CLB 4: CELPIP, IELTS and PTE Core Scores
CLB 4 is a CELPIP score of 4, or IELTS 4.5 in Listening and 4.0 in Speaking. It's the language minimum for Canadian citizenship: adults aged 18 to 54 need CLB 4 in speaking and listening.
CLB 4 scores on each test
| Skill | CELPIP | IELTS | PTE Core |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 4 | 4.5 | 28–38 |
| Reading | 4 | 3.5 | 33–41 |
| Writing | 4 | 4.0 | 41–50 |
| Speaking | 4 | 4.0 | 42–50 |
What CLB 4 in every skill qualifies you for
Meets the language minimum
- Citizenship (ages 18–54)
Needs a higher CLB
- Federal Skilled Worker · Needs CLB 7
- Canadian Experience Class (TEER 0 or 1 job) · Needs CLB 7
- Canadian Experience Class (TEER 2 or 3 job) · Needs CLB 5
- Federal Skilled Trades · Needs CLB 5 in speaking and listening
- PGWP (university program) · Needs CLB 7
- PGWP (college program) · Needs CLB 5
Language is one requirement of each program. Meeting it doesn't mean you meet the others.
CRS points at CLB 4
| Your situation | Per skill | All four skills |
|---|---|---|
| Without a spouse or partner | 6 | 24 |
| With a spouse or partner | 6 | 24 |
Who needs CLB 4
CLB 4 is the citizenship level. If you're 18 to 54 when you apply, you need CLB 4 in speaking and listening, and reading and writing don't count toward this requirement.
That makes CELPIP-General LS a good fit: it tests only the two skills citizenship looks at. If you might apply for permanent residence later, though, take CELPIP-General instead, because General LS isn't accepted for Express Entry. Our guide to CELPIP General LS for citizenship covers the shorter test in detail.
CLB 4 and Express Entry
CLB 4 in every skill doesn't meet any Express Entry program on its own. Federal Skilled Trades comes closest: it accepts CLB 4 in reading and writing, but needs CLB 5 in speaking and listening.
In the CRS, CLB 4 earns 6 points per skill without a spouse or partner, or 24 for all four. CLB 5 earns exactly the same, so the first CRS gain comes at CLB 6.
Reaching CLB 4
On CELPIP, every skill score of 4 or more is at least CLB 4, so the target is simple. The two skills that matter for citizenship are Listening and Speaking. Practise both under real timing: the Speaking tasks give you seconds, not minutes, to plan an answer.
Frequently asked questions
A CELPIP score of 4 in that skill. A score below 4, or an M on your report, counts as below CLB 4.
For the language requirement, yes. Applicants aged 18 to 54 need CLB 4 in speaking and listening. Reading and writing aren't assessed for this requirement. Citizenship has other requirements too, and IRCC makes the final decision.
Yes, for citizenship. CELPIP-General LS tests Listening and Speaking only, which is all citizenship asks for. It isn't accepted for Express Entry or a PGWP.
IELTS General Training 4.5 in Listening, 3.5 in Reading, 4.0 in Writing and 4.0 in Speaking. IELTS Academic isn't accepted.
No. Federal Skilled Trades accepts CLB 4 in reading and writing, but it needs CLB 5 in speaking and listening. Federal Skilled Worker and the Canadian Experience Class need CLB 5 or 7 in every skill.
Based on IRCC's official tables. IRCC makes the final decision on your application. For Express Entry and PGWP, results must be less than 2 years old when you apply.