CEFR vs CLB vs NCLC chart
CEFR (A1 to C2) is Europe's 6-level scale. CLB (English) and NCLC (French) are Canada's 12-level scales, and IRCC only uses CLB and NCLC. The usual rough match is NCLC 7–8 ≈ B2, but research for Canada's benchmark centre puts NCLC 7 at a very strong B1.
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In the TEF / TCF Canada exam
IRCC gives a level per skill, with no averaging. B2 in class does not guarantee NCLC 7 in all four on test day.
CEFR vs CLB vs NCLC chart: the full chart as text
CEFR to NCLC / CLB (approximate)
| CEFR | CEFR band | Rule of thumb | CCLB research (2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Basic user | Below NCLC 4 | NCLC 2 |
| A2 | Basic user | NCLC 4 | NCLC 3–4 |
| B1 | Independent user | NCLC 5–6 | NCLC 5–7 (7 = B1+) |
| B2 | Independent user | NCLC 7–8 | NCLC 8–9 |
| C1 | Proficient user | NCLC 9–10 | NCLC 10–11 |
| C2 | Proficient user | NCLC 11–12 | NCLC 12 |
Neither column is used by IRCC to give points. IRCC counts NCLC levels converted from TEF or TCF Canada scores.
What each level can do (speaking)
- A1: introduce yourself and answer simple questions, if people speak slowly.
- A2: handle short exchanges, like ordering food or asking for directions.
- B1: get by in most everyday situations; talk about plans and opinions.
- B2: join a discussion, explain your view and weigh pros and cons.
- C1: speak fluently and spontaneously, including at work.
- C2: take part in any conversation with ease, idioms and nuance included.
- 6
- CEFR levelsA1 to C2
- 12
- CLB / NCLC levels1 to 12
- NCLC 7
- French bonus line+25 or +50 CRS
CLB vs NCLC
Same 12-level scale in two languages: CLB for English, NCLC for French. Stages run 1–4, 5–8 and 9–12. IRCC only counts CLB and NCLC.
Key levels: minimum scores (L/R/W/S)
| NCLC | Rough CEFR | TCF Canada | TEF Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCLC 5 | B1 | 369/375/6/6 | 181/151/226/226 |
| NCLC 7 | B1+ to B2 | 458/453/10/10 | 249/207/310/310 |
| NCLC 9 | B2+ to C1 | 523/524/14/14 | 298/248/371/371 |
TEF Canada uses the ancien score, not /699.
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Questions
Roughly, but not exactly. The common rule of thumb is NCLC 7–8 ≈ B2, while research for the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks puts NCLC 7 at B1+ and NCLC 8 at B2.
They are the same 12-level scale. CLB describes English ability and NCLC describes French ability.
IRCC does not set requirements in CEFR. It uses NCLC/CLB levels. NCLC 7 in all four French skills, roughly a strong B1 to B2, unlocks the French CRS bonus.
