What TCF or TEF score do you need?
Updated for 2026 · score bands from IRCC's official equivalency chart; program minimums from IRCC.
Which level does your goal need?
| Your goal | Level needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| French-category Express Entry draw | NCLC 7 | all four skills |
| The +50 French CRS bonus | NCLC 7 | + English CLB 5+ |
| Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) | CLB 7 | all four skills |
| Canadian Experience Class - NOC TEER 0 or 1 | CLB 7 | all four skills |
| Canadian Experience Class - NOC TEER 2 or 3 | CLB 5 | all four skills |
NCLC 7 and CLB 7 are the same level - NCLC is just the French label. The 50-point bonus needs NCLC 7 plus English at CLB 5+; with weaker English it's 25 points. See the full French CRS points breakdown.
The exact scores for CLB / NCLC 7
This is the target for Express Entry, French-category draws, FSW, and the French bonus.
The exact scores for CLB / NCLC 5
The lower bar - enough for Canadian Experience Class jobs in NOC TEER 2 or 3.
Want the full picture? See the complete TCF → CLB and TEF → CLB tables, or compare the two tests in TCF vs TEF Canada.
Frequently asked questions
What TCF Canada score do I need for Express Entry?
For most French-immigration goals you need NCLC 7 in all four skills: TCF Listening 458, Reading 453, Speaking 10, Writing 10. The Canadian Experience Class accepts CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2-3 jobs (Listening 369, Reading 375, Speaking 6, Writing 6).
What TEF Canada score do I need for Express Entry?
For NCLC 7 on the IRCC 'old score' scale: Reading 207, Listening 249, Writing 310, Speaking 310. For CLB 5: Reading 151, Listening 181, Writing 226, Speaking 226.
What score do I need for the 50-point French bonus?
NCLC 7 in all four French skills, plus English at CLB 5 or higher. That is TCF 458/453/10/10 or TEF (old) 207/249/310/310, with an English test at CLB 5+.
Do I need to reach the level in all four skills?
Yes. Each skill is assessed on its own and your usable level is the lowest across the four. One skill below the target caps you, even if the others are higher.
Is CLB 7 the same as NCLC 7?
Yes - NCLC is the French label for the same benchmark scale. NCLC 7 = CLB 7.
By French TCF editorial team · Data source: IRCC (Government of Canada) · Last verified 19 June 2026
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