PTE Core Score Chart: CLB Conversion
PTE Core reports a score from 10 to 90 in each of listening, reading, speaking and writing. For Canadian immigration, IRCC converts each of those four scores to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level, and your Express Entry points are calculated from the CLB levels — not from the raw scores. This chart shows the full equivalency, as published by Pearson.
Last reviewed: July 2026
PTE Core to CLB conversion table
| CLB level | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | 89–90 | 88–90 | 89–90 | 90 |
| CLB 9 | 82–88 | 78–87 | 84–88 | 88–89 |
| CLB 8 | 71–81 | 69–77 | 76–83 | 79–87 |
| CLB 7 | 60–70 | 60–68 | 68–75 | 69–78 |
| CLB 6 | 50–59 | 51–59 | 59–67 | 60–68 |
| CLB 5 | 39–49 | 42–50 | 51–58 | 51–59 |
| CLB 4 | 28–38 | 33–41 | 42–50 | 41–50 |
| CLB 3 | 18–27 | 24–32 | 34–41 | 32–40 |
Equivalency as published by Pearson, aligned to the CLB framework used by IRCC. Requirements can change — always confirm the current chart and your program's requirement on canada.ca before booking a test.
Which CLB level do you actually need?
CLB 7 — the common minimum
Several economic programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, require CLB 7 in all four skills. In PTE Core terms that means at least 60 in Listening, 60 in Reading, 68 in Speaking and 69 in Writing.
CLB 9 — where the big points are
CLB 9 in every skill unlocks the highest skill-transferability points in the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System, which is why most serious candidates target it: 82+ Listening, 78+ Reading, 84+ Speaking and 88+ Writing.
Your lowest skill sets your level
IRCC assesses each skill separately, and eligibility is gated by your weakest one. A 90 in three skills cannot compensate for a 67 in Speaking — which is exactly why targeted practice on your weakest task types beats practising everything equally.
PTE Core score chart — frequently asked questions
What PTE Core score do I need for CLB 9?
CLB 9 requires a PTE Core score of 82–88 in Listening, 78–87 in Reading, 84–88 in Speaking and 88–89 in Writing. CLB 9 in all four skills is the level at which Express Entry candidates unlock the highest skill-transferability points, so it is the most common target score.
What PTE Core score is CLB 7?
CLB 7 requires a PTE Core score of 60–70 in Listening, 60–68 in Reading, 68–75 in Speaking and 69–78 in Writing. CLB 7 in every skill is the minimum language requirement for several economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Is PTE Core accepted for Express Entry?
Yes. PTE Core is approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for economic immigration programs, including Express Entry. Your PTE Core scores are converted to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels using the equivalency in this chart, and your immigration points are calculated from those CLB levels.
How is my overall CLB level calculated?
There is no single overall CLB. IRCC assesses each skill separately — listening, reading, speaking and writing each convert to their own CLB level — and program eligibility is gated by your lowest skill. That means one weak skill can hold back your whole application even if the other three are strong.
Where does this conversion chart come from?
The score ranges are the PTE Core to CLB equivalency published by Pearson, the test maker, whose scores are aligned to the Canadian Language Benchmark framework used by IRCC. Requirements can change, so always confirm the current chart and your program's requirements on the official IRCC website (canada.ca) before booking a test.
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