TCF Canada score chart: every skill to NCLC / CLB
Listening and reading come back on the 100–699 scale; writing and speaking are marked out of 20. IRCC turns each skill into an NCLC level (NCLC = CLB) separately. Here is the whole official chart, with a checker for your own numbers.
| NCLC | ListeningCompréhension orale · / 699 | ReadingCompréhension écrite · / 699 | WritingExpression écrite · / 20 | SpeakingExpression orale · / 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 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 |
| 7common target | 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 |
Below NCLC 4 the chart stops: scores under 331 (listening), 342 (reading), 4 (writing), 4 (speaking)sit below NCLC 4. Source: IRCC Language test equivalency charts (canada.ca). Verified 2026-07-03 — see FORMATS.md.
What NCLC 7 means in practice
NCLC 7 in all four skills is the usual Express Entry target for French: it is the threshold for the additional French-language points and for French-language category draws. For TCF Canada that means at least 458 in listening, 453 in reading and 10/20 in both writing and speaking — on the same attestation, in every skill. One skill below the line keeps you below NCLC 7 overall for those purposes.
TCF listening and reading scores and CEFR levels
France Éducation International reports the 100–699 scale in CEFR bands: 100–199 A1, 200–299 A2, 300–399 B1, 400–499 B2, 500–599 C1 and 600–699 C2. IRCC's NCLC breakpoints don't line up with those bands exactly — NCLC 7 listening starts at 458, inside B2 — so always read the IRCC chart above for immigration.
Raise the skill that sets your level
Because the lowest skill decides whether you clear a threshold, practise that one first. OurTCF Canada practice mirrors the 39/39 listening and reading format (audio plays once) and marks the three writing tasks with an NCLC estimate; theexpression orale guide walks through each speaking task. See also the full TCF Canada format, theTEF Canada score chart, and theCLB/NCLC converter for every accepted test.
Common questions
What TCF Canada listening score is NCLC 7?
A TCF Canada listening (compréhension orale) score of 458–502 out of 699 is NCLC 7 (= CLB 7). Reading NCLC 7 is 453–498.
What TCF Canada score do I need for NCLC 9?
NCLC 9 is 523–548 in listening, 524–548 in reading, and 14–15 out of 20 in both writing and speaking.
How are TCF Canada writing and speaking scored?
Writing (expression écrite) and speaking (expression orale) are each marked out of 20; listening and reading are reported on the 100–699 scale. IRCC converts each skill to an NCLC level separately.
Does a high reading score make up for a low speaking score?
No. IRCC reads each of the four skills on its own, and thresholds such as NCLC 7 must be met in every skill — the scores are not averaged.