PTE to CLB Conversion: A Complete Student Guide

PTE to CLB Conversion: A Complete Student Guide

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If you’re aiming to immigrate to Canada, understanding how to convert PTE score into CLB level is crucial. This guide explains the PTE to CLB conversion chart, offers a PTE score to CLB calculator online, compares PTE vs CLB for immigration, and gives clear steps to convert your scores. We’ll also link to official resources for authenticity and provide tips to help you maximize your results. Created by GW Calculator.


What Are CLB Levels and Why They Matter

The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) are a standardized 12-level framework used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assess English proficiency in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking (Canada.ca official source).

Your CLB levels determine eligibility for immigration programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Federal Skilled Trades, and the Canadian Experience Class. For example:

  • CLB 7 is the minimum for Federal Skilled Worker and many professional jobs
  • CLB 5 is acceptable for Skilled Trades or work in certain NOC categories

Official PTE to CLB Conversion Table (2024)

Here’s the official PTE Core → CLB equivalency, based on IRCC and Pearson data:

CLB LevelListening (PTE)Reading (PTE)Speaking (PTE)Writing (PTE)
1089–9088–9089–9090
982–8878–8784–8888–89
871–8169–7776–8379–87
760–7060–6868–7569–78
650–5951–5959–6760–68
539–4942–5051–5851–59
428–3833–4142–5041–50
318–2724–3234–4132–40

Source: PTE Core to CLB Conversion Table PDF (Pearson, Jan 2024)


Why This Matters for Immigration (“PTE vs CLB Comparison for Immigration”)

IRCC requires specific CLB minimums depending on the immigration program:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program: CLB 7 required across all four abilities
  • Canadian Experience Class: CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0–1 jobs; CLB 5 for others
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program: CLB 5 for Speaking & Listening; CLB 4 for Reading & Writing (Canada.ca official guide)

How to Calculate Your CLB from PTE Scores (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Gather your PTE Core scores

Obtain scores for Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.

Step 2: Use the conversion table

Match each score to the corresponding CLB level using the chart above.

Step 3: Determine your overall CLB level

Some programs consider your lowest CLB across all four skills as your official level.

Step 4: Save time with online tools

Instead of manual lookup, use our PTE Core to CLB Calculator to get instant conversion results.

If you’re also comparing across multiple tests, try our language test calculators: PTE, IELTS, TOEFL to CLB converters.

For detailed breakdowns, you may also find these tools useful:


Tips for Students Preparing for PTE & CLB Success

  1. Understand the CLB requirements for your chosen immigration program.
  2. Practice all four PTE abilities—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
  3. Use practice exams and calculators to measure progress.
  4. Aim higher than the minimum CLB 7, to maximize immigration opportunities.
  5. Plan your test early, since PTE scores are valid for only two years (Canada.ca reference).

FAQs – PTE to CLB Conversion

Q: How do I convert PTE to CLB levels?
Use the official PTE to CLB conversion chart or try the PTE to CLB calculator online.

Q: Can I convert overall PTE score to one CLB level?
No. CLB is assigned per skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).

Q: What CLB level do I need for Express Entry?
Typically CLB 7, but Skilled Trades allow CLB 5–6 depending on NOC category.

Q: Where can I check equivalent IELTS or TOEFL scores?
You can use the PTE to IELTS calculator or the TOEFL converter on GW Calculator.

Q: Are these conversions official?
Yes—based on Pearson (PTE) and IRCC (Canada) standards.


Final Thoughts

Understanding how to convert PTE scores into CLB levels is essential for Canadian immigration success. Use the official conversion chart, explore tools like the PTE Core to CLB Calculator, and prepare with confidence.

For broader comparisons, explore our language test calculators or specific tools like the TOEFL Score Converter, PTE Core Score Calculator, and PTE to IELTS Calculator.

Created by GW Calculator – your trusted resource for academic and immigration score conversions.

Infographic • PTE ➜ CLB Equivalency

PTE to CLB Conversion Chart (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing)

Use this visual to map your PTE Core scores to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for immigration programs.

Ranges reflect commonly referenced PTE Core → CLB mappings. Always verify current cutoffs with official sources.
CLB Listening (PTE) Reading (PTE) Speaking (PTE) Writing (PTE)
1089–9088–9089–9090
982–8878–8784–8888–89
871–8169–7776–8379–87
760–7060–6868–7569–78
650–5951–5959–6760–68
539–4942–5051–5851–59
428–3833–4142–5041–50
318–2724–3234–4132–40

Need instant results? Try our PTE Core to CLB Calculator or explore all language test calculators (PTE/IELTS/TOEFL ⇄ CLB).

Interactive chart shows lower-bound PTE scores for each CLB level. Toggle series in legend to focus on one skill.

Created by GW Calculator Official references: IRCC – Language testing & CLBPearson PTE

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