TEF Canada Calculator: TEF to NCLC Converter
TEF Canada is one of two French tests accepted for Express Entry. Your scores convert to NCLC levels (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens), the French equivalent of CLB. This chart uses the scoring for tests taken after December 10, 2023 (0–699 per skill).
Your NCLC levels
- Listening–
- Reading–
- Writing–
- Speaking–
- Lowest level–
CRS points as your first official language: 0 single, 0 with a spouse.
Calculate your full CRS score →TEF Canada to NCLC conversion chart
Minimum TEF Canada score for each level (IRCC equivalency chart), and the CRS points per ability for your first official language.
| Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | CRS (single) | CRS (spouse) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCLC 10+ | 546 | 546 | 558 | 556 | 34 | 32 |
| NCLC 9 | 503 | 503 | 512 | 518 | 31 | 29 |
| NCLC 8 | 462 | 462 | 472 | 494 | 23 | 22 |
| NCLC 7 | 434 | 434 | 428 | 456 | 17 | 16 |
| NCLC 6 | 393 | 393 | 379 | 422 | 9 | 8 |
| NCLC 5 | 352 | 352 | 330 | 387 | 6 | 6 |
| NCLC 4 | 306 | 306 | 268 | 328 | 6 | 6 |
TEF Canada scores you need
| Goal | Minimum TEF Canada scores |
|---|---|
| NCLC 7: minimum for FSW and CEC (TEER 0–1) | Listening 434 · Reading 434 · Writing 428 · Speaking 456 |
| NCLC 9: maximum skill transferability | Listening 503 · Reading 503 · Writing 512 · Speaking 518 |
| NCLC 10: maximum language points | Listening 546 · Reading 546 · Writing 558 · Speaking 556 |
Tips for TEF Canada test takers
- NCLC 7 in all four skills unlocks up to 50 additional CRS points (with CLB 5+ English) and makes you eligible for French-language draws, which have had some of the lowest cut-offs.
- If French is your second language, it also earns up to 24 second-language points.
- TEF Canada results taken before December 10, 2023 used a different scale and have now expired (results are valid for 2 years).
- Learning French to NCLC 7 is one of the biggest score boosts available. See CRS points for French.
FAQ
What TEF Canada score is NCLC 7?
NCLC 7 needs at least 434 in listening, 434 in reading, 428 in writing and 456 in speaking on TEF Canada.
How many CRS points is NCLC 7 in French worth?
NCLC 7 in all four abilities adds 50 additional points if your English is CLB 5 or higher (25 if not), plus second-language points.
Is TEF the same as TCF for Express Entry?
Both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted. They use different score scales, but both convert to NCLC levels.
Other tests
IELTS · CELPIP · PTE Core · TCF Canada · All tests in one CLB calculator · CRS points for language
Source: IRCC, language test equivalency charts. Unofficial tool; IRCC determines your official levels.