NCLC calculator: convert TCF Canada and TEF Canada scores
Updated 2026-10-18. Figures come from the official pages linked at the end; check them before you book or apply.
Convert your scores to NCLC
Official equivalence table: IRCC (2026-10-18).
IRCC converts TCF Canada and TEF Canada scores into Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) with one table per ability. Enter your four scores above to get the NCLC level of each ability: Express Entry counts your weakest one, and NCLC 7 in all four is the threshold for French-language draws and for the additional CRS points.
Why does the lowest ability decide everything?
Express Entry programmes and the additional points for French are defined per ability: a candidate with NCLC 8 in speaking, reading and listening but NCLC 6 in writing is treated as NCLC 6 for the thresholds. This is why the calculator highlights your lowest level rather than an average. The practical consequence is simple: your next hours of study should go to the weakest ability, not to the strongest.
Which official tables does the calculator use?
The two grids below are reproduced from IRCC's language-testing page, consulted on the date shown above the tool. TCF Canada speaking and writing are scored 0 to 20, listening and reading 100 to 699; TEF Canada uses a different scale for each part.
| NCLC | TCF speaking / writing | TCF listening | TCF reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 16–20 | 549–699 | 549–699 |
| 9 | 14–15 | 523–548 | 524–548 |
| 8 | 12–13 | 503–522 | 499–523 |
| 7 | 10–11 | 458–502 | 453–498 |
| 6 | 7–9 | 398–457 | 406–452 |
| 5 | 6 | 369–397 | 375–405 |
| 4 | 4–5 | 331–368 | 342–374 |
| NCLC | TEF speaking / writing (/450) | TEF listening (/360) | TEF reading (/300) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 393–450 | 316–360 | 263–300 |
| 9 | 371–392 | 298–315 | 248–262 |
| 8 | 349–370 | 280–297 | 233–247 |
| 7 | 310–348 | 249–279 | 207–232 |
| 6 | 271–309 | 217–248 | 181–206 |
| 5 | 226–270 | 181–216 | 151–180 |
| 4 | 181–225 | 145–180 | 121–150 |
A score below the NCLC 4 band is reported as "below NCLC 4" by the calculator; IRCC programmes have minimum levels that vary by programme.
How do NCLC levels relate to CEFR levels?
The NCLC scale is Canadian and the CEFR scale is European; they are not officially mapped one to one, but in practice NCLC 4 corresponds to a strong A2, NCLC 5 and 6 to B1, NCLC 7 and 8 to B2, and NCLC 9 and 10 to C1. Our instant test reports both scales for that reason: candidates know the CEFR from their courses and need the NCLC for Canada.
What should you do with the result?
If all four abilities are NCLC 7 or higher, look at the CRS points for French to see what the level is worth in your score. If one ability is under 7, that ability is your plan for the coming weeks: the speaking practice and the writing correction tell you which criterion holds the level down. And if you have not taken the test yet, the free instant test gives you a first range in 30 seconds.
Questions candidates ask
Do I need to report all four scores in my Express Entry profile?
Yes. A profile requires the four abilities from the same test sitting, and the system calculates points per ability.
Can I combine my best scores from two test dates?
No. Results must come from one sitting of one test.
Is the TEF Canada conversion the same as before 2024?
IRCC applied a temporary change to TEF Canada tests taken between December 11, 2023 and May 6, 2024 and has reverted to the grid shown here. Read the IRCC page if your test falls in that window.