Canadian Language Benchmark

CLB 4 equivalent: the scores you need on every test

Basic everyday ability: short routine conversations and simple texts. Here is the score that equals CLB 4 (NCLC 4 in French) on each test IRCC accepts, and what the level is worth for Express Entry.

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  • IRCC charts as of June 22, 2026
  • 6 CRS points per ability

What is CLB 4 in IELTS?

CLB 4 on IELTS General Training is at least 4.0 in speaking, 4.5 in listening, 3.5 in reading and 4.0 in writing. On CELPIP-General it is 4 in each ability. For the CRS, CLB 4 in your first official language is worth 6 points per ability for a single applicant (24 for all four) or 6 per ability with a partner.

IELTS listening
4.5
CELPIP
4
CRS, single
6 per ability
CRS, with partner
6 per ability

CLB 4 scores on IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, TEF and TCF

Scores in each ability that place you at CLB 4. A higher score moves you to the next level.

Scores that equal CLB 4 (NCLC 4 for French tests)
TestSpeakingListeningReadingWriting
IELTS General Training4.0 to 4.54.53.54.0 to 4.5
CELPIP-General4444
PTE Core42 to 5028 to 3833 to 4141 to 50
TEF Canada181 to 225145 to 180121 to 150181 to 225
TCF Canada4 to 5331 to 368342 to 3744 to 5

What CLB 4 qualifies you for

  • The reading and writing minimum for the Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • The level usually needed for Canadian citizenship (CLB 4 speaking and listening)

CRS points for CLB 4

CRS points for CLB 4 in each ability
WhoPer abilityAll four abilities
First official language, single624
First official language, with a partner624
Second official language00
Your spouse or partner’s test00

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 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

  • CLB 10

    IELTS listening 8.5 to 9.0. 34 CRS points per ability. CLB 10 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 4?

On IELTS General Training: 4.0 to 4.5 speaking, 4.5 listening, 3.5 reading and 4.0 to 4.5 writing.

What CELPIP score is CLB 4?

CELPIP-General 4 in each ability.

What PTE Core score is CLB 4?

Speaking 42 to 50, listening 28 to 38, reading 33 to 41 and writing 41 to 50.

What is NCLC 4 on TEF Canada?

Speaking 181 to 225, listening 145 to 180, reading 121 to 150 and writing 181 to 225, using the “Équivalence ancien score”.

What is NCLC 4 on TCF Canada?

Speaking 4 to 5, listening 331 to 368, reading 342 to 374 and writing 4 to 5.

How many CRS points is CLB 4?

6 points per ability for a single applicant (24 for all four), or 6 per ability with a partner (24), in your first official language.

Have CLB 4? 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.

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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.