TCF Canada Score Chart
Your TCF Canada results give you two scores out of 699 and two scores out of 20. IRCC converts each one into an NCLC level. Here is the official table, the scores you need for NCLC 7, and how to read your results without mistakes.
In this guide
The TCF Canada to NCLC table
| NCLC | Listening (/699) | Reading (/699) | Writing (/20) | Speaking (/20) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 and above | 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 |
| 7 | 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, reviewed in October 2026. IRCC can update these tables, so check canada.ca before you apply.
The scores you need for NCLC 7
| Skill | Minimum score for NCLC 7 |
|---|---|
| Listening | 458 / 699 |
| Reading | 453 / 699 |
| Writing | 10 / 20 |
| Speaking | 10 / 20 |
NCLC 7 is the most common target: it is a threshold for several economic programs and for many of the advantages French speakers can receive in Express Entry. Your exact target depends on your program, so confirm it on canada.ca.
How to read your results, step by step
- Find your four scores: listening and reading out of 699, writing and speaking out of 20.
- Look up each one separately in the table above.
- Note your NCLC level for each skill. You can have NCLC 9 in reading and NCLC 7 in speaking: each skill counts on its own.
- Identify your lowest skill. For many programs, it is the lowest skill that decides whether you meet a threshold such as NCLC 7.
Worked example: Listening 470 → NCLC 7 · Reading 530 → NCLC 9 · Writing 12 → NCLC 8 · Speaking 9 → NCLC 6. This candidate is not yet at NCLC 7 in every skill: speaking is one point short. The next step is clear: work on speaking.
Watch the small differences between skills
The listening and reading scales are close but not identical. For example, 450 in reading is NCLC 6, while 458 is the minimum for NCLC 7 in listening. Never assume the same number gives the same level in both. Always check the right column.
Writing and speaking: how close is 10 out of 20?
For writing and speaking, the jump from NCLC 6 to NCLC 7 is the jump from 9 to 10 out of 20. That single point often depends on simple things:
- Writing: answering every point in the instructions, staying within the word counts, and using clear connectors.
- Speaking: developing your answers instead of giving one-sentence replies, and keeping a consistent register (tu or vous).
Our TCF Canada writing and speaking guides show how to secure those points task by task.
Validity and next steps
- Results are valid for two years. For Express Entry, they must be less than two years old both when you create your profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence.
- You can retake the test. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but test centres apply a waiting period between sessions (often around 20 to 30 days). Check the current rule with your centre before booking.
- Results take a few weeks. Some centres indicate around 30 business days. Your centre will tell you how you receive your attestation.
Frequently asked questions
What score is NCLC 7 in TCF Canada?
458 in listening, 453 in reading, and 10 out of 20 in writing and speaking.
Is the TCF Canada score the same as the CEFR level?
No. Your attestation may also show a CEFR level (A1 to C2), but IRCC uses the NCLC conversion table, not the CEFR level.
Is TCF Tout Public accepted for Express Entry?
No. For federal immigration, IRCC accepts TCF Canada and TEF Canada for French. TCF Tout Public is a different test.
What is the difference between NCLC and CLB?
They are the same scale: NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) for French, CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) for English.