Contents
The short answer
On the TCF (tout public, Canada, Québec or IRN), B2 means a score of 400 to 499 points in the comprehension papers, and 10 to 13 out of 20 in the production papers.
400–499
in listening and reading
10–13/20
in speaking and writing
If you are preparing to immigrate, do not stop there. "B2" is a European label; Canada reads your results in CLB, and Québec in Échelle québécoise levels. The same score can be "B2", "CLB 6" and "level 7" at the same time. The three charts below keep those apart.
Chart 1 — TCF levels in comprehension (listening and reading)
| Score (out of 699) | CEFR level | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 100–199 | A1 | You understand familiar words and very simple sentences. |
| 200–299 | A2 | You understand short messages about everyday matters. |
| 300–399 | B1 | You catch the main point of clear speech on a familiar topic. |
| 400–499 | B2 | You understand lectures, opinion pieces and most broadcasts. |
| 500–599 | C1 | You understand long, demanding texts and what they imply. |
| 600–699 | C2 | You understand virtually everything you read or hear, effortlessly. |
Chart 2 — TCF marks in production (speaking and writing)
| Mark (out of 20) | CEFR level |
|---|---|
| 1–3 | A1 |
| 4–5 | A2 |
| 6–9 | B1 |
| 10–13 | B2 |
| 14 and above | C1 to C2 |
Chart 3 — TCF B2 in CLB (Canada) and Échelle québécoise
This is where immigration files are won or lost. The table below crosses the three systems for the TCF Canada, from the official IRCC and MIFI tables.
| TCF score | CEFR | Federal CLB (IRCC) | Échelle québécoise (MIFI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening 400–457 | B2 | CLB 6 | Levels 7–8 |
| Listening 458–499 | B2 | CLB 7 | Levels 7–8 |
| Reading 400–405 | B2 | CLB 5 | Levels 7–8 |
| Reading 406–452 | B2 | CLB 6 | Levels 7–8 |
| Reading 453–499 | B2 | CLB 7 (8 from 499) | Levels 7–8 |
| Speaking / writing 10–11 | B2 | CLB 7 | Levels 7–8 |
| Speaking / writing 12–13 | B2 | CLB 8 | Levels 7–8 |
“B2 is only a label. For immigration, the exact number is all that counts.”
What score should you aim for? It depends on your plan
| Your goal | Minimum to aim for |
|---|---|
| French naturalisation | B2: 400 in comprehension, 10/20 in production |
| French resident card | B1: 300 in comprehension, 6/20 in production |
| Express Entry (federal) | CLB 7: listening 458, reading 453, speaking 10, writing 10 |
| Francophone Express Entry draws | CLB 7 in all four skills |
| Québec PSTQ (skilled stream) | Level 7 in speaking, level 5 in writing |
| Canadian citizenship | CLB 4 in speaking and listening: listening 331, speaking 4 |
For the exact conversion table, see the TCF Canada score chart.
Aim 30 points above the threshold — here is why
On the day, stress, an unfamiliar accent in a recording or a disorienting writing prompt can cost you 20 to 40 points compared with your best practice runs. Our candidates who hit their target first time almost all share one thing: their mock exams cleared the threshold by at least 30 points in comprehension and at least 1 mark in production.
Your safety margin in listening
- 400B2 starts — but only CLB 6
- 458CLB 7: the threshold
- target488Your practice target
- 523CLB 9
- 1
Measure your real level
Sit a full timed series — not isolated exercises. The free trial gives two series in the official format.
- 2
Find the skill closest to the threshold
That is where each hour of work pays most.
- 3
Work on method, not only language
Timing, reading the instructions, structuring the tasks: our plan How to reach B2 in French covers it all.
Felix Academy practice packs
Measure your gap to B2
40 complete series to track your comprehension scores and production marks until you clear the threshold with margin.
- 40 full series: listening, reading, writing, speaking
- Audio transcripts and detailed answer keys
- Writing and speaking topics with model answers
- AI writing simulator (15 sessions)
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Frequently asked questions
What is a B2 score on the TCF?
B2 is a score of 400 to 499 out of 699 in listening and reading, and a mark of 10 to 13 out of 20 in speaking and writing.
What is the TCF level chart?
In comprehension: A1 = 100–199, A2 = 200–299, B1 = 300–399, B2 = 400–499, C1 = 500–599, C2 = 600–699. In production (out of 20): A1 = 1–3, A2 = 4–5, B1 = 6–9, B2 = 10–13, C1 and above = 14 and over.
Does TCF B2 equal CLB 7?
Not always. In production, 10 or 11 out of 20 is both B2 and CLB 7. In listening you need 458 for CLB 7, while B2 starts at 400 — so a B2 between 400 and 457 is only CLB 6.
What is the TCF equivalence in Québec?
According to the MIFI table, 400 to 499 in comprehension and 10 to 13 in production correspond to levels 7–8 of the Échelle québécoise, that is B2. Levels 5–6 correspond to 300–399 and 6–9/20 (B1).
Official sources
About the author
Akono Germy
TCF & TEF Canada coach — method and production skills
Coaches Felix Academy candidates for TCF and TEF Canada on exam method, writing and speaking.
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