CLB

What is a CLB?

CLB stands for Canadian Language Benchmarks. It is the national standard in Canada for describing, measuring and recognizing the English language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants for living and working in Canada.

CLB benchmarks are organized into three stages and 12 levels. These describe tasks that people can do in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Lower level benchmarks describe people who may be new to English (CLB 1 to 4), while the higher levels denote greater proficiency in the language based on tasks that they can do. If you want to know more about what each level can do.

CLB is used in Canada to teach and test language learning for adults. It is important for you to understand the CLB if you plan to go to English class, train, look for work or study at a college or university.

Why not just stick to IELTS, CELPIP or TEF?

“Many adult ESL programs in Canada use the CLB. Students and teachers use CLB to understand what English is needed for daily life in Canada. The CLB does not list grammar or vocabulary. It lists tasks for every day, real English use”

In short, the CLBs are more practical to use. They are descriptive language benchmarks since they measure English proficiency based on actual tasks in everyday life that a person needs and uses English for. It is not only helpful for teachers and trainers, it is also helpful for you when mapping out your learning goals.

I’m already in Manitoba and I don’t know my CLB. How do I get it?

If you have already taken IELTS General, CELPIP-General or TEF you can use conversion tools to know your equivalent CLB score. Go to the MPNP Language Proficiency page and use the CLB Calculator. If you want to see the CLB level conversion to IELTS General, go to this page: IELTS AND CLB

• You can also go to a testing centre to know your CLB. They can assess you and provide an Adult EAL Referral Form if you need it to get into an EAL program or class. These assessments are free. 

If you just want to know your CLB and don’t intend to use it for academic or training purposes, you can do a self-assessment at CLB-OSA. The online test takes 60 minutes and provides an approximate benchmark range. The result is unofficial.