In the TCF Canada, Listening and Reading are scored from 100 to 699, and Writing and Speaking are marked out of 20. IRCC converts each score to an NCLC level using the chart below. For NCLC 7 you need at least 458 in Listening, 453 in Reading, and 10 out of 20 in Writing and in Speaking. There is no overall score, and for Express Entry your lowest test decides.
- NCLC 7: Listening 458, Reading 453, Writing 10/20, Speaking 10/20.
- Listening and Reading have different cut-offs, so read the right column.
- NCLC is the French name of the CLB: NCLC 7 is CLB 7 for IRCC.
- No overall score: "NCLC 7 in all four" means your lowest test must reach 7.
- Citizenship (ages 18 to 54): NCLC 4 in speaking and listening.
TCF Canada to NCLC chart
This is IRCC's conversion chart for the TCF Canada. Find your score in the column for the test, then read the NCLC level on the left.
| NCLC | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 and above | 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 |
Below NCLC 4 the chart has no row. Listening and Reading use different cut-offs between NCLC 4 and 9, so the same score can give a different level in each: 500 is NCLC 7 in Listening but NCLC 8 in Reading.
What score do you need for NCLC 4, 5, 7 and 9?
These are the lowest scores that reach each level, the numbers to aim for in practice.
| Target | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCLC 9 | 523 | 524 | 14/20 | 14/20 |
| NCLC 7 | 458 | 453 | 10/20 | 10/20 |
| NCLC 5 | 369 | 375 | 6/20 | 6/20 |
| NCLC 4 | 331 | 342 | 4/20 | 4/20 |
How do TCF scores line up with CEFR levels?
FEI reports each result with a CEFR level as well. The two scales sit side by side like this:
| CEFR level | Listening / Reading | Writing / Speaking |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 100–199 | 1 |
| A2 | 200–299 | 2–5 |
| B1 | 300–399 | 6–9 |
| B2 | 400–499 | 10–13 |
| C1 | 500–599 | 14–17 |
| C2 | 600–699 | 18–20 |
In practice, NCLC 7 means B2 in every test, and the upper half of B2 in Listening and Reading. NCLC 4 sits in B1 for Listening and Reading and in A2 for Writing and Speaking.
Why does your lowest test decide?
The Federal Skilled Worker program and the additional CRS points for French ask for NCLC 7 "in all four abilities". IRCC reads each test on its own, so one test below 7 means you don't meet the requirement, however high the other three are.
| Test | Score | NCLC |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 470 | 7 |
| Reading | 510 | 8 |
| Writing | 12/20 | 8 |
| Speaking | 9/20 | 6 |
This candidate does not have NCLC 7 in all four: one more point in Speaking would change that. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) still scores each ability separately, so a higher level in one test earns more points there, but it can't make up for a test below the minimum.
Is NCLC the same as CLB?
Yes. NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) is the French version of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). IRCC uses the same numbers for both languages, so NCLC 7 from the TCF Canada counts as the same level as CLB 7 from an English test.
Which programs ask for which NCLC?
- Express Entry, Federal Skilled Worker: at least NCLC 7 in all four abilities in your first official language. The CRS also scores each ability.
- Additional CRS points for French: 25 points for NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities with CLB 4 or lower in English (or no English test), and 50 points with CLB 5 or higher in all four English abilities.
- French-language proficiency draws: IRCC runs Express Entry rounds for French speakers; candidates need NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities. See Express Entry French draws and CRS points.
- Canadian citizenship: applicants aged 18 to 54 must show NCLC 4 or higher in speaking and listening.
- Québec immigration: Québec sets its own programs and French requirements. Check with Québec's immigration ministry.
These rules change, so always check IRCC's current rules before you book or apply.
How do you know your NCLC before test day?
Take a full TCF Canada mock test under exam timing. Exam Hero gives you an estimated score and NCLC in each test, then the question bank lets you work on the test that's holding you back. For the format, registration and test day, read the TCF Canada exam guide.
Exam Hero is an independent preparation platform, not affiliated with FEI or IRCC, and its scores are estimates.
