Moving Abroad

Express Entry Language Test Requirements: Accepted Tests and Minimum Levels

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Which language tests are accepted?
  2. What are the minimum levels?
  3. How long are results valid?
  4. What if a disability prevents you from completing a section?
  5. Do you need a test even if English is your first language?
  6. Common mistakes
  7. FAQ
    1. Can I use a test taken abroad?
    2. Where does my score go?
  8. Key takeaways
  9. Related guides
  10. Sources

Quick answer: For Express Entry you must take an approved language test: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training or PTE Core for English, or TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. Results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you apply. Minimum levels depend on the program and, for the Canadian Experience Class, on your job’s TEER category.

Which language tests are accepted?

Language Approved tests
English CELPIP-General; IELTS General Training (not the IELTS One Skill Retake); PTE Core
French TEF Canada; TCF Canada

You schedule the test with an agency approved by IRCC, pay the costs, and enter the results in your Express Entry profile.

What are the minimum levels?

IRCC measures English with the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and French with the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).

Program Minimum
Canadian Experience Class, TEER 0 or 1 jobs CLB 7 / NCLC 7 in all four abilities
Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or 3 jobs CLB 5 / NCLC 5 in all four abilities
Federal Skilled Worker Program, first official language CLB 7 / NCLC 7 in all four abilities
Federal Skilled Worker Program, second official language CLB or NCLC 5
Federal Skilled Trades Program Speaking and listening CLB/NCLC 5; reading and writing CLB/NCLC 4

How long are results valid?

Your test results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and again when you submit your permanent residence application. If results will expire before you can apply, you can be tested again, apply before they expire, or decline the invitation and return to the pool. IRCC will refuse an application that uses expired results.

What if a disability prevents you from completing a section?

If you can’t complete one or more sections because of a disability, use IRCC’s language averaging tool for those abilities, unless the language organization already gave averaged scores. IRCC verifies both the averaged scores and your test results.

Do you need a test even if English is your first language?

Yes. IRCC’s score calculator states that you need results less than two years old for all Express Entry programs, even if English or French is your first language.

Common mistakes

  • Booking IELTS Academic instead of General Training, or CELPIP-LS instead of CELPIP-General.
  • Using the IELTS One Skill Retake, which isn’t accepted.
  • Letting results lapse before you are invited.
  • Not checking which TEER category your job falls into.

FAQ

Can I use a test taken abroad?

Yes, if it is an approved test from an approved agency and the results are still valid.

Where does my score go?

Into your Express Entry profile, plus the test report form or certificate number and PIN if the system asks. See our Express Entry guide and CRS score guide.

Key takeaways

  • Five approved tests, two for French and three for English.
  • Minimum levels vary by program and, for CEC, by TEER.
  • Results expire after 2 years.

Last updated: October 2026. General information, not immigration advice. Check current rules on the IRCC website.

Sources

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Language test results (Express Entry)

Keep reading