Looking for a reliable PTE to CLB conversion chart and a quick way to convert your score for Canadian immigration? This guide explains what CLB is, which PTE test IRCC accepts, how to convert each skill score, common CLB targets for Express Entry/PNPs, and mistakes to avoid. You’ll also find a PTE score to CLB calculator online (linked below) and side tools for IELTS/TOEFL comparisons.
Official context: IRCC uses Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to compare English results across accepted tests. For immigration programs, you must take PTE Core (not PTE Academic). Canada.caPearson PTE
What is CLB and Why It Matters
CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) is a 12-level scale used to assess English proficiency across Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Your lowest CLB among the four skills often determines eligibility for specific immigration programs.
Examples of CLB thresholds:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): usually CLB 7 minimum across all four skills
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): CLB 7 for TEER 0–1 jobs; CLB 5 for some other TEER levels
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST): CLB 5 (Listening/Speaking) and CLB 4 (Reading/Writing)
Which PTE Does IRCC Accept?
As of January 30, 2024, IRCC accepts PTE Core for economic immigration (Express Entry and related programs).
- PTE Core → Accepted for PR applications
- PTE Academic → Only relevant for student pathways (SDS)
PTE to CLB Conversion Chart (Skill by Skill)
Here’s the updated PTE Core to CLB conversion chart (2024):
| CLB | Listening (PTE Core) | Reading (PTE Core) | Speaking (PTE Core) | Writing (PTE Core) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 89–90 | 88–90 | 89–90 | 90 |
| 9 | 82–88 | 78–87 | 84–88 | 88–89 |
| 8 | 71–81 | 69–77 | 76–83 | 79–87 |
| 7 | 60–70 | 60–68 | 68–75 | 69–78 |
| 6 | 50–59 | 51–59 | 59–67 | 60–68 |
| 5 | 39–49 | 42–50 | 51–58 | 51–59 |
| 4 | 28–38 | 33–41 | 42–50 | 41–50 |
| 3 | 18–27 | 24–32 | 34–41 | 32–40 |
How to Convert PTE to CLB in 3 Easy Steps
- Collect your four PTE Core scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
- Match each score to the CLB ranges in the table above.
- Your program CLB = the lowest CLB across all four skills.
👉 Or skip the manual steps: Use the free PTE Core to CLB Calculator for instant results.
For cross-test comparisons, try:
- Language Test Calculators (PTE/IELTS/TOEFL ⇄ CLB Converters)
- TOEFL Score Converter
- PTE Core Score Calculator
- PTE ⇄ IELTS Score Calculator
- PTE Score Calculator
Worked Examples
Example A: “Is my score CLB 7?”
- PTE Core: Listening 62, Reading 61, Speaking 70, Writing 71
- Conversion → All map to CLB 7
✅ Meets Express Entry minimum requirement.
Example B: “What PTE equals CLB 9?”
- PTE Core: Listening 82–88, Reading 78–87, Speaking 84–88, Writing 88–89
✅ Matches CLB 9 — valuable for boosting CRS points.
Common CLB Targets by Program
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): CLB 7 minimum (higher boosts CRS).
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): CLB 7 for TEER 0–1, CLB 5 for TEER 2–3.
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST): CLB 5 (Listening/Speaking) + CLB 4 (Reading/Writing).
PTE vs CLB: Key Questions
- Do I convert overall PTE to CLB? → No. CLB is skill-by-skill.
- Does PTE Academic work for PR? → No. Only PTE Core counts.
- Where to check equivalencies? → Pearson PTE Core tables + IRCC immigration language criteria.
Tips to Hit CLB 7–9 Consistently
- Reverse-engineer your target scores using the conversion chart.
- Focus on all four skills equally — one weak skill can lower your CLB.
- Practice with real test simulations and track scores via the PTE Score Calculator.
- If considering alternatives, cross-check with IELTS/TOEFL converters.
- Always confirm the latest requirements before submitting your application.
FAQs: PTE to CLB Conversion 2024
Q1: How do I convert PTE to CLB?
Use the conversion chart or the PTE score to CLB calculator online.
Q2: What PTE equals CLB 7?
Listening 60–70, Reading 60–68, Speaking 68–75, Writing 69–78.
Q3: What PTE equals CLB 9?
Listening 82–88, Reading 78–87, Speaking 84–88, Writing 88–89.
Q4: Which PTE is accepted for PR?
Only PTE Core is accepted for immigration programs.
Q5: Can higher CLB improve CRS points?
Yes — stronger language results raise CRS and can unlock additional points.
Final takeaway
To plan confidently for Canada PR, convert each PTE Core skill to CLB using the official ranges, aim for your program’s minimum (often CLB 7), and push higher for stronger CRS. Use the PTE Core to CLB Calculator for instant results, and verify rules on IRCC before you apply.
