The "Magic Number" for Permanent Residency
If you are applying for Express Entry in 2026, you likely have one goal: CLB 9. In the CELPIP General test, "CLB 9" allows you to claim maximum language points for immigration. But because the Reading and Listening sections contain 38 questions, test-takers often panic when they see a raw score like "30/38."
Is that a pass? Or a retake?
Here is the estimated breakdown based on official CELPIP practice materials and 2026 test data.
2026 CELPIP Raw Score Conversion Chart (Estimates)
Note: The Reading and Listening sections usually contain 38 scored questions. (There may be un-scored pilot questions included in your test, making the total question count higher, but your score is based on 38).
Raw Score (out of 38) | CELPIP Level | CLB Level | Immigration Status |
|---|---|---|---|
35 – 38 | Level 10 – 12 | CLB 10+ | Gold Standard (Max Points) |
33 – 35 | Level 9 | The "Magic" Target | |
30 – 33 | Level 8 | CLB 8 | Competitive |
27 – 31 | Level 7 | Minimum for FSWP | |
22 – 28 | Level 6 | CLB 6 | CEC (NOC TEER 2/3) |
17 – 23 | Level 5 | CLB 5 | Citizenship (Listening/Speaking) |
Citizenship (Listening/Speaking)
(Source: Derived from official practice test scoring guides [Source 127])
Why Is There an Overlap? (e.g., 33 could be Level 8 or 9)
You will notice that a score of 33 appears in both Level 8 and Level 9. Why? Paragon Testing Enterprises (the test maker) uses a process called "Score Equating" [Source 191].
• Harder Test Versions: If you get a difficult reading passage, a 33 might scale up to a Level 9.
• Easier Test Versions: If you get an easier passage, you might need a 34 or 35 to hit that same Level 9.
The Strategy: Do not aim for the edge. If you are consistently scoring 33 on mock tests, you are in the "Danger Zone." You need to target 35/38 in practice to guarantee a CLB 9 on test day.
The "Hidden" Calculation for Writing and Speaking
While Reading and Listening have clear "right or wrong" answers, Writing and Speaking do not. You cannot calculate a raw score for them yourself.
• The Trap: Many students use ChatGPT to grade their writing. Be careful. ChatGPT often grades generically. It does not strictly follow the CELPIP Performance Standards (Content, Vocabulary, Readability, Task Fulfillment) [Source 195].
• The Solution: You need a scorer trained on the specific CLB rubrics.
How to Move from "Calculating" to "Improving"
Stop obsessing over the calculator and start building the skills to push your score higher.
1. Diagnose with Volume: Take a full-length mock exam. If your raw score is 28, you are a solid CLB 7. You need ~5 more correct answers to hit CLB 9.
2. Identify the "Bleed" Points: In Reading, most candidates lose points in Part 3 (Reading for Information) because they can’t match "synonyms" fast enough.
3. Use Predictive AI: Unlike a simple calculator, the AI on CelpipPracticeTest.com analyzes your Mock Exam performance to predict your actual CLB level with high accuracy. It doesn't just count correct answers; it simulates the difficulty weighting.
Stop guessing your future. Take a full, timed mock exam today and get your exact CLB prediction instantly. Start Free Mock Exam at CelpipPracticeTest.com
