Understand the requirements · Free guide
Which language tests does Express Entry accept?
IELTS General or Academic? CELPIP or PTE? Find the accepted test versions, understand CLB and NCLC, and see how validity works.
No account needed · Sources reviewed
The short answer
For Express Entry, IRCC accepts CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core for English, and TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French. The exact test version matters.
Source: IRCC: Express Entry language test results (opens in a new tab) · IRCC: Compare Express Entry requirements (opens in a new tab)Reviewed .
The name on the test matters.
This page covers Express Entry. Other immigration and study programs have their own requirements.
| Language | Accepted version | Common mix-up |
|---|---|---|
| English | CELPIP-General | Not General LS |
| English | IELTS General Training | Not Academic |
| English | PTE Core | Not PTE Academic |
| French | TEF Canada | The Canada version |
| French | TCF Canada | The Canada version |
Source: IRCC: Express Entry language test results (opens in a new tab)Reviewed .
A test score and a language benchmark differ.
CLB measures English; NCLC measures French. Results are assessed across speaking, listening, reading and writing. Use IRCC’s conversion tables for the specific test.
Minimum levels depend on the program
- Canadian Experience Class: benchmark 7 for TEER 0–1; benchmark 5 for TEER 2–3.
- Federal Skilled Worker: benchmark 7 in all four abilities for the first official language.
- Federal Skilled Trades: benchmark 5 in speaking/listening and 4 in reading/writing.
These are language minimums, not all program conditions. Meeting them does not establish overall eligibility or an invitation.
Source: IRCC: Compare Express Entry requirements (opens in a new tab) · IRCC: Express Entry language test results (opens in a new tab)Reviewed .
Validity matters at two stages.
Results must be less than two years old when completing an Express Entry profile and when submitting the permanent residence application.
Source: IRCC: Express Entry language test results (opens in a new tab)Reviewed .
A few useful distinctions.
Does Express Entry accept IELTS One Skill Retake?
No. IRCC’s Express Entry language-test page excludes IELTS One Skill Retake.
Is one accepted test better for my immigration result?
This guide lists accepted versions and published requirements. It does not rank tests or predict an immigration outcome.
Will my PR Roadmap profile validate my test scores?
Current automated checks record whether a test is present; they do not yet verify score sufficiency or expiry. The official requirements and conversion tables remain necessary.
Source: IRCC: Express Entry language test results (opens in a new tab)Reviewed .
Read the official sources
This is a general explanation. Published rules can change; use the current IRCC pages for the full requirements.
- IRCC: Express Entry language test results (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Compare Express Entry requirements (opens in a new tab)
Reviewed November 3, 2026. Educational information, not advice about your case.