How to Calculate CELPIP Band Score?

Candidates for skilled worker immigration to Canada through Express Entry are ranked using the Canada Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points calculator. They receive a score from the CRS based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Other than IELTS, the CELPIP is the only English language test that the CRS will accept as proof of language proficiency. Thus, knowing how to calculate CELPIP band score and achieving a good score is crucial for attaining Canadian permanent residency and citizenship.

In this blog, we will discuss how CELPIP scores are calculated and how these scores reflect the language proficiency of test takers.

CELPIP Band Score Table

CELPIP is administered globally by Paragon Testing Enterprises, and the CELPIP test format is divided into four sections: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Each module is scored individually on a scale of 1-12, with 12 representing advanced proficiency and 1 indicating minimal proficiency. 

The CELPIP band score system provides a clear reflection of language ability across four components. The table below shows the band-to-CLB comparison.

Note: ‘M’ means the test taker did not attempt enough of the section or performed below level 3.

Module-by-Module CELPIP Band Score Breakdown

Each module of the CELPIP General Test is scored using distinct criteria. Let us look at how each of the four skills - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking - is assessed to calculate the overall band score in CELPIP.

CELPIP Listening Score

• There are 38 scored questions on the CELPIP Listening module, and there can be a few unmarked questions as well. 
• The format of every CELPIP Listening question is multiple-choice or one that is comparable to it. The marks and level of difficulty vary for each question.
• Every response to a listening question on the CELPIP is given a dichotomous rating: it is either correct or incorrect. Questions that are left unanswered receive an incorrect rating. 
• The computer is used to score every test paper. The total number of marks and the level of difficulty of the questions are used by the computer to determine your CELPIP level. 
• As the difficulty of the questions varies, CELPIP sometimes assigns different grades for the same number of correct answers. Therefore, answering challenging questions earns you more points than answering simpler ones. 

CELPIP Reading Score

• Along with the 38 questions that are scored for the CELPIP Reading task, there can be one secret, unscored question as well. 
• There are no failing grades. Therefore, it is advised that you solve all the questions.
• Each question carries a different set of marks and level of difficulty. As a result, answering difficult questions results in more points than answering simple ones.
• Your CELPIP Level is calculated by the computer using the number of points and the complexity of the questions.

CELPIP Writing Score

• Your CELPIP Writing band score is scored based on four criteria: Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, and Task Fulfillment.
• At least 4 independent raters from Paragon Testing review your CELPIP writing module answers before the final grading. They undergo review to reach a final score after the rating is complete. 
• Each aspect is scored by the raters by looking for concrete evidence in the test taker’s writing that corresponds to the descriptions in the rating scale.
• A benchmark rater is automatically appointed to reevaluate the task if the ratings differ.

CELPIP Speaking Score

• The CELPIP Speaking band score is scored based on four criteria: Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability, and Task Fulfillment.
• Three impartial Paragon Testing raters examine the CELPIP speaking assignments before determining the final grade.
• Each examiner will offer a score for each based on the five categories of performance assessment and performance descriptors.  
• If there is no consensus, a benchmark rater will decide on the final score for this module.

Benchmarking 

A final rating from the benchmark rater will be taken into consideration in order to bring the ratings collected by all the raters into consensus. However, benchmark raters evaluate performance accuracy without knowing the initial rating. Most significantly, they base their choice on their prior knowledge. A final CELPIP score is then proposed.

How is the CELPIP Overall Band Score Determined? 

Besides knowing what each CELPIP band score means and how to score the module-specific marks, it is also important to know how to calculate the overall band score in CELPIP.

CELPIP introduced an ‘Average Score’ (mean of all four modules) in 2023, but this is informational only and not used for official purposes.

Your average CELPIP band score is the minimum level in any of the four modules. For instance, the final CELPIP level for a test taker with levels of 6, 7, 7, and 8 in four CELPIP modules will be 6.

However, it is important to note that CELPIP does not calculate an official overall or average score for immigration or academic use. IRCC and other institutions consider the minimum required score for each skill separately, so your overall eligibility depends on your lowest individual band. 

To sum up, having a high CELPIP score and rating can help you have a greater chance of advancing your professional career and attaining a visa and PR for Canada. Practice with realistic difficulty-adjusted listening/reading tests to match computer scoring and understand the rubrics for writing/speaking; practice task fulfillment strategically. Moreover, the passing scores depend on the requirements of the school to which you are applying or the minimum score requirements for CRS. So, check the required CELPIP band score you need to achieve to fulfill your dreams in Canada.

Useful Links:

• IELTS vs CELPIP – All You Need To Know
• Intakes in Canada 2025-26: Deadlines, Process and Universities
• Study Permit – Canada | Complete Process Guide, Eligibility and Requirements
• Canada PR
• Best Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada 2025