Proficiency Levels and their Descriptors
The scoring of all components of the CELPIP-General test and the Listening and Speaking components of the CELPIP-Academic test are based on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
Below are the proficiency score levels and their Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Equivalencies.
CELPIP Proficiency Index Level |
CELPIP Levels & CLB Equivalencies |
Level 5 |
Effective Proficiency – CLB 9 and 10
Demonstrates fluent competency in a number of complex communications tasks. Comprehension and organizational skills allow for facility in both personal and professional contexts. Occasional errors in expression and structure do not detract from coherent articulation of ideas. |
Level 4H |
Adequate Proficiency – CLB 8
In addition to 4 Low tasks: Demonstrates adequate competency in expression and comprehension. Organization and structure are satisfactory in communications of moderate length. Errors are infrequent although still evident. More complex communications tasks indicate some awkwardness. |
Level 4L |
Adequate Proficiency – CLB 7
Demonstrates adequate performance with moderately complex expression and comprehension. Uses more intricate phrasing with clarifying detail to effect efficient communication although some errors in diction and grammar are evident. Moderate to satisfactory fluency but still has some awkward expressions. Some difficulty in organization and structure. |
Level 3H |
Developing Proficiency – CLB 6
In addition to 3 Low tasks: Demonstrates familiarity with moderately complex expression and comprehension. Handles everyday tasks well, but still has difficulties with idiomatic or complex constructions. May attempt longer forms of communication, but expression errors are still a feature. |
Level 3L |
Developing Proficiency – CLB 5
Demonstrates rudimentary skills in expression and comprehension. Can write, speak, and understand short but increasingly complex information although has difficulty with complex phrasing and expressions. |
Level 2H |
Minimal Proficiency – CLB 4In addition to 2 Low tasks: Demonstrates an ability to communicate in sentences and tenses to provide straightforward descriptions and narration of events in the context of personal experience. Uses simple and coordinated sentences. Can perform simple exchanges in terms of comprehension and provide feedback, but many expression errors are still evident. |
Level 2L |
Minimal Proficiency – CLB 3
Demonstrates the ability to express some ideas within the simplest of familiar contexts. Can write short messages or fill out simplified forms, but many errors in grammar, diction, spelling, and idiom. Needs frequent repetitions to comprehend sounds, words, and sentences. Can use simple sentences in writing and speaking. |
Level 1 |
No Proficiency – CLB 1 and 2
Demonstrates very limited knowledge of language: most words are unfamiliar. Demonstrates major difficulties with diction, spelling conventions, and sounds. Can copy or imitate very simple information, but with insufficient comprehension or communication skills. |
Level 0 |
Did not attempt or insufficient information to assess |