Language testing – Canadian Experience Class
To prove your language skills, you must take a language test given by an agency that is approved by CIC, and include the results with your application.
You must
- Arrange for testing by an approved agency. You will have to pay the costs.
- Include the results of your test with your immigration application. If you do not, we will not process your application and we will send it back to you.
Do not ask for your language test result to be sent to the Centralized Intake Office. Submit your original test along with your application.
What happens next
- You can use the charts below to know exactly what Canadian Language Benchmark level you have based on your test results.
- CIC will use the test results as proof of your language proficiency.
- You can use language test results for two years from the time you take the test.
Note: Keep a copy of your language test results for your records and future use. You may use these results in the future for another application, as long as they are not more than two years old when you apply. You may also use these test results to prove your language levels if you are approved to immigrate and then apply to become a citizen. There is no expiration date for third-party language test results for citizenship applicants.
Language tests we accept
CIC has approved certain agencies to do language testing and give results for people who apply under the the Canadian Experience Class. These tests are:
English
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
CELPIP has two tests: “CELPIP-General (CELPIP-G)” and “CELPIP-Academic (CELPIP-A).” You must take the “CELPIP-G” test.
| NOC | CLB Level | Test results for each ability | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | ||
| 0, A | 9 and above | 5-6 | 5-6 | 5-6 | 5-6 |
| 0, A | 8 | 4H | 4H | 4H | 4H |
| 0, A | 7 | 4L | 4L | 4L | 4L |
| B | 6 | 3H | 3H | 3H | 3H |
| B | 5 | 3L | 3L | 3L | 3L |
| B | 4 | 2H | 2H | 2H | 2H |
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
IELTS has two options for the reading and writing tests: “General Training” and “Academic.” You must take the “General Training” option.
| NOC | CLB Level | Test results for each ability | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | ||
| 0, A | 9 and above | 8.0-9.0 | 7.0-9.0 | 7.0-9.0 | 7.0-9.0 |
| 0, A | 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 0, A | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| B | 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| B | 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| B | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
French
TEF: Test d’évaluation de français
You must submit results from the following TEF tests as proof of your French language proficiency:
- compréhension écrite
- compréhension orale
- expression écrite
- expression orale
| NOC | NCLC Level | Test results for each ability | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speaking (expression orale) |
Listening (compréhension orale) |
Reading (compréhension écrite) |
Writing (expression écrite) |
||
| 0, A | 9 and above | 372+ | 298+ | 248+ | 372+ |
| 0, A | 8 | 349-371 | 280-297 | 233-247 | 349-371 |
| 0, A | 7 | 309 | 248 | 206 | 309 |
| B | 6 | 271 | 217 | 181 | 271 |
| B | 5 | 225 | 180 | 150 | 225 |
| B | 4 | 181 | 145 | 121 | 181 |
The agencies designated to conduct these tests are:
English (CELPIP G-Test)
- Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc.
English (IELTS)
- University of Cambridge, ESOL
- IDP Australia, and
- The British Council
French (TEF)
- The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) centres are not approved testing agencies for people who apply under the Canadian Experience Class.
- Date Modified:
