What is the Significance of the Canadian Language Benchmarks, CLB?

visamintdigital Dec 30, 2021 02:02 1637 0

Canadian Language Benchmark or the CLB is the yardstick to measure your language proficiency if you apply for a PR in Canada. The higher CLB assures you a greater possibility of obtaining a PR.

You already know the exams you need to take, such as IELTS and CELPIP, to demonstrate your language proficiency. However, your scores in these standardized proficiency tests will be converted to descriptive scales as spelled out by the CLB, and your language proficiency for the Permanent Residence (PR) will be assessed.

This blog will see the difference between the CELPIP, IELTS, and CEFR and learn how the scores reflect on CLB while attesting to your suitability for PR.

What is CLB?

Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) is the national standard proficiency scale used in Canada to gauge your language skills. The CLB helps the Immigration Department judge your suitability for specific occupations in Canada.

CLB undertakes a highly scientific and analytical method to deem your suitability to undertake meaningful occupation in Canada whose official language is English other than French. The CLB was first launched in the year 1996 and since that time has been giving the most accurate analysis of language proficiency of immigration aspirants. There are two versions of CLB- the English and the French version.

The CLB standard has a 12-point proficiency scale mainly used to assess, describe, and measure one’s proficiency in all English skills such as reading, listening, speaking, and writing. It also reflects one’s abilities and the progression of English language knowledge among the skills.

CLB is not a separate proficiency test. It only assesses your language proficiency from the scores you get in IELTS and CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) against the backdrop of Canadian language standards. It would help if you sat back after submitting your proficiency scores as mentioned above and waited for the CLB to evaluate your suitability alongside the criterion that the Canadian Immigration Department has set.

The following tables will help you capture the essence of CLB:

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)

CLB Level

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training – Test score equivalency chart

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

So, one can generally understand that the language proficiency benchmark need not be the same for all occupations. It might differ employment per se. For instance, Doctors' language proficiency will be evaluated against higher proficiency compared to Plumbers. This is based on the level of interactions and the quality specific to different professions.

To know more about the CLB and get perfectly trained on IELTS to qualify for the benchmark set, walk into VisaMint Overseas Services and talk to our Canadian Immigration Experts and our highly experienced IELTS trainers. You will always get impeccable counseling from us.

If you cannot make it to our office, you can also message us on WhatsApp or leave us a message, and we will be at your service sooner than you could imagine.