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(estimated)
CLB / NCLC Reference Tables
TEF Canada — NCLC Score Bands
| CEFR | NCLC | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | 10 | 546–699 | 558–699 | 546–699 | 556–699 |
| C1 | 9 | 503–545 | 512–557 | 503–545 | 518–555 |
| B2 | 8 | 462–502 | 472–511 | 462–502 | 494–517 |
| B2 | 7 | 434–461 | 428–471 | 434–461 | 456–493 |
| B1 | 6 | 393–433 | 379–427 | 393–433 | 422–455 |
| B1 | 5 | 352–392 | 330–378 | 352–392 | 387–421 |
| A2 | 4 | 306–351 | 268–329 | 306–351 | 328–386 |
Scores are out of 699. For tests taken after December 10, 2023.
TCF Canada — NCLC Score Bands
| CEFR | NCLC | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | 10 | 549–699 | 16–20 | 549–699 | 16–20 |
| C1 | 9 | 524–548 | 14–15 | 523–548 | 14–15 |
| B2 | 8 | 499–523 | 12–13 | 503–522 | 12–13 |
| B2 | 7 | 453–498 | 10–11 | 458–502 | 10–11 |
| B1 | 6 | 406–452 | 7–9 | 398–457 | 7–9 |
| B1 | 5 | 375–405 | 6 | 369–397 | 6 |
| A2 | 4 | 342–374 | 4–5 | 331–368 | 4–5 |
Reading/Listening out of 699. Writing/Speaking out of 20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark)?
The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is the national standard used to describe and measure English and French language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants in Canada. It runs from CLB 1 (beginner) to CLB 12 (near-native). The equivalent for French is NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens). Most immigration pathways reference these benchmarks when setting language requirements.
What TEF Canada score do I need for Express Entry CLB 7?
For NCLC/CLB 7 on TEF Canada (tests taken after December 10, 2023), you need: Listening 434–461 / 699, Reading 434–461 / 699, Writing 428–471 / 699, and Speaking 456–493 / 699. These scores correspond to the B2 CEFR level. Achieving NCLC 7 in all four skills makes you eligible for the Express Entry French-language CRS bonus points.
What TCF Canada score do I need for CLB 7?
For NCLC/CLB 7 on TCF Canada, you need: Listening 458–502 / 699, Reading 453–498 / 699, Writing 10–11 / 20, and Speaking 10–11 / 20. These scores correspond to the B2 CEFR level. Achieving NCLC 7 in all four skills makes you eligible for the Express Entry French-language CRS bonus points.
How does the Express Entry French language CRS bonus work?
Candidates who demonstrate strong French skills in Express Entry can earn up to 50 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. To qualify for the full bonus, you generally need to score CLB 7 or higher in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) on an approved French proficiency test such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada. You should always verify current requirements with the official IRCC website.
What is the difference between TEF Canada and TCF Canada?
Both TEF Canada (Test d'Évaluation de Français) and TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français) are accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). TEF Canada is administered by CCI France Canada; TCF Canada is administered by France Éducation International. Both cover the four skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing) and are mapped to CEFR and CLB/NCLC levels. TEF Canada uses a 40-question format for reading and listening; TCF Canada uses 39 questions. Both use a 0–20 rubric for speaking and writing.
What score do I need for Canadian citizenship?
Canadian citizenship requires CLB 4 in speaking and listening. Reading and writing are not formally tested for citizenship purposes. On TEF Canada, CLB 4 corresponds roughly to A2 level (listening ≈ 181–232 / 360). Using the calculator above with your TEF or TCF scores will show whether you meet this threshold.
Is this calculator official? Are the results guaranteed?
No. This calculator is a free educational tool that estimates CLB/NCLC equivalents based on publicly available TEF Canada and TCF Canada score banding guides. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by CCI France Canada, France Éducation International, or IRCC. Results are approximate. Always refer to your official test score report and the IRCC website for immigration-critical decisions.