Express Entry · Updated for 2026

Which language test should you take for Express Entry?

IRCC accepts five tests: CELPIP, IELTS General Training and PTE Core in English, and TEF Canada and TCF Canada in French. This guide is everything you need to pick the right one, hit your target CLB, and turn language into the biggest, fastest gain in your CRS score.

5 approved tests, one clear choiceResults in 2 days to a few weeksScores mapped to official CLB

The short answer

No test is officially easier and none earns you more points on its own: only your CLB level counts. So the right test is the one whose language and format fit you best. Here is the quick version.

CELPIPYou want Canadian English, everything typed, and no live examiner.

PTE CoreYou want the fastest results and are fine with AI scoring.

IELTSYou want the widest availability or prefer a real speaking interview.

TEF CanadaYou speak French and like a clear, module-by-module structure.

TCF CanadaYou speak French and want the most commonly booked test.

English + FrenchYou are strong in both: French can add up to 50 CRS points.

Find your best-fit test in 60 seconds

Answer a few quick questions and we will point you to the test that fits your language, your speaking style and your priorities. Nothing to sign up for.

Question 1 of 5

Which language will you take your test in?

The 5 tests IRCC accepts for Express Entry

Three English tests and two French tests are approved. Whichever you take, IRCC converts your scores to the same CLB / NCLC scale, so they compete on equal footing.

CELPIP-General

English

The all-Canadian English test, fully on computer.

Scores map one-to-one to CLB: CELPIP 9 = CLB 9. No conversion to memorise.

SpeakingRecorded into a microphone (no interviewer)

ResultsUsually 4 to 8 business days (3 with Express Rating)

Cost (approx.)About CA$280 to CA$300 plus tax

Availability200+ centres across 40+ countries, plus 60+ in Canada

Scores equal CLB levels directly, so targets are easy to readOne computer session, everything typed, no handwritingCanadian accents and familiar day-to-day situationsResults in a few days

Fewer test centres outside Canada than IELTSYou cannot pick a live-examiner speaking format

IELTS General Training

English

The globally available English test with a face-to-face interview.

Reported in half-band scores, so the score-to-CLB step matters (for example Listening 6.0 = CLB 7).

SpeakingFace-to-face with a live examiner

ResultsAbout 1 to 5 days for the computer-delivered test

Cost (approx.)About CA$335 to CA$360

AvailabilityThe most widely available, 140+ countries and thousands of centres

Bookable almost anywhere in the world, often at short noticeA human interview can feel more natural than recording answersA familiar choice if you have prepared for IELTS before

Half-band scoring means you must clear the exact band for each CLBMake sure you book General Training, not Academic

PTE Core

English

The fast, AI-scored English test built for Canadian immigration.

The newest of the five: IRCC approved PTE Core for Express Entry in early 2024. Results land fastest.

SpeakingRecorded into a microphone, scored by AI

ResultsTypically within 48 hours

Cost (approx.)About CA$300 to CA$340

Availability500+ centres worldwide, accepted for Express Entry since 2024

Results usually within two daysConsistent AI scoring, no examiner variationIntegrated tasks reward all-round ability

Integrated question types take practice to get used toNewer, so fewer centres than IELTS in some regions

TEF Canada

French

A modular French test recognised across Canadian immigration.

Uses the score grid for tests taken on or after 10 December 2023, so check current charts.

SpeakingWith an examiner (in person or recorded, by centre)

ResultsAbout 2 to 4 weeks

Cost (approx.)Varies by centre, roughly CA$390 for all four sections

AvailabilityAlliance Française and approved centres in Canada, France and worldwide

Clear, separate modules you can focus on one at a timePaper or computer depending on the centreSame NCLC value as any English test for CRS points

Results can take longer than the computer English testsUse post-2023 scoring charts to avoid confusion

TCF Canada

French

The widely used French test for Canadian permanent residence.

Only TCF Canada counts for Express Entry. TCF Québec is a different test for Quebec programs.

SpeakingWith an examiner, answers recorded

ResultsAbout 2 to 4 weeks

Cost (approx.)Varies by centre, roughly CA$340 to CA$450

AvailabilityFrance Éducation international network in Canada, France and worldwide

The most commonly booked Canadian French test, easy to find datesAdaptive multiple choice for listening and readingSame NCLC value as any English test for CRS points

Do not book TCF Québec by mistake, it does not count for Express EntryWriting and speaking use a /20 scale you need to map to NCLC

Side-by-side comparison

The whole picture in one table. Filter by language to narrow it down.

	CELPIPCELPIP-General	IELTSIELTS General Training	PTE CorePTE Core	TEFTEF Canada	TCFTCF Canada
Language	English	English	English	French	French
Delivery	Computer only, at a test centre	Computer-delivered at a test centre (paper is being retired)	Computer only, at a test centre	Paper or computer (e-TEF), at an approved centre	Computer or paper, at an approved centre
Speaking	Recorded into a microphone (no interviewer)	Face-to-face with a live examiner	Recorded into a microphone, scored by AI	With an examiner (in person or recorded, by centre)	With an examiner, answers recorded
Scoring	Trained human raters	Trained human examiners, reported in 0.5 bands	Automated scoring, reported 10 to 90 per skill	Points per module (Reading /300, Listening /360, Writing and Speaking /450), mapped to NCLC	Listening and reading out of 699, writing and speaking out of 20, mapped to NCLC
Length	About 3 hours, all four skills in one sitting	About 2 h 45 for three skills, plus a separate 11 to 14 min interview	About 2 hours in one sitting	About 3 hours across four modules, sometimes split across sessions	About 3 hours across four sections
Results	Usually 4 to 8 business days (3 with Express Rating)	About 1 to 5 days for the computer-delivered test	Typically within 48 hours	About 2 to 4 weeks	About 2 to 4 weeks
Cost (approx.)	About CA$280 to CA$300 plus tax	About CA$335 to CA$360	About CA$300 to CA$340	Varies by centre, roughly CA$390 for all four sections	Varies by centre, roughly CA$340 to CA$450
Availability	200+ centres across 40+ countries, plus 60+ in Canada	The most widely available, 140+ countries and thousands of centres	500+ centres worldwide, accepted for Express Entry since 2024	Alliance Française and approved centres in Canada, France and worldwide	France Éducation international network in Canada, France and worldwide
Retake	Rebook the next open date, roughly 4 days between sittings	No waiting period. One Skill Retake exists but IRCC does not accept it: send one complete test.	Rebook once you receive your scores, no fixed waiting period	A short waiting period between attempts is common; confirm with your centre	About a 30 day wait between attempts; confirm with your centre
At-home?	No. IRCC needs a test-centre sitting.	No. IELTS Online is not accepted for Express Entry.	No. The at-home edition is not accepted for Express Entry.	No. IRCC needs a test-centre sitting.	No. IRCC needs a test-centre sitting.

Fees and timings are approximate and set by each test provider. Confirm the current details when you book.

What score do you actually need?

Every Express Entry program sets a minimum CLB level. Your level in each ability is the lowest that ability can score, so you have to clear the target in all four.

FSWPFederal Skilled Worker ProgramCLB 7 in all four abilities

The most common Express Entry path for skilled workers. You need CLB 7 in listening, reading, writing and speaking just to qualify, and it also forms part of the points-based eligibility grid.

CECCanadian Experience ClassCLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs

For people with skilled Canadian work experience. The minimum depends on your job category: higher-skilled TEER 0 and 1 roles need CLB 7, while TEER 2 and 3 roles need CLB 5.

FSTPFederal Skilled Trades ProgramCLB 5 speaking and listening, CLB 4 reading and writing

For qualified tradespeople. The bar is lower and split by skill: CLB 5 for the spoken abilities and CLB 4 for the written ones.

The score you need for each CLB level

Pick a target level to see the score it takes on every test, ability by ability.

I want to reach this level in every ability:

CLB / NCLC 9. The sweet spot: unlocks the top language points and the biggest skill-transferability bonuses.

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
CELPIP (EN)	9	9	9	9
IELTS (EN)	8.0	7.0	7.0	7.0
PTE Core (EN)	82–88	78–87	88–89	84–88
TEF (FR)	298–315	248–262	371–392	371–392
TCF (FR)	523–548	524–548	14–15	14–15

These are the scores that map to CLB / NCLC 9 in each ability. Your overall level is your lowest ability, so you need to clear the target in all four. French tests use NCLC, which counts the same as CLB for Express Entry.

Why language is the fastest way to raise your CRS score

Language is the single factor you can change quickest. Higher CLB earns direct points and also unlocks skill-transferability bonuses, so moving from CLB 7 to CLB 9 can be worth 50 or more points once everything adds up.

First-language CRS points, per abilitySingle applicant · up to 34 per ability, 136 total

CLB 10

CLB 9

CLB 8

CLB 7

CLB 6

CLB 5

Each ability scores on its own. CLB 9 nearly doubles the points of CLB 7 before any skill-transfer bonus is added.

The French advantage

French is the highest-value bonus in Express Entry. Reach NCLC 7 in all four French abilities and you earn extra CRS points on top of your language score, plus entry to French-language category draws that often have much lower cut-offs.

+25NCLC 7+ in French with CLB 4 or lower in English (or no English test)

+50NCLC 7+ in French and CLB 5+ in all four English abilities

Want to estimate your full score? Try the CRS calculator.

Full CLB / NCLC equivalency charts

The complete score ranges for every test, based on the official IRCC equivalency charts. Prefer to work backward from your own scores? Use the CLB converter.

CELPIP-General to CLB

CLB	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
CLB 10	10	10	10	10
CLB 9	9	9	9	9
CLB 8	8	8	8	8
CLB 7	7	7	7	7
CLB 6	6	6	6	6
CLB 5	5	5	5	5
CLB 4	4	4	4	4

IELTS General Training to CLB

CLB	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
CLB 10	8.5	8.0	7.5	7.5
CLB 9	8.0	7.0	7.0	7.0
CLB 8	7.5	6.5	6.5	6.5
CLB 7	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0
CLB 6	5.5	5.0	5.5	5.5
CLB 5	5.0	4.0	5.0	5.0
CLB 4	4.5	3.5	4.0	4.0

PTE Core to CLB

CLB	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
CLB 10	89–90	88–90	90	89–90
CLB 9	82–88	78–87	88–89	84–88
CLB 8	71–81	69–77	79–87	76–83
CLB 7	60–70	60–68	69–78	68–75
CLB 6	50–59	51–59	60–68	59–67
CLB 5	39–49	42–50	51–59	51–58
CLB 4	28–38	33–41	41–50	42–50

TEF Canada to CLB / NCLC

CLB / NCLC	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
CLB 10	316–360	263–300	393–450	393–450
CLB 9	298–315	248–262	371–392	371–392
CLB 8	280–297	233–247	349–370	349–370
CLB 7	249–279	207–232	310–348	310–348
CLB 6	217–248	181–206	271–309	271–309
CLB 5	181–216	151–180	226–270	226–270
CLB 4	145–180	121–150	181–225	181–225

TCF Canada to CLB / NCLC

CLB / NCLC	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
CLB 10	549–699	549–699	16–20	16–20
CLB 9	523–548	524–548	14–15	14–15
CLB 8	503–522	499–523	12–13	12–13
CLB 7	458–502	453–498	10–11	10–11
CLB 6	398–457	406–452	7–9	7–9
CLB 5	369–397	375–405	6	6
CLB 4	331–368	342–374	4–5	4–5

The match-ups people actually search for

CELPIP vs IELTS

Both are widely used English tests. CELPIP is fully on computer with Canadian accents and speaking recorded to a microphone, and its levels map straight to CLB. IELTS gives you a live speaking interview, the widest global availability, and half-band scoring you convert to CLB. Choose CELPIP if you like Canadian content and a single computer session; choose IELTS if you want a human examiner or need a centre almost anywhere.

PTE Core vs CELPIP

Both are computer-based English tests with no live examiner. PTE Core is scored by AI and usually returns results within 48 hours, which is the fastest of any accepted test. CELPIP is rated by trained humans and takes several business days, but many find its Canadian scenarios and one-to-one CLB scoring easier to read. Pick PTE Core for speed and consistent scoring; pick CELPIP for familiarity and simple score interpretation.

IELTS vs PTE Core

This comes down to speaking and turnaround. IELTS uses a real examiner and mixed accents; PTE Core records your speaking and scores everything with AI, returning results in about two days. If a live conversation suits you, IELTS wins. If you want the quickest possible result and prefer no examiner, PTE Core wins.

TEF Canada vs TCF Canada

Both French tests convert to the same NCLC level and are worth identical CRS points. TCF Canada is the most commonly booked and uses adaptive multiple choice for listening and reading. TEF Canada gives you clear, separate modules. Decide on format preference and which one your nearest centre offers most often. Just make sure it is the Canada version, not TEF Québec or TCF Québec.

The rules that trip people up

Results last two yearsYour test must be valid when you submit your profile and again when you submit your application after an invitation.

One test, one sittingAll four abilities must come from a single sitting of one test. You cannot mix scores from different tests or dates.

No at-home editionsIRCC needs an official test-centre result. Online or at-home versions such as IELTS Online do not count.

Your weakest ability rulesIRCC does not average your scores. Your overall level is your lowest ability, so lift your weakest skill first.

One English and one French can both countYou cannot mix tests within a language, but you can take one English test and one French test to claim second-language points.

Book the right versionUse IELTS General Training (not Academic), CELPIP-General (not General LS), and the Canada version of TEF or TCF.

Frequently asked questions

Which language tests does IRCC accept for Express Entry?

Five tests. For English: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core. For French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Any one of them gives you a valid result, as long as you take all four abilities in a single sitting.

Does IRCC accept IELTS Academic for Express Entry?

No. Only IELTS General Training is accepted for Express Entry and permanent residence. IELTS Academic is for university admission and does not count, so book the General Training version.

Can I combine two different tests, like IELTS listening with CELPIP reading?

No. All four abilities for one language must come from the same test taken in one sitting. You can, however, take one English test and one French test and claim points for both, since the second official language earns extra CRS points.

Which English test is the easiest?

There is no test that IRCC treats as easier: only your resulting CLB level matters. In practice CELPIP suits people comfortable with Canadian English and recording answers, PTE Core suits people who want fast AI-scored results, and IELTS suits people who prefer a live speaking interview. Pick the format that plays to your strengths.

Which French test is easier, TEF Canada or TCF Canada?

Neither is officially easier. TCF Canada is the most commonly booked and uses adaptive multiple choice for listening and reading. TEF Canada gives you clear, separate modules. Both convert to the same NCLC level and are worth the same CRS points, so choose by format and centre availability.

Do I get more CRS points for French?

Yes. If you reach NCLC 7 in all four French abilities you earn 25 extra CRS points, or 50 extra points if you also have CLB 5 or higher in all four English abilities. French speakers can also enter French-language category draws, which often have much lower score cut-offs.

Is French mandatory for Express Entry?

No. French is optional, but it is one of the highest-value advantages in the system. You still need to meet the minimum in one official language, and adding strong French can add up to 50 CRS points and open category-based draws.

What CLB level do I need for Express Entry?

The minimum is CLB 7 in all four abilities for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and for Canadian Experience Class jobs in TEER 0 or 1. Canadian Experience Class TEER 2 or 3 jobs need CLB 5, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program needs CLB 5 speaking and listening plus CLB 4 reading and writing. Competitive candidates usually aim for CLB 9 or higher because it unlocks far more points.

What score do I need for CLB 9?

CELPIP: level 9 in each ability. IELTS General Training: Listening 8.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Speaking 7.0. PTE Core: roughly 82 in each ability. TEF and TCF have their own NCLC 9 ranges. Use the score converter on this page to see the exact numbers for your test.

What score do I need for CLB 7?

CELPIP: level 7 in each ability. IELTS General Training: 6.0 in each ability. PTE Core: about 60 in each ability. TEF Canada NCLC 7: Reading 207, Listening 249, Writing 310, Speaking 310. TCF Canada NCLC 7: Reading 453 and Listening 458 out of 699, with Writing and Speaking at 10 out of 20.

How long are my test results valid?

Two years from the test date. Your results must still be valid on the day you submit your Express Entry profile and on the day you submit your final application after an invitation, so plan the timing carefully.

Can I take the test online at home for Express Entry?

No. IRCC requires an official test-centre sitting. At-home versions such as IELTS Online are not accepted, and CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF and TCF have no home edition that counts for Express Entry.

Is the IELTS One Skill Retake accepted for Express Entry?

No. For Express Entry you must submit a full result with all four abilities from one sitting. The One Skill Retake, where you redo a single section, is not accepted for Express Entry.

How many times can I retake the test?

There is no IRCC limit on attempts, and you can use your best result while it is still valid rather than the most recent one. Each test provider sets its own waiting period between sittings, from a few days for CELPIP to about 30 days for TCF Canada.

If I retake and score lower, which result counts?

You can keep using an earlier, stronger result as long as it is less than two years old. The result you enter in your profile must be accurate, since giving false information to IRCC is treated as misrepresentation.

Is PTE Core accepted for every Express Entry program?

Yes. IRCC began accepting PTE Core in early 2024 for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program and for CRS scoring.

Which test gives results the fastest?

PTE Core is usually fastest, with results typically within 48 hours. IELTS computer-delivered results take a few days, CELPIP takes several business days, and the French tests can take a few weeks.

Which test is the cheapest?

CELPIP is often the most affordable English option at roughly CA$280 to CA$300 plus tax. IELTS and the French tests generally cost more. Fees are set by each test centre and change, so confirm the current price when you book.

What is the difference between CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS?

CELPIP-General tests all four abilities and is the one you need for Express Entry. CELPIP-General LS covers only listening and speaking and is used for Canadian citizenship, so it does not work for Express Entry.

How do I send my results to IRCC?

You enter your scores when you build your Express Entry profile, then upload the same valid result with your application after an invitation. CELPIP and PTE Core can share results electronically, IELTS uses your Test Report Form number, and TEF and TCF use the certificate and attestation number.

Does IRCC average my four scores?

No. Each ability is scored on its own and your overall level is your weakest ability, not an average. That is why it usually pays to spend extra practice on your lowest section.

Which tests have a human speaking examiner?

IELTS, TEF Canada and TCF Canada use a live examiner for speaking. CELPIP records your answers to a computer and has them rated by trained humans afterward, while PTE Core is scored by AI.

What is the difference between TEF Canada and TEF Québec?

TEF Canada and TCF Canada are for federal programs including Express Entry. TEFAQ, TEF Québec and TCF Québec are for Quebec immigration programs and do not count for Express Entry, so make sure you book the Canada version.

Which test should I choose?

Start with the language you are strongest in, then pick the format that fits you: a fully computer test with recorded speaking (CELPIP or PTE Core), a live speaking interview (IELTS), or a French test for bonus points (TEF or TCF). Try the exam picker near the top of this page for a personalised suggestion.

Free immigration tools

Planning for Canada? These quick tools help you check where you stand.

CLB ConverterConvert IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, TEF or TCF scores to a CLB level.CRS CalculatorEstimate your Express Entry points in seconds.

Pick your test, then hit your target CLB

Practise with realistic CELPIP, PTE Core, IELTS, TEF and TCF mock exams and get instant AI feedback on your writing and speaking. Free to start, no credit card.

No credit card

Free forever plan

Unlimited practice questions

Start Practising Free