Scores, levels and NCLC
Understand your TCF Canada and TEF Canada results
Learn how to distinguish between a test score, a CEFR level and an NCLC level, then consult the official equivalencies used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Score, CEFR level, NCLC: what is the difference?
Score
This is the numerical result obtained in a TCF Canada or TEF Canada test section. The score must be interpreted according to the test and the language skill assessed.
CEFR level
A1 · A2 · B1 · B2 · C1 · C2 The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages describes different levels of language proficiency.
NCLC
The Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens are Canada’s French-language proficiency benchmarks. They are used in several contexts, including certain Canadian immigration programs.
Convert your scores to NCLC levels
Score thresholds are not the same for TCF Canada and TEF Canada. They may also vary by language skill. Open the table corresponding to your test.
TCF Canada — NCLC equivalency table
View the official thresholds
for all four language skills.
| NCLC | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 and above | 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 |
TEF Canada — NCLC equivalency table
For tests taken after December 10, 2023.
| NCLC | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 546 – 699 | 558 – 699 | 546 – 699 | 556 – 699 |
| 9 | 503 – 545 | 512 – 557 | 503 – 545 | 518 – 555 |
| 8 | 462 – 502 | 472 – 511 | 462 – 502 | 494 – 517 |
| 7 | 434 – 461 | 428 – 471 | 434 – 461 | 456 – 493 |
| 6 | 393 – 433 | 379 – 427 | 393 – 433 | 422 – 455 |
| 5 | 352 – 392 | 330 – 378 | 352 – 392 | 387 – 421 |
| 4 | 306 – 351 | 268 – 329 | 306 – 351 | 328 – 386 |
This table applies to TEF Canada tests taken after December 10, 2023. Different equivalency thresholds apply to older TEF Canada results.
IRCC provides specific instructions on which TEF Canada scores must be entered in an Express Entry profile. Always follow the instructions that apply to your test date and immigration program.
The same NCLC, different test scores
TCF Canada
Example: Listening
458 – 502 ↓ NCLC 7The NCLC level may be the same, but the score required to reach it depends on the test and on the language skill assessed.
TEF Canada
Example: Listening
434 – 461 ↓ NCLC 7Key points to remember
Your NCLC is determined by language skill
You may obtain a different NCLC level in each of the four skills:
- Listening
- Reading
- Speaking
- Writing
CEFR and NCLC are different frameworks
CEFR levels A1 to C2 and NCLC levels should not be treated as automatic one-to-one equivalents. For Canadian immigration purposes, use the official conversion table corresponding to the test you took.
The required level depends on the program
There is no single NCLC level required for every immigration pathway. Requirements depend on the program, your situation and, in some cases, the language skill concerned. Always check the current official criteria.
Are you applying through a Quebec program?
Do not confuse the different equivalency systems
The NCLC equivalencies on this page are intended for Canadian programs that use the NCLC framework. For immigration to Quebec, consult the criteria and equivalency tables that apply specifically to the Quebec immigration program concerned.