Canadian Language Benchmark
CLB 5 equivalent: the scores you need on every test
Early intermediate: everyday tasks and familiar work situations. Here is the score that equals CLB 5 (NCLC 5 in French) on each test IRCC accepts, and what the level is worth for Express Entry.
Updated
- IRCC charts as of June 22, 2026
- 6 CRS points per ability
What is CLB 5 in IELTS?
CLB 5 on IELTS General Training is at least 5.0 in speaking, 5.0 in listening, 4.0 in reading and 5.0 in writing. On CELPIP-General it is 5 in each ability. For the CRS, CLB 5 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
- 5.0
- CELPIP
- 5
- CRS, single
- 6 per ability
- CRS, with partner
- 6 per ability
CLB 5 scores on IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, TEF and TCF
Scores in each ability that place you at CLB 5. A higher score moves you to the next level.
| Test | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS General Training | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 to 4.5 | 5.0 |
| CELPIP-General | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| PTE Core | 51 to 58 | 39 to 49 | 42 to 50 | 51 to 59 |
| TEF Canada | 226 to 270 | 181 to 216 | 151 to 180 | 226 to 270 |
| TCF Canada | 6 | 369 to 397 | 375 to 405 | 6 |
What CLB 5 qualifies you for
- The Canadian Experience Class minimum for TEER 2 and 3 jobs
- The speaking and listening minimum for the Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Second-language CRS points start here
CRS points for CLB 5
| Who | Per ability | All four abilities |
|---|---|---|
| First official language, single | 6 | 24 |
| First official language, with a partner | 6 | 24 |
| Second official language | 1 | 4 |
| Your spouse or partner’s test | 1 | 4 |
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 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 5?
On IELTS General Training: 5.0 speaking, 5.0 listening, 4.0 to 4.5 reading and 5.0 writing.
What CELPIP score is CLB 5?
CELPIP-General 5 in each ability.
What PTE Core score is CLB 5?
Speaking 51 to 58, listening 39 to 49, reading 42 to 50 and writing 51 to 59.
What is NCLC 5 on TEF Canada?
Speaking 226 to 270, listening 181 to 216, reading 151 to 180 and writing 226 to 270, using the “Équivalence ancien score”.
What is NCLC 5 on TCF Canada?
Speaking 6, listening 369 to 397, reading 375 to 405 and writing 6.
How many CRS points is CLB 5?
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 5? 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.