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 4 ≈ A2, 5–6 ≈ B1, 7–8 ≈ B2 and 9–10 ≈ C1, but research for Canada's benchmark centre puts NCLC 7 as a very strong B1, so treat any CEFR match as approximate.
Key takeaways
- CEFR has 6 levels (A1–C2). CLB and NCLC have 12 levels each.
- CLB is for English, NCLC is for French. Same scale, two languages.
- IRCC only counts NCLC/CLB, converted from TEF Canada or TCF Canada scores.
- Rough match: NCLC 7–8 ≈ B2. Research puts NCLC 7 at B1+ and NCLC 8 at B2.
- A DELF or DALF diploma shows a CEFR level but earns no CRS points.
On this page
CEFR is the European scale from A1 to C2. CLB and NCLC are Canada's scales: CLB for English, NCLC for French, each with 12 levels. IRCC only counts CLB and NCLC. A common rough match is NCLC 7–8 ≈ B2, but it is approximate, and research for Canada's benchmark centre puts NCLC 7 closer to a very strong B1.
Why does it matter? Your French class talks in B1 and B2. Your Express Entry profile talks in NCLC. Here is how to translate between them without getting it wrong.
- 6
- CEFR levels (A1 to C2)
- 12
- CLB / NCLC levels
- NCLC 7
- The line for French CRS bonus points
What is the CEFR?
#The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It has three broad bands, each split in two: A1–A2 (basic user), B1–B2 (independent user) and C1–C2 (proficient user).
Language schools around the world use it, including Alliances Françaises. DELF and DALF diplomas are built on it. But IRCC does not use CEFR levels to give points.
What are NCLC and CLB?
#The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) describe English ability. The Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) are the French version. Both run from 1 to 12, in three stages: 1–4, 5–8 and 9–12. They are maintained by the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks.
People often say "CLB 7 in French". Strictly, that is NCLC 7. IRCC treats them the same way when it gives points. Our glossary defines these and the other terms you'll meet on a results sheet.
How do CEFR and NCLC line up?
#There is no official conversion used by IRCC. There are two alignments you will see: the rough rule of thumb, and a 2019 research study done for the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks.
| CEFR | Common rule of thumb | CCLB research (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Below NCLC 4 | NCLC 2 |
| A2 | NCLC 4 | NCLC 3–4 |
| B1 | NCLC 5–6 | NCLC 5–7 (7 = B1+) |
| B2 | NCLC 7–8 | NCLC 8–9 |
| C1 | NCLC 9–10 | NCLC 10–11 |
| C2 | NCLC 11–12 | NCLC 12 |
The same study also found the Canadian scale is used more strictly than CEFR. That is one reason a "B2 feeling" in class does not always turn into NCLC 7 on the exam.
Where are you right now?
#Tick what you can already do in French. The check gives a rough CEFR level and the NCLC range it usually lines up with.
- Listening—
- Reading—
- Writing—
- Speaking—
A rough self-estimate, not an official score. Only a TEF Canada or TCF Canada result counts for IRCC, and many people rate themselves higher or lower than an examiner would, especially in writing and speaking. CEFR ↔ NCLC matches are approximate.
For a longer version, try the French level self-assessment. Then see how long it takes to reach NCLC 7 from your level.
Why does IRCC use NCLC instead of CEFR?
#- One scale for every test. IRCC accepts different tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French, and CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core for English. Each test has its own score scale. IRCC converts them all to CLB or NCLC, so points are fair across tests.
- The CRS tables are written in CLB/NCLC. Points per skill, the second-language table and the French bonus all use these levels. See how many CRS points French is worth.
- Skill by skill. IRCC converts listening, reading, writing and speaking separately. There is no overall level and no averaging.
How do TEF and TCF Canada scores map to NCLC?
#IRCC publishes a minimum score for each NCLC level, for each skill. Pick your exam to see the full table.
| NCLC | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 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 |
| 7bonus line | 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 |
Source: IRCC language test equivalency charts.
Listening and reading are out of 699; writing and speaking out of 20. Check your own numbers with the TCF Canada score converter.
| NCLC | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 316–360 | 263–300 | 393–450 | 393–450 |
| 9 | 298–315 | 248–262 | 371–392 | 371–392 |
| 8 | 280–297 | 233–247 | 349–370 | 349–370 |
| 7bonus line | 249–279 | 207–232 | 310–348 | 310–348 |
| 6 | 217–248 | 181–206 | 271–309 | 271–309 |
| 5 | 181–216 | 151–180 | 226–270 | 226–270 |
| 4 | 145–180 | 121–150 | 181–225 | 181–225 |
Source: IRCC language test equivalency charts. TEF uses the “Équivalence ancien score”: listening /360, reading /300, writing & speaking /450.
Use the "Équivalence ancien score", not the /699 number. Our ancien score guide shows which line to read, and the TEF Canada score converter does the maths.
| NCLC | Rough CEFR | TCF Canada | TEF Canada (ancien score) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
- Myth
I have a DELF B2, so I already have NCLC 7.
FactIRCC accepts only TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French. A DELF shows your level, but you still need one of those two tests for points.
- Myth
B2 always means NCLC 7.
FactThe match is approximate. Research for Canada's benchmark centre places B2 at NCLC 8–9, and NCLC 7 at a very strong B1.
- Myth
CLB is only for English, so it doesn't apply to my French.
FactCLB and NCLC are the same scale in two languages. IRCC often writes "CLB" in general rules, and the French side is NCLC.
- Myth
My overall level is what counts.
FactIRCC gives a level per skill. NCLC 7 in three skills and NCLC 6 in one does not count as NCLC 7 for the French bonus.
Check yourself
#Check yourself
1 of 4.Which scale does IRCC use to give CRS points for French?
2 of 4.How many levels do CLB and NCLC have?
3 of 4.On TCF Canada, which writing score is the minimum for NCLC 7?
4 of 4.Which of these can earn French CRS points?
Questions people ask
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.
No. For French, IRCC accepts only TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Your scores are converted to NCLC levels for each skill.
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.
Terms in this guide
Each one is defined in plain English in the TEF & TCF Canada glossary.
Sources
- IRCC: Language testing for Express Entry
- Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks: Aligning the CLB and the CEFR (North & Piccardo, 2019)
- IRCC: Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) criteria
Rules and fees change. Always confirm with IRCC and your test centre before you pay.