Free tool
TEF and TCF to NCLC calculator: French scores, IRCC levels.
Enter your TEF Canada or TCF Canada results to see the NCLC level for each ability. NCLC is the French counterpart of CLB, and IRCC reads the two the same way.
TEF Canada · TCF Canada · Listening · Reading · Writing · Speaking · NCLC 4 to 10
Convert your French test scores to NCLC
Pick your test, type in your four scores, and see the benchmark level for each ability plus the programmes you would meet.
Conversion tables checked against IRCC on 11 November 2026. General information only, not legal advice — confirm the requirement for your own programme on canada.ca. IRCC makes all final decisions.
Quick answers
The French scores people ask about most.
Each ability converts on its own, and your lowest ability decides your overall level.
- NCLC 7 on TEF CanadaR 207 · W 310 · L 249 · S 310
Minimums in each ability, using the Équivalence ancien score.
- NCLC 7 on TCF CanadaR 453 · W 10 · L 458 · S 10
Minimums in each ability. Writing and speaking are out of 20.
- NCLC 9 on TEF CanadaR 248 · W 371 · L 298 · S 371
Minimums in each ability, using the Équivalence ancien score.
- NCLC 9 on TCF CanadaR 524 · W 14 · L 523 · S 14
Minimums in each ability.
Reference
The IRCC charts, in full.
Minimum score for each NCLC level, shown as reading, writing, listening and speaking.
TEF Canada
Your test ·French · Équivalence ancien score: reading out of 300, writing out of 450, listening out of 360, speaking out of 450.| NCLC level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 263-300 | 393-450 | 316-360 | 393-450 |
| 9 | 248-262 | 371-392 | 298-315 | 371-392 |
| 8 | 233-247 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 349-370 |
| 7 | 207-232 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 310-348 |
| 6 | 181-206 | 271-309 | 217-248 | 271-309 |
| 5 | 151-180 | 226-270 | 181-216 | 226-270 |
| 4 | 121-150 | 181-225 | 145-180 | 181-225 |
TCF Canada
Your test ·French · Reading and listening are out of 699; writing and speaking are out of 20.| NCLC level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 549-699 | 16-20 | 549-699 | 16-20 |
| 9 | 524-548 | 14-15 | 523-548 | 14-15 |
| 8 | 499-523 | 12-13 | 503-522 | 12-13 |
| 7 | 453-498 | 10-11 | 458-502 | 10-11 |
| 6 | 406-452 | 7-9 | 398-457 | 7-9 |
| 5 | 375-405 | 6 | 369-397 | 6 |
| 4 | 342-374 | 4-5 | 331-368 | 4-5 |
Source: IRCC, Express Entry: Language test results. Checked against IRCC on 11 November 2026.
What it opens
Where your NCLC level decides the outcome.
The minimum language level for the programmes our clients ask about most.
- NCLC 7+in all four abilitiesFederal Skilled Worker; Canadian Experience Class for TEER 0 or 1 jobs; PGWP after a university degree.
- NCLC 5+in all four abilitiesCanadian Experience Class for TEER 2 or 3 jobs; PGWP after a college programme.
- NCLC 5 / 4speaking and listening / reading and writingFederal Skilled Trades Program.
Before you book
Three things that catch people out.
TEF Canada: read the right column.
IRCC sets your level from the Équivalence ancien score on your TEF result, not from the scores out of 699.
NCLC 7 is the French-round line.
Express Entry rounds for French-language proficiency need NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities.
Results have a shelf life.
For Express Entry, your results must be less than two years old on the day you submit your application.
Questions
Common questions about TEF and TCF to NCLC.
Is NCLC the same as CLB?
Yes, in practice. NCLC is the French version of the Canadian Language Benchmarks, and IRCC applies the same level thresholds to both.
Can French be my first official language in Express Entry?
Yes. You choose which language counts as your first official language; results in the other language count as your second.
Which TCF Canada scores are out of 20?
Writing and speaking. Reading and listening are scored out of 699.
What French level do I need for citizenship?
B1 or higher in listening and speaking on an accepted test such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
eligibility review
Find out where you actually stand.
Send a few details. A licensed RCIC reads your profile personally, then replies with the routes that genuinely fit, the ones that do not, and the consultation fee and next available times.
- 01Read personally by a CICC-licensed consultant
- 02A written shortlist of the programs you qualify for
- 03Fee-based; the fee and times come by reply
CHK Immigration Services, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (CICC). Offices in Brampton and London, Ontario. Submitting this form does not create a client–consultant relationship; IRCC makes all final decisions. Prefer to talk first? Call 647-948-7200, message us on WhatsApp or book a paid consultation.