TCF Canada 2026: Score Chart to CLB/NCLC and Express Entry Points

As of July 13, 2026.

TCF Canada is one of only two French tests Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts for permanent residence, and the points it earns can decide whether your Express Entry profile gets an invitation. This guide gives you the exact TCF Canada score chart converted to NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens, the French equivalent of the Canadian Language Benchmark, or CLB), how many Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points French is worth, and how TCF Canada compares to TEF Canada.

TL;DR

TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français) is one of two French-language tests IRCC accepts for Express Entry and permanent residence, alongside TEF Canada. | It tests four abilities: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. IRCC converts each score to an NCLC level, the French equivalent of the CLB. | Reaching NCLC 7 or higher on all four abilities earns you extra CRS points: 25 points if your English is CLB 4 or lower, or 50 points if your English is CLB 5 or higher. | Express Entry minimums depend on the program. The Canadian Experience Class needs NCLC 7 across all four abilities (TEER 0 or 1 jobs) and NCLC 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs. If French is your first official language, the Federal Skilled Worker Program needs NCLC 7 in all four abilities whatever the job, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program needs NCLC 5 in speaking and listening and NCLC 4 in reading and writing. | Your test results are valid for two years from the test date, so book with your invitation timeline in mind.

What is TCF Canada?

TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada) is a standardized French-language test built specifically for Canadian immigration. It is administered by France Éducation international, and IRCC accepts it for Express Entry, Canadian permanent residence, and citizenship applications. The test measures four separate abilities: listening (compréhension de l'oral), reading (compréhension de l'écrit), writing (expression écrite), and speaking (expression orale).

For French, IRCC accepts exactly two tests: TCF Canada and TEF Canada. If you want the French-language points on your profile, one of these two is mandatory. There is no way to self-declare French ability or use a school transcript instead.

How do TCF Canada scores convert to NCLC?

IRCC does not use your raw TCF Canada score directly. It converts each ability to an NCLC level, which is the French counterpart of the CLB used for English. Listening and reading are scored on a numeric scale up to 699; speaking and writing are scored on a 0 to 20 scale.

Your profile uses the NCLC level for each ability separately, so a strong listening score cannot lift a weak writing score. IRCC looks at your lowest ability when it checks whether you meet a program minimum.

How many CRS points is French worth?

French is one of the most efficient ways to raise a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which is why French-only category draws have cut off far below general draws. There are two places French earns points.

First, French counts as a language just like English, feeding the core human-capital and skill-transferability points. Second, there is a dedicated additional-points bonus for French ability on top of that:

• 25 points if you score NCLC 7 or higher on all four French abilities and your English is CLB 4 or lower (or you have no English result).
• 50 points if you score NCLC 7 or higher on all four French abilities and your English is CLB 5 or higher on all four abilities.

The maximum French bonus is 50 points, not more. This bonus is a major reason a candidate with strong French can clear a French category-based draw that an English-only candidate cannot. If you are weighing where to spend your effort, see our guide on how to improve your CRS score and how category-based selection works.

What NCLC level do you actually need?

The NCLC level you need depends on your program and the skill level of your job under the National Occupational Classification (NOC). If French is the language you use to qualify, the Federal Skilled Worker Program needs NCLC 7 on all four abilities, whatever your occupation. The Canadian Experience Class needs NCLC 7 for a TEER 0 or 1 occupation and NCLC 5 for a TEER 2 or 3 occupation. The Federal Skilled Trades Program needs NCLC 5 in speaking and listening and NCLC 4 in reading and writing. To claim the French additional-points bonus, the bar is NCLC 7 across every ability, whatever your job. The table below sets out each case.

If your goal is the French category draws or the 50-point bonus, aim for NCLC 7 on every ability, since a single ability below 7 disqualifies you from the bonus even if the other three are strong.

TCF Canada vs TEF Canada: which should you take?

Both are accepted equally by IRCC, and neither earns more points than the other for the same NCLC level. The right choice comes down to test format and where you feel more comfortable.

• TCF Canada uses multiple-choice questions for listening and reading, plus a separate writing and speaking session. Many candidates find the multiple-choice format more predictable.
• TEF Canada uses a different scoring scale and question style. If you have already prepared with TEF materials, switching may not be worth it.

Compare the TEF Canada score chart side by side before you book. If you are still deciding between French and English routes altogether, our CELPIP vs IELTS comparison covers the English side.

How do you book TCF Canada?

You book TCF Canada through an approved test centre. When you register, choose the "TCF Canada" version, not the general TCF, because IRCC only accepts the Canada version for immigration. Bring the same valid passport you will use on your application, since IRCC matches the name and document number on your test result to your profile.

A few practical points:

• Results are valid for two years from the test date. If your result expires before you submit, you must retake the test.
• You can retake TCF Canada to improve a score; IRCC uses your most recent valid result that you enter in your profile.
• Book early. If you are already in the Express Entry pool, a strong French result can be the difference in a French category round, and those run on IRCC's schedule, not yours.

French is a long game for many applicants, so pairing test prep with a realistic plan matters. Our overview of learning French for immigration and the Francophone Mobility work permit pathway show how French can open doors beyond Express Entry.

Frequently asked questions

Does IRCC accept the regular TCF, or only TCF Canada? Only TCF Canada. The general TCF and other TCF versions are not accepted for Express Entry or permanent residence. Register specifically for the Canada version.

How long are TCF Canada results valid? Two years from the date of the test. If your result is older than two years when you submit your application, IRCC will not accept it.

Can French alone qualify me for Express Entry? Yes. You can meet the language requirement with French only, provided you reach the minimum NCLC level for your program and job. Adding even a modest English result can raise your bonus to the larger 50 points.

Is TCF Canada easier than TEF Canada? Neither is officially easier, and both convert to the same NCLC levels. TCF Canada's multiple-choice format for listening and reading suits some test-takers better, but the best choice depends on your own strengths.

How many CRS points do I get for French? Up to 50 additional points: 25 if you have NCLC 7+ in French and weak or no English, or 50 if you have NCLC 7+ in French and CLB 5+ in English, plus the regular language points French earns on your profile.

How do you make your French result count?

The applicants who benefit most from French are the ones who test strategically: they target NCLC 7 across all four abilities to unlock the bonus, then time the result so it is valid when a French draw lands. As a licensed Canadian immigration firm, we help candidates decide whether French is worth the investment for their profile and map it to the right Express Entry round. If you are planning a French test, book a consultation with our team.

Sources

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Language testing: Express Entry
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Express Entry: Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) criteria
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Understand Express Entry: Additional points