What PTE Core score is CLB 9?
Listening 82–88, Reading 78–87, Speaking 84–88 and Writing 88–89 on the IRCC equivalency chart. Every skill must clear its own threshold; the overall score is not used.
PTE Core for Canada
PTE Core score chart: CLB levels per skill
The official PTE Core to CLB conversion for every skill, what each CLB level is used for in Express Entry and citizenship, and how to turn a level into a score target.
PTE Core to CLB chart: minimum score per skill
IRCC / Pearson PTE Core equivalency chart, January 2024. Each skill is converted on its own row; a CLB level is reached only when every skill clears its minimum. Ranges run up to the next level’s threshold minus one.
| CLB level | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | Listening89 | Reading88 | Speaking89 | Writing90 |
| CLB 9 | Listening82 | Reading78 | Speaking84 | Writing88 |
| CLB 8 | Listening71 | Reading69 | Speaking76 | Writing79 |
| CLB 7 | Listening60 | Reading60 | Speaking68 | Writing69 |
| CLB 6 | Listening50 | Reading51 | Speaking59 | Writing60 |
| CLB 5 | Listening39 | Reading42 | Speaking51 | Writing51 |
| CLB 4 | Listening28 | Reading33 | Speaking42 | Writing41 |
| CLB 3 | Listening18 | Reading24 | Speaking34 | Writing32 |
How IRCC reads the chart
IRCC does not read a PTE Core overall score. It converts each of the four skills using the equivalency chart above and treats the result as four CLB levels, and every programme rule and points calculation uses those four levels separately. A candidate with Listening, Reading and Speaking at CLB 9 and Writing at CLB 8 has a CLB 8 profile for any rule that requires CLB 9 in all skills, and earns CLB 8 points for Writing. The thresholds are not symmetrical. Writing needs the highest PTE score at every level and Listening the lowest, so a candidate whose four PTE scores are similar usually finds Writing sets the ceiling. That is why most Express Entry preparation on PTE Core is writing practice: Write Email, the two summaries and dictation spelling.
- Four separate conversions, no averaging, no overall
- The lowest skill sets the profile level
- Writing thresholds are highest; Listening lowest
Where the levels matter in Express Entry
Express Entry ranks candidates with the Comprehensive Ranking System, and language is one of its largest factors, with points awarded per skill at each CLB level from 4 upwards and rising steeply through 7, 8 and 9. Reaching CLB 9 in every skill also unlocks additional points for combinations with education and Canadian work experience. IRCC accepts PTE Core, IELTS General Training and CELPIP-General for Express Entry, requires results less than two years old both when the profile is completed and when the application is submitted, and does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake. For citizenship the requirement is CLB 4 in speaking and listening only, and language results used for citizenship never expire.
- Points per skill per level; CLB 9 everywhere is the competitive target
- Results under 2 years old at profile and at application
- Citizenship: CLB 4 speaking and listening, no expiry
Turning a CLB target into a plan
Take the level your target points need, read the four PTE Core scores off the chart, and add a margin of three or four points per skill for test-day variation. Sit a full Core mock and compare the four gaps; the Core calculator does the conversion and headlines your lowest skill. Then practise the tasks that feed that skill. Results arrive within days, so a retest after a focused four- to six-week cycle is practical, and up to twelve sittings are allowed in twelve months.
- Convert the target, add a margin, mock, read the lowest skill
- Practise the tasks that feed the lowest skill
- Retest after a focused cycle; results within days
What each level is used for
| Level | Where it matters |
|---|---|
| CLB 10 | Where it mattersMaximum first-language points in Express Entry; PTE Core Listening 89, Reading 88, Speaking 89, Writing 90 |
| CLB 9 | Where it mattersThe common competitive target: a large step up in Express Entry points, and the threshold for some Canadian Experience Class and provincial streams |
| CLB 8 | Where it mattersWhere language points begin to rise sharply; often the floor for skilled streams |
| CLB 7 | Where it mattersMinimum for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and many provincial nominee streams |
| CLB 5–6 | Where it mattersMinimums for some trades and provincial streams; check the specific programme |
| CLB 4 | Where it mattersCanadian citizenship: speaking and listening only, Speaking 42 and Listening 28 on PTE Core; results never expire |
Related
- PTE Core to CLB calculatorEnter four scores, see your CLB profile
- CLB 9 planPer-skill targets and the order of work
- PTE Core scoringScale, results and validity
- Express EntryTests IRCC accepts and how points work
- PTE Core question typesAll 19 Core tasks with items, timing and skills
- Free PTE Core mock testCheck readiness before you book
Frequently asked questions
What PTE Core score is CLB 7?
Listening 60–70, Reading 60–68, Speaking 68–75 and Writing 69–78. CLB 7 is the minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and many provincial streams.
Does IRCC average the four PTE Core skills?
No. IRCC converts each skill separately and the lowest skill decides the level for any rule that requires a minimum in all skills. Three skills at CLB 9 and one at CLB 8 is a CLB 8 profile for such rules.
Which English tests does IRCC accept for Express Entry?
PTE Core, IELTS General Training and CELPIP-General. PTE Academic is not accepted for Express Entry, and IELTS One Skill Retake results are not accepted either.
Where does this chart come from?
The IRCC and Pearson PTE Core equivalency chart published in January 2024, which is the chart IRCC applies to PTE Core results.