Free tool · Last checked: November 1, 2026
TCF Canada NCLC calculator: your four scores in NCLC and CEFR
For NCLC 7 on the TCF Canada, you need at least 10 out of 20 in speaking and writing, 458 in listening and 453 in reading. Enter your scores: the tool gives the NCLC and CEFR level of each skill, and tells you whether you reach NCLC 7 everywhere (Express Entry), NCLC 5 in speaking and listening (Francophone Mobility) and the B1 listed for citizenship.
Enter at least one score to see its NCLC and CEFR level.
Your official result is the one on your TCF Canada certificate. Tables: IRCC and France Éducation International.
To gain points in speaking: take the three tasks with an AI examiner
The TCF Canada NCLC table
Source: IRCC, language test equivalency for Express Entry. The same bands are in France Éducation International's candidate manual. Both ends are included.
| NCLC | Speaking (/20) | Writing (/20) | Listening (/699) | Reading (/699) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 or more | 16 to 20 | 16 to 20 | 549 to 699 | 549 to 699 |
| 9 | 14 to 15 | 14 to 15 | 523 to 548 | 524 to 548 |
| 8 | 12 to 13 | 12 to 13 | 503 to 522 | 499 to 523 |
| 7 | 10 to 11 | 10 to 11 | 458 to 502 | 453 to 498 |
| 6 | 7 to 9 | 7 to 9 | 398 to 457 | 406 to 452 |
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 369 to 397 | 375 to 405 |
| 4 | 4 to 5 | 4 to 5 | 331 to 368 | 342 to 374 |
TCF CEFR levels
Source: France Éducation International, TCF candidate manual (version M, May 2025). The CEFR level doesn't give the NCLC: a B2 in speaking can be NCLC 7 or NCLC 8.
| CEFR | Listening and reading (points) | Speaking and writing (/20) |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 100 to 199 | 1 |
| A2 | 200 to 299 | 2 to 5 |
| B1 | 300 to 399 | 6 to 9 |
| B2 | 400 to 499 | 10 to 13 |
| C1 | 500 to 599 | 14 to 17 |
| C2 | 600 to 699 | 18 to 20 |
What the programs ask for
- Express Entry, French category
- A minimum of NCLC 7 in all four skills, and being eligible for one of the three Express Entry programs. (canada.ca)
- Additional points for French
- NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills: 25 points with CLB 4 or lower in English (or no English test), 50 points with CLB 5 or higher in all four English skills. (canada.ca)
- Francophone Mobility
- NCLC 5 or higher in speaking and listening, for a job outside Quebec. (canada.ca)
- Citizenship
- For the TCF Canada, IRCC lists B1 or higher in listening and speaking: at least 6 out of 20 in speaking and 300 in listening on France Éducation International's scale. (canada.ca, stanislas.qc.ca)
- NCLC 10 or more
- IRCC's table stops at NCLC 10, which it writes “10+”: 16 out of 20 or more in speaking and writing, 549 or more in listening and reading. (canada.ca)
How it works
- Enter the scores on your certificate: speaking and writing out of 20, listening and reading from 100 to 699. You can fill in only some of them.
- Each score is placed in IRCC's equivalency table (NCLC 4 to 10 or more) and in France Éducation International's CEFR scale. The bands are inclusive and nothing is rounded.
- The tool then compares your levels with the Express Entry, Francophone Mobility and citizenship requirements, as IRCC's pages describe them.
- Your official result is the one on your TCF Canada certificate, and IRCC decides your application.
Frequently asked questions
What TCF Canada score do I need for NCLC 7?
At least 10 out of 20 in speaking and writing, 458 in listening and 453 in reading. The NCLC 7 band itself runs from 10 to 11, from 458 to 502 and from 453 to 498. Above that, it's NCLC 8 or more. (canada.ca)
What TCF Canada score do I need for NCLC 5?
6 out of 20 in speaking and writing, at least 369 in listening and at least 375 in reading. (canada.ca)
Is a B2 on the TCF Canada an NCLC 7?
Not always. On France Éducation International's scale, B2 runs from 10 to 13 out of 20 in speaking and writing: 10 or 11 give NCLC 7, 12 or 13 NCLC 8. In listening, B2 (400 to 499) even starts inside the NCLC 6 band, which goes up to 457. The score is what counts, not the CEFR level alone. (stanislas.qc.ca, canada.ca)
How many CRS points does NCLC 7 in French add?
With NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills, IRCC adds 25 points if you have CLB 4 or lower in English (or no English test), and 50 points if you have CLB 5 or higher in all four English skills. The same threshold, a minimum of 7 in all four skills, is the one for the French category draws. (canada.ca, canada.ca)
What level do I need for Francophone Mobility?
Since June 15, 2023, IRCC asks for an intermediate level in speaking and listening, that is NCLC 5 or higher. On the TCF Canada, that means at least 6 out of 20 in speaking and at least 369 in listening. (canada.ca)
What TCF Canada level do I need for citizenship?
IRCC's general rule is CLB/NCLC 4 or higher in speaking and listening. But when the proof is the TCF Canada, IRCC's list asks for B1 or higher in listening and speaking. On France Éducation International's scale, B1 starts at 6 out of 20 in speaking and at 300 in listening. (canada.ca, canada.ca, stanislas.qc.ca)
How long are TCF Canada results valid for Express Entry?
IRCC requires results less than 2 years old when you create your Express Entry profile and when you apply for permanent residence. (canada.ca)
See also
Sources 7 pages
Every number in this tool comes from these pages.
- IRCC, Express Entry: language test equivalency (TCF Canada table), checked November 1, 2026
- France Éducation International, TCF candidate manual, version M (May 2025), hosted by Collège Stanislas, checked November 1, 2026
- IRCC, Express Entry: Comprehensive Ranking System criteria (additional points for French), checked November 1, 2026
- IRCC, Express Entry: category-based selection (French-language proficiency), checked November 1, 2026
- IRCC, Francophone Mobility: eligibility, checked November 1, 2026
- IRCC, citizenship: proof of language skills, step 5 (accepted tests), checked November 1, 2026
- IRCC, citizenship: proof of language skills, checked November 1, 2026
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<iframe src="https://niveau7.com/tools/tcf-canada-score-calculator/embed" title="TCF Canada NCLC calculator, by Niveau7" width="100%" height="900" style="border:0;max-width:760px" loading="lazy"></iframe>For AI agents and developers: the tool's inputs, every answer and its sources as JSON. Free, no key needed.
Niveau7 is an independent practice tool. It is not affiliated with France Éducation International (TCF Canada), CCI Paris Île-de-France (TEF Canada) or IRCC. Nothing on this page is immigration advice: IRCC decides your application. Niveau7 is not affiliated with France Éducation International or CCI Paris Île-de-France.