The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) in French, comprise a 12-point scale of task-based language proficiency descriptors used to guide the teaching and assessment of ESL learners in Canada.
Descriptor: Write a paragraph to relate a familiar sequence of events, description of a person, object or routine.
Because such descriptor systems focus on the successful completion of communicative tasks, rather than on a strict emphasis on correct linguistic forms, they have quickly gained in popularity among proponents of task-based language learning (TBLL).
The CLB grew out of a federal government initiative undertaken in 1992, to support the language learning needs of immigrants to the country.
It was the culmination of years of work by dozens of experts, and has since steadily grown in popularity with students, teachers and institutions.
The CLB/NCLC theory was validated against the Common European Framework for Language, the ACTEFL and the Quebec version of the benchmarks.
A set of benchmarks for literacy learners who have English as a second language was first developed in 1996 and revised in 2000 by the Government of Manitoba.
Federal Skilled Workers are expected to have a minimum CLB level 7 score in order to be eligible for immigration.