Canadian Language Benchmark
CLB 6 equivalent: the scores you need on every test
Intermediate: most workplace conversations and longer texts on familiar topics. Here is the score that equals CLB 6 (NCLC 6 in French) on each test IRCC accepts, and what the level is worth for Express Entry.
Updated
- IRCC charts as of June 22, 2026
- 9 CRS points per ability
What is CLB 6 in IELTS?
CLB 6 on IELTS General Training is at least 5.5 in speaking, 5.5 in listening, 5.0 in reading and 5.5 in writing. On CELPIP-General it is 6 in each ability. For the CRS, CLB 6 in your first official language is worth 9 points per ability for a single applicant (36 for all four) or 8 per ability with a partner.
- IELTS listening
- 5.5
- CELPIP
- 6
- CRS, single
- 9 per ability
- CRS, with partner
- 8 per ability
CLB 6 scores on IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, TEF and TCF
Scores in each ability that place you at CLB 6. A higher score moves you to the next level.
| Test | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS General Training | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 to 5.5 | 5.5 |
| CELPIP-General | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| PTE Core | 59 to 67 | 50 to 59 | 51 to 59 | 60 to 68 |
| TEF Canada | 271 to 309 | 217 to 248 | 181 to 206 | 271 to 309 |
| TCF Canada | 7 to 9 | 398 to 457 | 406 to 452 | 7 to 9 |
What CLB 6 qualifies you for
- Slightly more CRS points than CLB 5
- Some provincial nominee streams for TEER 4 and 5 jobs ask for CLB 4 to 6
CRS points for CLB 6
| Who | Per ability | All four abilities |
|---|---|---|
| First official language, single | 9 | 36 |
| First official language, with a partner | 8 | 32 |
| 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 5
IELTS listening 5.0. 6 CRS points per ability. CLB 5 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 6?
On IELTS General Training: 5.5 speaking, 5.5 listening, 5.0 to 5.5 reading and 5.5 writing.
What CELPIP score is CLB 6?
CELPIP-General 6 in each ability.
What PTE Core score is CLB 6?
Speaking 59 to 67, listening 50 to 59, reading 51 to 59 and writing 60 to 68.
What is NCLC 6 on TEF Canada?
Speaking 271 to 309, listening 217 to 248, reading 181 to 206 and writing 271 to 309, using the “Équivalence ancien score”.
What is NCLC 6 on TCF Canada?
Speaking 7 to 9, listening 398 to 457, reading 406 to 452 and writing 7 to 9.
How many CRS points is CLB 6?
9 points per ability for a single applicant (36 for all four), or 8 per ability with a partner (32), in your first official language.
Have CLB 6? 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.