CELPIP-G vs. IELTS: How Do They Compare for CRS Points?
Short answer
Neither test earns CRS points directly — both convert to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scale, and identical CLB levels earn identical points in this calculator. A CELPIP-G score of 9 across all four abilities and an IELTS score of Speaking 7.0 / Listening 8.0 / Reading 7.0–7.5 / Writing 7.0 both convert to CLB 9 and score exactly the same. The only real question is which test you're more likely to score higher on.
How CELPIP-G converts to CLB
CELPIP-G uses the same band-to-CLB conversion for all four abilities:
| CELPIP-G score | CLB |
|---|---|
| 10 – 12 | 10 |
| 9 | 9 |
| 8 | 8 |
| 7 | 7 |
| 6 | 6 |
| 5 | 5 |
| 4 | 4 |
| 3 or less | 0 |
How IELTS converts to CLB
IELTS bands differ per ability — a 7.0 doesn't map to the same CLB on every skill, which is easy to miss when comparing tests:
| CLB | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7.5 – 9.0 | 8.5 – 9.0 | 8.0 – 9.0 | 7.5 – 9.0 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 – 7.5 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 – 7.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 – 5.5 | 5.5 |
Points per CLB level, first official language
These are the per-ability points for a single applicant with no accompanying spouse:
| CLB 10+ | 34 |
|---|---|
| CLB 9 | 31 |
| CLB 8 | 23 |
| CLB 7 | 17 |
| CLB 6 | 9 |
| CLB 4–5 | 6 |
| Below CLB 4 | 0 |
Points per ability are lower with an accompanying spouse — see the spouse points guide for the full comparison.
Why your weakest skill matters more than your average
Language points also feed skill transferability, which gates on the minimum of your four abilities, not the average. Reaching CLB 9 in three skills and CLB 6 in the fourth caps transferability at the CLB 6 tier — on either test. See the Canadian work experience guide for how that combines with work experience.
Worked example: same CLB, same points
| Profile | Age 30, no education or work claimed, single applicant |
|---|---|
| CELPIP-G | 9 in Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing |
That CELPIP-G profile scores 229 core points.
| Profile | Same age, education, and work — IELTS instead |
|---|---|
| IELTS | Speaking 7.0, Listening 8.0, Reading 7.0–7.5, Writing 7.0 |
The equivalent IELTS profile — all four abilities at CLB 9 — scores exactly 229 core points too.
Frequently asked questions
Do CELPIP-G and IELTS give different CRS points for the same CLB level?
No. This calculator scores by CLB level, not by test name, so a CELPIP-G score and an IELTS score that convert to the same CLB earn identical points.
Which test is easier for a higher CRS score?
Neither test is inherently worth more points — pick whichever test format you're more comfortable with and more likely to score a higher CLB on, since the CLB conversion is what determines your points.
Does the second-language test need to be CELPIP-G or IELTS too?
No — the second official language slot in this calculator accepts CELPIP-G, IELTS, or PTE Core, and its points are capped separately from the first-language score (up to 24 without a spouse, 22 with one).
Know your CLB levels? Plug them into the calculator to see your full CRS score, not just the language subtotal.
Run your own numbers