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TEF Canada Score Chart: Scores for Each NCLC Level
For Express Entry, IRCC converts TEF Canada results to NCLC levels using the “Équivalence ancien score” on your results, not the score out of 699. NCLC 7, the level for the French bonus and French-language rounds, needs 249 to 279 in Listening, 207 to 232 in Reading, and 310 to 348 in Writing and Speaking.
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- Score to use
- Équivalence ancien score
- NCLC 7
- L 249–279, R 207–232, W 310–348, S 310–348
- NCLC 9
- L 298–315, R 248–262, W 371–392, S 371–392
- French bonus
- NCLC 7+ in all four skills
- Result validity
- 2 years for Express Entry
TEF Canada to NCLC chart for Express Entry
| NCLC level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCLC 10 | 316–360 | 263–300 | 393–450 | 393–450 |
| NCLC 9 | 298–315 | 248–262 | 371–392 | 371–392 |
| NCLC 8 | 280–297 | 233–247 | 349–370 | 349–370 |
| NCLC 7 | 249–279 | 207–232 | 310–348 | 310–348 |
| NCLC 6 | 217–248 | 181–206 | 271–309 | 271–309 |
| NCLC 5 | 181–216 | 151–180 | 226–270 | 226–270 |
IRCC converts each skill on its own. For lower levels and the latest version of this chart, check IRCC’s Express Entry language test page.
Which TEF score does IRCC use?
Your TEF Canada results show two numbers for each skill: a score out of 699 and an “Équivalence ancien score”. For Express Entry, IRCC says to enter only the Équivalence ancien score in your profile, whatever date you took the test. Reading the score out of 699 against this chart gives the wrong NCLC level.
Some other IRCC pages, such as the one for post-graduation work permits, list a separate chart on the 0 to 699 scale. For Express Entry, use the Express Entry chart.
What NCLC level do you need?
- NCLC 7 in all four skills makes you eligible for French-language rounds and earns the French bonus: 50 points if your English is CLB 5 or higher in all four skills, or 25 points if it is not.
- Second-language points: 1 point per skill at NCLC 5 or 6, 3 at NCLC 7 or 8, and 6 at NCLC 9 or higher, up to 24 (22 with a spouse).
- French as your main language: the program minimums apply in French too, for example NCLC 7 in every skill for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Example: what NCLC 7 adds
A single applicant with English at CLB 9 who reaches NCLC 7 in all four French skills gains 50 bonus points and 12 second-language points: 62 points in total, plus a place in French-language rounds.
How long are TEF Canada results valid?
For Express Entry, your results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you submit your application.
TEF Canada or TCF Canada?
IRCC accepts both for Express Entry. For NCLC 7, TCF Canada needs 458 to 502 in Listening, 453 to 498 in Reading and 10 to 11 in Writing and Speaking. The formats differ, so choose one test and prepare for its specific tasks.
How to prepare for your target NCLC
Set your target for each skill, not overall: NCLC 7 needs every skill at that level. Listening and Reading improve with timed practice on TEF-style questions; Writing and Speaking need feedback on your own answers. PrepEve’s French classes are live online and recorded, with timings that suit learners in India and Canada.
Official sources
- Express Entry: language test results (IRCC)
- Language test equivalency charts (IRCC)
- Comprehensive Ranking System criteria (IRCC)
- Express Entry for French-speaking skilled workers (IRCC)
Frequently asked questions
What TEF score is NCLC 7?
What is the Équivalence ancien score on TEF results?
Which TEF score do I enter in my Express Entry profile?
How many CRS points does TEF Canada give?
How long is TEF Canada valid for Express Entry?
Is TEF or TCF easier for Canada PR?
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