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NCLC Levels Explained: What NCLC 7, 9 and 10 Mean
NCLC is Canada's scale for French ability, scored separately for listening, reading, writing and speaking. NCLC 7 means you can work and socialise in French with some effort, and it is the level IRCC uses for additional French CRS points. NCLC 9 and 10 mean advanced, near-fluent French.
- Full name
- Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens
- English partner
- CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks)
- Scored
- Separately for each of the four skills
- Key level
- NCLC 7 in all four skills for additional French CRS points
What is NCLC?
NCLC is the national standard Canada uses to describe French ability for adults. Its English partner is the CLB. IRCC uses NCLC to read your TEF Canada or TCF Canada result.
You get one NCLC level per skill. Higher numbers mean stronger French. The scale runs from basic to advanced, and immigration programs usually care about levels in the middle and upper range. IRCC publishes the charts that turn test scores into NCLC levels; see the official resources below.
What does NCLC 7 mean?
At NCLC 7 you can use French independently in most everyday and work situations. It is approximately comparable to CEFR B2, though the two scales are not officially identical.
- Listening: you follow the main points of conversations, meetings and broadcasts on familiar topics at normal speed.
- Reading: you understand longer texts such as work emails, instructions and news articles, including some detail.
- Writing: you write clear, organised messages and short texts that explain or argue a point, with some errors that do not block meaning.
- Speaking: you take part in conversations, give opinions and explain reasons, with some hesitation.
Why is NCLC 7 the key threshold?
Because IRCC ties extra French points to it. According to IRCC, NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills gives up to 50 additional CRS points: 50 if your English is CLB 5 or higher, and 25 if it is CLB 4 or lower.
It must be all four skills. NCLC 9 in reading and NCLC 6 in speaking does not qualify. That is why preparation should target your weakest skill. Strong French can also make you eligible for IRCC's French-language rounds. Read more in our French for Canada PR guide.
What does NCLC 9 mean?
NCLC 9 is advanced French. You handle complex and unfamiliar topics with confidence.
- You follow fast, detailed speech, including opinions and implied meaning.
- You read long, complex texts, such as reports, and understand the argument.
- You write well-structured texts with a wide range of vocabulary and few errors.
- You speak fluently and adjust your language to the situation.
If French is your first official language, higher NCLC levels earn more points under IRCC's core language factor. Check the CRS criteria page for the current point values.
What does NCLC 10 mean?
NCLC 10 is very advanced French, close to how a highly educated speaker uses it. You understand almost everything you hear and read, and you express precise ideas with ease. For CRS language points, IRCC groups NCLC 10 and above together as the top band.
Few learners who start French as adults need NCLC 10 for immigration. For most candidates, NCLC 7 in every skill is the realistic, valuable target.
How do you get from zero, A2 or B1 to NCLC 7?
Build real French step by step, then train for the test. Your starting point sets the length of the path.
- From zero: in our experience, most working adults need around 9–14 months at 4–5 hours a week, including test preparation. Focus on sounds, core grammar and everyday speaking first.
- From A2: you know the basics. Build longer sentences, past and future tenses, and listening at normal speed.
- From B1: you can get by. Now work on opinions, argument, accuracy in writing and test technique for TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
At every stage, speaking and writing need a trainer's correction. They are usually the last skills to reach NCLC 7. Not sure which test to aim for? See how the two French tests compare. For the English side, see Canada PR English requirements and IELTS preparation for Canada PR.
How PrepEve helps you reach NCLC 7
Our live online French classes take you from beginner to NCLC 7, with TEF Canada, TCF Canada and DELF preparation. You speak in every class, trainers mark your writing against the criteria examiners use, and every class is recorded. Morning, evening and weekend batches fit around work. PrepEve has taught French to 6,000+ students. For fees, ask us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Is NCLC 7 the same as B2?
Do I need NCLC 7 in all four skills?
How do I find my NCLC level?
What is the difference between NCLC and CLB?
Is NCLC 9 worth aiming for?
PrepEve provides language coaching, not immigration advice. For your own case, rely on IRCC or a licensed professional.
Find your current NCLC level
Book a free French class. A trainer checks your level and maps out the steps to NCLC 7 in every skill.