Contents
The official TCF Canada → CLB/NCLC chart
TCF Canada reports listening and reading on a 100–699 scale and speaking and writing on a 0–20 scale. IRCC converts each score to a level:
458
listening for CLB 7
453
reading for CLB 7
10/20
speaking & writing for CLB 7
| CLB / NCLC | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 549–699 | 549–699 | 16–20 | 16–20 |
| 9 | 523–548 | 524–548 | 14–15 | 14–15 |
| 8 | 503–522 | 499–523 | 12–13 | 12–13 |
| 7 | 458–502 | 453–498 | 10–11 | 10–11 |
| 6 | 398–457 | 406–452 | 7–9 | 7–9 |
| 5 | 369–397 | 375–405 | 6 | 6 |
| 4 | 331–368 | 342–374 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
TEF Canada → CLB/NCLC chart
For TEF Canada, IRCC tells you to use the “Équivalence ancien score” column on your results, not the score out of 699.
| CLB / NCLC | Reading | Listening | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 263–300 | 316–360 | 393–450 | 393–450 |
| 9 | 248–262 | 298–315 | 371–392 | 371–392 |
| 8 | 233–247 | 280–297 | 349–370 | 349–370 |
| 7 | 207–232 | 249–279 | 310–348 | 310–348 |
| 6 | 181–206 | 217–248 | 271–309 | 271–309 |
| 5 | 151–180 | 181–216 | 226–270 | 226–270 |
| 4 | 121–150 | 145–180 | 181–225 | 181–225 |
“The chart doesn't care about your average. It reads each skill on its own.”
Which level do you actually need?
| Program | Minimum level |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry) | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four skills |
| Express Entry French-language proficiency draws | NCLC 7 in all four skills, in French |
| Canadian Experience Class — TEER 0 or 1 job | CLB/NCLC 7 |
| Canadian Experience Class — TEER 2 or 3 job | CLB/NCLC 5 |
| Federal Skilled Trades | CLB/NCLC 5 speaking & listening, 4 reading & writing |
| Francophone Mobility work permit | NCLC 5 in speaking and listening |
| Canadian citizenship (ages 18–54) | CLB/NCLC 4 in speaking and listening |
Want to know how many CRS points French can add? Read How French Can Add Up to 50 CRS Points. Not sure where you stand yet? Here is how to take a free practice test the right way.
Your weakest skill decides
Programs that require “CLB 7 in all four skills” look at your lowest result. Scores of CLB 9, 9, 9 and 6 do not average out to CLB 8 — they fail the requirement. Put your preparation time where you are closest to the cut-off.
Find your CLB level for free
Take a full TCF Canada practice series and get an estimated CLB/NCLC for every skill.
Newsletter
One email a week to pass the TCF
Join 2,000+ candidates who get our weekly current-affairs topics and exam tips.
No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.
Frequently asked questions
What TCF Canada score is CLB 7?
CLB/NCLC 7 on TCF Canada requires at least 458 in listening, 453 in reading, and 10 out of 20 in both speaking and writing.
What TCF Canada score is CLB 9?
CLB/NCLC 9 requires 523 in listening, 524 in reading, and 14 out of 20 in speaking and writing.
Is NCLC the same as CLB?
Yes, for immigration purposes. NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) is the French-language benchmark and CLB is the English one. IRCC uses them the same way.
How long are TCF Canada results valid for Express Entry?
Results must be less than two years old when you create your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence.
Official sources
About the author
Daniel Maurise
French coach — France, DELF and English-speaking candidates
Works with Felix Academy learners heading to France, preparing DELF or DALF, and English-speaking candidates.
Did this article help?
Comments(0)
