Completed Projects
Explore CCLB’s Completed Work and Resources
Explore CCLB’s completed projects, past initiatives, research activities, and sector resources in one organized place. This section highlights work that has supported language learning, assessment, professional development, and the use of Canadian Language Benchmarks across different programs and communities.
2025 National Consultation Survey
Participate in the National Consultation Survey to modernize the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) The Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB), conducted by Pivotal Research Inc., an independent Canadian research firm, is seeking input from language professionals, educators, administrators, and other stakeholders through a National Consultation Survey on modernizing the CLB. Purpose of the survey The survey aims to: Explore how the CLB/NCLC frameworks are used, understood, and integrated. Identify opportunities for improvement and innovation to better reflect the diverse realities of learners and practitioners. The survey takes about 15–20 minutes to complete and is recommended to be done in one
2025 National Consultation on the CLB/NCLC
The CCLB has been funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to update the national language frameworks: CLB: ESL for Adults, CLB: ESL for ALL, NCLC : Français langue seconde pour adultes, NCLC : FLS pour AMA. The update will be about modernizing the CLB/NCLC. It is not a review of the theoretical foundations or a revalidation of the frameworks. We will not be re-considering the model of communicative language ability, the number of stages or levels. We will be reviewing how we can modernize the content, including making it more user-friendly, more accessible to more users and potential users,
CLIC Survey Results
As part of the National CLIC Curriculum projects, we conducted national Surveys among CLIC stakeholders from July to September of 2024. The surveys were conducted on a voluntary basis among CLIC Language Service Providers and the data presented is self-reported by the surveyed instructors and learners. Find out what the results were by watching these videos: Download (PDF, 16.74MB) Download (PDF, 18.76MB)
Assigning or removing the L for literacy designation
Report - Assigning or Removing L for literacy designation 2024Download
Benchmarked Competency Exams
Benchmarked Competency Exams Red Seal Trades Language Benchmarking of Red Seal Trades Project 2012 Analysis of Red Seal Trades’ Exam Questions 2011 Analysis of Red Seal Trades’ Exam Questions
Test Development
CLB Test Development The following are tests developed by CCLB: Low Stakes CLBPT CLBPA (in collaboration with Achēv) BTC-NCLC CLB-LPT BTC-AMA WLA Online Self-Assessment (in collaboration with Achēv) Autoévaluation en ligne NCLC (in collaboration with Achēv) CELBAN™ Readiness Self-Assessment High Stakes CELBAN™ ECLAB Milestones (for IRCC) BTR-NCLC (for IRCC)
Benchmarked Professions
Nursing CELBAN is a test of language proficiency for internationally educated nurses (IENs) who have completed their nursing education in another country and who speak English as a second language. It was developed in 2004 by the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB) in consultation with members of the nursing community from regulatory bodies, associations, unions, nursing refresher programs as well as IENs. It was designed to ease the nursing shortage in Canada by providing access to the pool of IENs who arrived in Canada but encountered obstacles to obtaining employment, such as: Recognition of international credentials Relevant assessment of
Evaluation of the use of PBLA with Literacy Learners
Evaluation-of-the-use-of-PBLA-with-Literacy-Learners-Research-Final-ReportDownload
Overview of CLB and NCLC competency levels
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National consultation on the CLB 2000 and NCLC 2006
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Aligning CLB and CEFR
The recent research report, “Aligning the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)”, by Dr. Brian North and Dr. Enrica Piccardo, is now available. The report has implications for the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).
Evaluation of the Portfolio Based Language Assessment (PBLA)
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CLB and Essential Skills Comparative Framework
CLB and Essential Skills Research Research done by CCLB: Stewart G., Geraci K., and Dr. Nagy, P., “Essential Skills and Canadian Language Benchmarks: Considerations in comparing conceptual framewroks” Essential Skills and CLB Considerations in comparing conceptual frameworks , May 2004 Stewart G., Geraci K., and Dr. Nagy, P., “CLB – ES Comparative Framework: Report on Responses from the Field” CLB ES Comparative Framework- Report on Responses from the Field , July 2005 Stewart G., InQuire Consulting, and Dr. Nagy, P., “Canadian Language Benchmarks Oral Communication Validation” CLB – ES Speaking Validation , March 2006 Stewart G., Geraci K., and Dr.
ELT Research Project – What’s Already Out There?
ELT Research Project – What’s Already Out There? The ELT research project, conducted in 2004, uncovered significant gaps in the delivery of language training for newcomers with advanced language skills. These gaps differ from province to province, and from large urban to smaller centre delivery. Notable was the lack of resources and supports for language training programs to do the work they have identified as key to immigrant success. These research findings support the need for the ELT Initiative. The following sections of this report describe the project findings: CCLB ELT Research Project Methodology describes the approach to the project work, including
Benchmarking the English Language Demands of the Nursing Profession Across Canada
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Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
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CanTEST Benchmark Table
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An Examination of the Validity of the Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test
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