IRCC converts each TEF Canada skill to an NCLC level using the "Équivalence ancien score", not the /699 score. NCLC 7 starts at 249 in listening (out of 360), 207 in reading (out of 300), and 310 in writing and speaking (out of 450); NCLC 9 starts at 298, 248, 371 and 371. The full chart for NCLC 4 to 10 is below.
Key takeaways
- Use the ancien score: listening /360, reading /300, writing and speaking /450.
- NCLC 7: 249 / 207 / 310 / 310. NCLC 9: 298 / 248 / 371 / 371.
- NCLC 10+: 316 / 263 / 393 / 393.
- Each skill converts on its own. IRCC never averages.
On this page
Here is the full TEF Canada to NCLC chart that IRCC uses, for every level from NCLC 4 to NCLC 10. All numbers are the "Équivalence ancien score" on your attestation. If you copy the /699 numbers into Express Entry, your levels will be wrong.
What is the TEF Canada score chart?
#| NCLC | Listening /360 | Reading /300 | Writing /450 | Speaking /450 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 and above | 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 |
| 7 | 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 |
Below the NCLC 4 minimum, a skill counts as below NCLC 4 and earns no CRS points. Try the interactive chart below and switch between exams:
| 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.
Where do your TEF scores land?
#Move the sliders to your ancien scores. Each skill converts separately, the way IRCC does it.
What are the TCF Canada equivalents?
#Both exams feed the same NCLC scale, so NCLC 7 on TEF Canada is worth exactly the same as NCLC 7 on TCF Canada. Here are the TCF Canada minimums for comparison:
| NCLC | Listening /699 | Reading /699 | Writing /20 | Speaking /20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 549 | 549 | 16 | 16 |
| 9 | 523 | 524 | 14 | 14 |
| 8 | 503 | 499 | 12 | 12 |
| 7 | 458 | 453 | 10 | 10 |
| 6 | 398 | 406 | 7 | 7 |
| 5 | 369 | 375 | 6 | 6 |
| 4 | 331 | 342 | 4 | 4 |
Still choosing between the two? Read TEF vs TCF Canada.
Which levels actually matter?
#181 / 151 / 226 / 226. Enough for the Francophone Mobility work permit (speaking and listening only) and 1 CRS point per skill as a second language. See CLB 5 vs CLB 7.
249 / 207 / 310 / 310 in all four unlocks the +25/+50 French bonus and French category draws. See CLB 7 French score.
298 / 248 / 371 / 371. As a first official language it is worth 31 points per skill for a single applicant (vs 17 at NCLC 7), and it doubles second-language points to 6 per skill.
- Myth
A higher average across four skills gives a higher NCLC.
FactNo. Each skill has its own NCLC. Your bonus eligibility is set by your lowest skill.
- Myth
Writing 300 out of 450 is NCLC 7.
FactNo. NCLC 7 in writing starts at 310. 300 is NCLC 6.
- Myth
The TEF chart and the TCF chart use the same numbers.
FactThey use different scales. 458 is the TCF listening minimum for NCLC 7; on TEF it is 249.
Check yourself
1 of 3.TEF Canada reading 240 is which NCLC?
2 of 3.What is the TEF listening minimum for NCLC 9?
3 of 3.TEF speaking 349 is which NCLC?
Questions people ask
At least 249 in listening, 207 in reading, 310 in writing and 310 in speaking, on the "Équivalence ancien score".
At least 298 in listening, 248 in reading, 371 in writing and 371 in speaking (ancien score).
On the ancien score used by IRCC: 360 for listening, 300 for reading, and 450 each for writing and speaking. Your attestation also shows a separate score out of 699, which IRCC does not use.
No. Enter the "Équivalence ancien score" in your Express Entry profile. The /699 score will give wrong levels.
Yes. NCLC is the French name for the Canadian Language Benchmarks. NCLC 7 in French is treated like CLB 7 in English.
Terms in this guide
Each one is defined in plain English in the TEF & TCF Canada glossary.
Sources
Rules and fees change. Always confirm with IRCC and your test centre before you pay.
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