test | 5 | 20 |
Skill transferability uses your lowest ability: CLB 7 in all four earns the lower band, CLB 9 in all four the top band. See every CRS table.
Compare other CLB levels
CLB 4
IELTS listening 4.5. 6 CRS points per ability. CLB 4 scores
CLB 5
IELTS listening 5.0. 6 CRS points per ability. CLB 5 scores
CLB 6
IELTS listening 5.5. 9 CRS points per ability. CLB 6 scores
CLB 7
IELTS listening 6.0 to 7.0. 17 CRS points per ability. CLB 7 scores
CLB 8
IELTS listening 7.5. 23 CRS points per ability. CLB 8 scores
CLB 9
IELTS listening 8.0. 31 CRS points per ability. CLB 9 scores
Where this information comes from
CRS points come from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Comprehensive Ranking System criteria, as modified on June 22, 2026.
Language test conversions come from IRCC, Express Entry: language test results, as modified on June 22, 2026.
CVMaple is not affiliated with IRCC. This calculator gives an estimate; your official score is the one in your Express Entry profile. Rules change, so check the IRCC pages before you rely on a number.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS band is CLB 10?
On IELTS General Training: 7.5 to 9.0 speaking, 8.5 to 9.0 listening, 8.0 to 9.0 reading and 7.5 to 9.0 writing.
What CELPIP score is CLB 10?
CELPIP-General 10, 11 or 12 in each ability.
What PTE Core score is CLB 10?
Speaking 89 to 90, listening 89 to 90, reading 88 to 90 and writing 90 to 90.
What is NCLC 10 on TEF Canada?
Speaking 393 to 450, listening 316 to 360, reading 263 to 300 and writing 393 to 450, using the “Équivalence ancien score”.
What is NCLC 10 on TCF Canada?
Speaking 16 to 20, listening 549 to 699, reading 549 to 699 and writing 16 to 20.
How many CRS points is CLB 10?
34 points per ability for a single applicant (136 for all four), or 32 per ability with a partner (128), in your first official language.
Have CLB 10? See your full CRS score.
The CRS calculator turns your test scores, age, education and work into your Express Entry score, and shows what would raise it.
Language levels and Express Entry
- CLB Calculator: Convert IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF and TCF scores to CLB and NCLC levels.
- CRS Calculator 2026: Your Express Entry score from real test scores, and the changes that would raise it. Free.
- CRS Score Chart: Every Express Entry points table: age, education, language, work and extra points.
- How to Improve Your CRS Score: Language, French, work, ECAs and nominations, each priced in real CRS points.