FrenchShadow → NCLC levels and CRS points
Express Entry Reference
NCLC 5 & 7 in French: TEF and TCF Scores, CRS Points
Your TEF Canada or TCF Canada score translates directly into an NCLC level for each ability — and that level decides your Express Entry eligibility and CRS points. Convert your scores below, then see exactly what each level is worth.
Convert your TEF or TCF score to NCLC
Enter your four scores. Your overall NCLC is your lowest ability.
The "Équivalence ancien score" column on your TEF Canada attestation — this is the number your Express Entry profile asks for.
Your overall level appears when all four scores are in.
Score ranges from IRCC's official equivalency tables (checked October 2026). Always confirm on canada.ca.
NCLC 5 and NCLC 7 at a glance
NCLC 7 is the level most Express Entry programs ask for and the threshold for the French bonus CRS points. On TEF Canada (old score equivalence): listening 249–279, reading 207–232, writing 310–348, speaking 310–348. On TCF Canada: listening 458–502, reading 453–498, writing 10–11, speaking 10–11.
NCLC 5 is a basic independent level — enough for Canadian Experience Class with a TEER 2 or 3 job, but below the French bonus. On TEF Canada (old score equivalence): listening 181–216, reading 151–180, writing 226–270, speaking 226–270. On TCF Canada: listening 369–397, reading 375–405, writing 6, speaking 6.
Always verify with IRCC
CRS point values are set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and can change. Use the official IRCC CRS grid to confirm exact values before submitting your profile.
What is NCLC — and how does it relate to CLB?
NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) is the French-language equivalent of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). The scales are identical — NCLC 7 = CLB 7. NCLC is used when your primary immigration language is French; CLB is used for English.
Both tests measure four abilities: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each ability gets its own NCLC level — and each is scored separately for CRS purposes.
| NCLC / CLB Level | Proficiency Description | CRS Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| NCLC 10–12 | Advanced — near-native fluency | Maximum core points; full French bonus |
| NCLC 9 | High intermediate — strong command | Strong core points; full French bonus |
| NCLC 8 | Intermediate — comfortable in most situations | Good core points; full French bonus |
| NCLC 7 | Independent — minimum for most programs | Unlocks the 25/50 French bonus and FSW/CEC eligibility |
| NCLC 5–6 | Basic independent | Only minor second-language core points — no 25/50 French bonus |
| Below NCLC 5 | Basic / beginner | 0 bonus points; may not qualify for FSW/CEC |
Additional CRS points for French proficiency
Express Entry awards up to 50 additional CRS points for French language skills. These are separate from your core score and can be the difference between receiving an ITA and waiting months longer.
| Your Situation | NCLC Requirement | CRS Bonus Points |
|---|---|---|
| Strong French + strong English (CLB 5+ in all 4) | NCLC 7+ in all four abilities | 50 points |
| Strong French + weak or no English (CLB 4 or lower) | NCLC 7+ in all four abilities | 25 points |
| Below NCLC 7 in any ability | — | 0 bonus points |
Key insight: If you already have good English CLB scores, getting your French to NCLC 7 in all four abilities nets you 50 bonus CRS points — enough to push many candidates over the ITA threshold in a single cycle.
Minimum NCLC requirements by Express Entry program
| Program | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) | NCLC 7 | NCLC 7 | NCLC 7 | NCLC 7 |
| Canadian Experience Class — NOC TEER 0/1 | NCLC 7 | NCLC 7 | NCLC 7 | NCLC 7 |
| Canadian Experience Class — NOC TEER 2/3 | NCLC 5 | NCLC 5 | NCLC 5 | NCLC 5 |
| Federal Skilled Trades (FST) | NCLC 5 | NCLC 5 | NCLC 4 | NCLC 4 |
Note: Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and category-based draws may have different thresholds. Francophone immigration draws (outside Quebec) can have no language minimum for CRS, but still require proof of French proficiency.
TEF Canada score bands by NCLC level (speaking section)
TEF Canada speaking (expression orale) is scored out of 450. Here are the NCLC equivalencies for the speaking section specifically — which is what FrenchShadow helps you practice.
| NCLC Level | TEF Canada Speaking Score (out of 450) |
|---|---|
| NCLC 11–12 | 416–450 |
| NCLC 10 | 393–415 |
| NCLC 9 | 371–392 |
| NCLC 8 | 349–370 |
| NCLC 7 (Express Entry threshold) | 310–348 |
| NCLC 6 | 271–309 |
| NCLC 5 | 226–270 |
| NCLC 4 | 181–225 |
| Below NCLC 4 | 0–180 |
TCF Canada uses a different scoring scale (0–699 per section). Always use the official correspondence table from France Éducation International or your testing centre.
FAQ
Can I use TEF Canada and TCF Canada interchangeably for Express Entry?
Yes. IRCC accepts both TEF Canada and TCF Canada as proof of French proficiency for all Express Entry programs. The tests are different in format but both map to the same NCLC scale.
Do all four NCLC abilities need to meet the threshold?
Yes. For program eligibility and CRS bonus points, all four abilities (listening, reading, writing, speaking) must individually meet the required NCLC level. A strong score in three abilities does not compensate for a weak fourth.
How long are TEF Canada and TCF Canada scores valid?
Both test results are valid for two years from the date of the test. Make sure your score is still valid when IRCC receives your application.
What is the most commonly failed section of TEF Canada?
Speaking (expression orale) is the section most candidates underperform on — largely because it is the hardest to practice independently. Task 2 requires defending a position against objections in informal register, which most people have never practiced before exam day.
Practice for NCLC 7+
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