CLB 6: CELPIP, IELTS and PTE Core Scores
CLB 6 is CELPIP 6, or IELTS 5.5 in Listening, Writing and Speaking with 5.0 in Reading. None of the programs in our calculator sets its minimum at CLB 6, so for most people it's a step on the way to CLB 7.
CLB 6 scores on each test
| Skill | CELPIP | IELTS | PTE Core |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 6 | 5.5 | 50–59 |
| Reading | 6 | 5.0 | 51–59 |
| Writing | 6 | 5.5 | 60–68 |
| Speaking | 6 | 5.5 | 59–67 |
What CLB 6 in every skill qualifies you for
Meets the language minimum
- Canadian Experience Class (TEER 2 or 3 job)
- Federal Skilled Trades
- PGWP (college program)
- 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
- PGWP (university program) · Needs CLB 7
Language is one requirement of each program. Meeting it doesn't mean you meet the others.
CRS points at CLB 6
| Your situation | Per skill | All four skills |
|---|---|---|
| Without a spouse or partner | 9 | 36 |
| With a spouse or partner | 8 | 32 |
What CLB 6 qualifies you for
CLB 6 meets every program that asks for CLB 5: the Canadian Experience Class with a TEER 2 or 3 job, Federal Skilled Trades, and a PGWP after a college program. It also clears the CLB 4 citizenship requirement.
It doesn't meet Federal Skilled Worker, the Canadian Experience Class with a TEER 0 or 1 job, or a PGWP after a university program. All three need CLB 7 in every skill.
The jump to CLB 7
CLB 6 earns 9 CRS points per skill without a spouse or partner, 36 for all four. CLB 7 earns 17 per skill, 68 for all four. That's 8 more points per skill, tied with CLB 8 to 9 as the biggest single-level gain in this part of the CRS, and it also opens Federal Skilled Worker.
So if you're at CLB 6, the next level is worth as much as any step above it. Find the skill that's holding you back first: one CELPIP 6 among three 7s still leaves you short of CLB 7.
Where CLB 6 usually slips
On CELPIP, a 6 in Writing or Speaking often comes from incomplete answers rather than weak English: a Writing task that misses one of the bullet points, or a Speaking answer that runs out before the timer. Practise with a template for each task so every answer covers what the task asks.
Frequently asked questions
A CELPIP score of 6 in that skill. CELPIP scores from 4 to 9 match the CLB level of the same number.
No. Federal Skilled Worker needs CLB 7 in all four skills, so a 6 in any one skill falls short.
IELTS General Training 5.5 in Listening, 5.0 in Reading, 5.5 in Writing and 5.5 in Speaking.
Without a spouse or partner, 9 per skill, or 36 for all four. With one, 8 per skill, or 32.
Listening 50 to 59, Reading 51 to 59, Writing 60 to 68 and Speaking 59 to 67.
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.