TEF Canada score to CLB: the conversion IRCC actually uses

Your TEF Canada score converts to a CLB / NCLC level one skill at a time. The catch: your certificate shows scores out of 699, but Express Entry does not accept those - you enter the "Old score equivalence" column instead. On that scale, CLB 7 is Reading 207, Listening 249, Writing 310, Speaking 310.

Updated for 2026 · sourced from Le français des affaires (official TEF provider) and IRCC.

What you enter into Express Entry - TEF "old score" to CLB

These are the numbers from the "Old score equivalence" column on your certificate - the ones IRCC's Express Entry system accepts.

TEF Canada old-score bands by skill for CLB / NCLC levels 4 to 10
CLB / NCLC	Reading/300	Listening/360	Writing/450	Speaking/450
10	263–277	316–333	393–415	393–415
9	248–262	298–315	371–392	371–392
8	233–247	280–297	349–370	349–370
7Express Entry	207–232	249–279	310–348	310–348
6	181–206	217–248	271–309	271–309
5	151–180	181–216	226–270	226–270
4	121–150	145–180	181–225	181–225

What your certificate shows - TEF /699 to CLB

For tests taken after 10 December 2023, your certificate displays each skill out of 699. Use this to read your level from the certificate - but remember to enter the old-score numbers above.

TEF Canada /699 score bands by skill for CLB / NCLC levels 4 to 10
CLB / NCLC	Reading	Listening	Writing	Speaking
10	546–699	546–699	558–699	556–699
9	503–545	503–545	512–557	518–555
8	462–502	462–502	472–511	494–517
7Express Entry	434–461	434–461	428–471	456–493
6	393–433	393–433	379–427	422–455
5	352–392	352–392	330–378	387–421
4	306–351	306–351	268–329	328–386

Both tables give the same CLB level - they're two scales for the same result. Each skill is converted on its own; there is no combined total.

How to read your TEF result

Worked example - a candidate whose certificate shows these scores:

Skill	/699 score	Old score	Level
Reading	450	220	CLB 7
Listening	445	255	CLB 7
Writing	440	320	CLB 7
Speaking	470	340	CLB 7

That's CLB 7 in all four skills. You'd enter the old-score numbers (220, 255, 320, 340) into Express Entry - not the /699 numbers. Your usable level is the lowest across the skills the draw requires, so a weak skill caps you even if the others are higher.

Frequently asked questions

What TEF Canada score do I need for CLB 7?

On the IRCC 'old score' scale, CLB 7 is Reading 207, Listening 249, Writing 310, and Speaking 310 (minimums). These are the numbers you enter into Express Entry - not the /699 scores.

Does IRCC accept the TEF Canada score out of 699?

No. Your certificate shows scores out of 699, but the Express Entry system requires the scores in the 'Old score equivalence' column on your certificate. Entering the /699 numbers can produce an incorrect equivalency.

What CLB is a TEF Canada listening score of 450?

CLB 7. On the /699 certificate scale, a listening score of 434-461 equals CLB / NCLC 7.

What is the difference between the /699 score and the 'old score'?

They are two scales for the same result. The /699 score is what your certificate displays; the 'old score equivalence' is the scale IRCC's Express Entry system accepts. Both map to the same CLB level.

Does one low skill lower my overall level?

Yes. Your usable level for an Express Entry draw is the lowest CLB across the skills that draw counts - a high score in one skill does not lift a lower score in another.

Can I compare my TEF Canada score to a TCF Canada score?

No. The two tests use different scales, so a raw score on one tells you nothing about the other. They are only comparable once each is converted to a CLB / NCLC level.

How long are TEF Canada results valid for Express Entry?

Two years from the date of the test.

By French TCF editorial team · Data source: IRCC + Le francais des affaires · Last verified 19 June 2026

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