CELPIP CELPIP scores: CLB levels, raw scores for each level, and how Writing and Speaking are rated
Updated 11 Nov 2026
Each CELPIP skill gets its own level from M to 12. CELPIP levels match CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) levels 3 to 12 number for number, so Listening 9 means CLB 9 in Listening. No conversion needed, unlike IELTS.
Source: celpip.ca, Test Format & Scoring page, viewed 11 Nov 2026.
A few things worth knowing about this chart:
- For Express Entry, CLB 10 or higher in all four skills already earns the maximum language points, so 10, 11 and 12 count the same.
- Canadian immigration only accepts results less than 2 years old. The Test Format & Scoring page on celpip.ca also says scores are valid for 2 years.
- The right-hand column is for Australian visas. If you're applying in Canada you can ignore it.
Listening and Reading: how many correct answers for each level
Each test has 38 scored questions. A correct answer earns 1 point; a wrong or blank answer earns 0 and nothing is deducted, so never leave a question blank. These parts are scored entirely by computer.
Source: celpip.ca, CELPIP Results page, viewed 11 Nov 2026.
Both charts are approximate. The ranges overlap (Listening 33–35 is level 9 and 35–38 is level 10–12) because questions differ in difficulty from test to test, so the raw score needed for a level can shift slightly. If you want to be safe for CLB 9, aim for 34 or more in Listening and 32 or more in Reading when you practise.
Reading is a little easier to score well on than Listening: level 10–12 needs about 33 correct in Reading but about 35 in Listening.
Writing and Speaking: four rating categories
These parts are scored by trained raters using standard rubrics, several raters per test taker, and their ratings have to agree closely. Each skill has four categories:
Source: celpip.ca, CELPIP Results page, viewed 11 Nov 2026.
Category 4, Task Fulfillment, is where many people lose points without noticing: a well-written answer that skips one of the points the task asks for, or an email to your manager written like a text to a friend, still loses marks.
When results come out, and re-evaluation
- Scores appear in your CELPIP account 2–4 business days after the test, with an email notice. Download the PDF Official Score Report for your application; CELPIP no longer mails paper copies.
- You can request a re-evaluation within 6 months of the test date and pay a fee for each skill you choose. If a skill's level changes, that skill's fee is refunded. Each skill can be re-evaluated only once, and results take about 1–2 weeks.
- Listening and Reading are computer-scored, so re-evaluating them almost never changes anything. Re-evaluation is only worth considering for Writing or Speaking.