Canadian Language Benchmark

CLB 9 equivalent: the scores you need on every test

Advanced: fluent, effective communication in most professional settings. Here is the score that equals CLB 9 (NCLC 9 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
  • 31 CRS points per ability

What is CLB 9 in IELTS?

CLB 9 on IELTS General Training is at least 7.0 in speaking, 8.0 in listening, 7.0 in reading and 7.0 in writing. On CELPIP-General it is 9 in each ability. For the CRS, CLB 9 in your first official language is worth 31 points per ability for a single applicant (124 for all four) or 29 per ability with a partner.

IELTS listening
8.0
CELPIP
9
CRS, single
31 per ability
CRS, with partner
29 per ability

CLB 9 scores on IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, TEF and TCF

Scores in each ability that place you at CLB 9. A higher score moves you to the next level.

Scores that equal CLB 9 (NCLC 9 for French tests)
TestSpeakingListeningReadingWriting
IELTS General Training7.08.07.0 to 7.57.0
CELPIP-General9999
PTE Core84 to 8882 to 8878 to 8788 to 89
TEF Canada371 to 392298 to 315248 to 262371 to 392
TCF Canada14 to 15523 to 548524 to 54814 to 15

What CLB 9 qualifies you for

  • The top skill transferability band: 25 to 50 points instead of 13 to 25
  • Full spouse language points (5 per ability)
  • The level most competitive Express Entry candidates reach

CRS points for CLB 9

CRS points for CLB 9 in each ability
WhoPer abilityAll four abilities
First official language, single31124
First official language, with a partner29116
Second official language624
Your spouse or partner’s test520

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 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 9?

On IELTS General Training: 7.0 speaking, 8.0 listening, 7.0 to 7.5 reading and 7.0 writing.

What CELPIP score is CLB 9?

CELPIP-General 9 in each ability.

What PTE Core score is CLB 9?

Speaking 84 to 88, listening 82 to 88, reading 78 to 87 and writing 88 to 89.

What is NCLC 9 on TEF Canada?

Speaking 371 to 392, listening 298 to 315, reading 248 to 262 and writing 371 to 392, using the “Équivalence ancien score”.

What is NCLC 9 on TCF Canada?

Speaking 14 to 15, listening 523 to 548, reading 524 to 548 and writing 14 to 15.

How many CRS points is CLB 9?

31 points per ability for a single applicant (124 for all four), or 29 per ability with a partner (116), in your first official language.

Have CLB 9? 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.