Guide TCF Canada
TCF Canada and NCLC: the IRCC equivalency table
For IRCC, NCLC 7 in TCF Canada = 10 or 11 out of 20 in speaking and writing, 458 to 502 in listening and 453 to 498 in reading. Listening and reading are scored out of 699, speaking and writing out of 20, and each skill is converted separately.
Key facts
- Listening and reading: score from 100 to 699, based on correct answers weighted by difficulty. Speaking and writing: score out of 20.
- Results are valid for 2 years.
Official sources: FEI — how TCF tests are assessed · TCF candidate handbook (version Q, Sept. 2026) · France Éducation international — TCF Canada
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No sign-up. An NCLC estimate as a range, never an official result.
TCF Canada → NCLC (IRCC table)
| NCLC | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCLC 10+ | 16–20 | 549–699 | 549–699 | 16–20 |
| NCLC 9 | 14–15 | 523–548 | 524–548 | 14–15 |
| NCLC 8 | 12–13 | 503–522 | 499–523 | 12–13 |
| NCLC 7 | 10–11 | 458–502 | 453–498 | 10–11 |
| NCLC 6 | 7–9 | 398–457 | 406–452 | 7–9 |
| NCLC 5 | 6 | 369–397 | 375–405 | 6 |
| NCLC 4 | 4–5 | 331–368 | 342–374 | 4–5 |
Official source: IRCC — language test results (Express Entry)
Your weakest skill counts
For Express Entry, each skill is converted separately and the thresholds apply to each one: Federal Skilled Workers need NCLC 7 in all four skills. One skill below that is enough to block you.
Official source: IRCC — language test results (Express Entry)
Work out your NCLC
Enter your four results in our NCLC converter: it applies this table and shows which skill is holding you back and what is missing for NCLC 7.
FAQ
What TCF Canada scores give NCLC 7?
10 or 11 out of 20 in speaking and writing, 458–502 in listening, 453–498 in reading.
Official source: IRCC — language test results (Express Entry)
And for NCLC 9?
14 or 15 out of 20 in speaking and writing, 523–548 in listening, 524–548 in reading.
Official source: IRCC — language test results (Express Entry)
What NCLC is 9 out of 20 in speaking?
NCLC 6: the IRCC table puts 7, 8 and 9 out of 20 at NCLC 6. You need 10 out of 20 for NCLC 7.
Official source: IRCC — language test results (Express Entry)
How long are my TCF Canada results valid?
Two years.
Official source: France Éducation international — TCF Canada
Read next
TCF TEF Study is independent: neither France Éducation international nor CCI Paris Île-de-France has reviewed this content. Facts come from the official pages cited; check them before you register, as the test owners can change them. Updated 22 October 2026.