TCF Score Chart & NCLC Calculator 2026
Convert your TCF score to NCLC levels for Express Entry, CECRL levels for France, and CLB equivalents — instantly.
Interactive Score Calculator
Select your TCF variant and section, enter your score, and get instant NCLC, CEFR, and eligibility results.
Comprehension Scores (Listening & Reading)
TCF comprehension sections are scored 0–699. Scores map to CEFR and NCLC levels as shown below.
| TCF Score Range | CEFR Level | NCLC (Canada) | Express Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–99 | A1 non atteint | 1 | Not met |
| 100–199 | A1 | 2 | Not met |
| 200–299 | A2 | 3 | Not met |
| 300–399 | B1 | 4–6 | Not met |
| 400–499 | B2 | 7 | Minimum |
| 500–599 | C1 | 9 | Meets |
| 600–699 | C2 | 10+ | Maximum |
Production Scores (Writing & Speaking)
TCF production sections are scored 0–20 by certified examiners.
| TCF Score | CEFR Level | NCLC (Canada) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | A1 non atteint | 1 |
| 1–3 | A1 | 1–3 |
| 4–5 | A2 | 4 |
| 6–9 | B1 | 5–6 |
| 10–11 | B2 | 7 |
| 12–13 | B2 | 8 |
| 14–15 | C1 | 9 |
| 16–20 | C1–C2 | 10+ |
Express Entry Requirements
Minimum TCF scores required for Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, CEC) — NCLC 7 in all 4 skills.
| Skill | Minimum NCLC | Minimum TCF Score |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 7 | 458 |
| Reading | 7 | 453 |
| Writing | 7 | 10/20 |
| Speaking | 7 | 10/20 |
Express Entry requires NCLC 7+ in all 4 skills. Scoring higher increases your CRS points significantly — NCLC 9 is the sweet spot for maximum competitiveness.
Quebec ARRIMA Requirements
Quebec uses broader NCLC bands than federal programs. Here are the PSTQ Stream 1 minimums.
Oral (Listening + Speaking)
Oral comprehension and oral expression must each be NCLC 7 or higher.
Written (Reading + Writing)
Written comprehension and written expression must each be NCLC 5 or higher.
IRN Levels (France)
TCF IRN is used for French immigration purposes. Scores are capped at B2 (max 499 for comprehension).
| Purpose | CEFR Level | Comprehension Min | Production Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-year residence card | A2 | 200 | 2/20 |
| 10-year resident card | B1 | 300 | 6/20 |
| French naturalization | B2 | 400 | 10/20 |
IRN Compensation Rule
The global IRN level equals your lowest section. However, a limited compensation rule allows one slightly weaker section: if 3 of your 4 sections meet the target level, the 4th section can be slightly below (e.g., for B2: 3 sections at 400+, 4th at 367+).
Understanding Your TCF Score
What NCLC levels mean for Canadian immigration
NCLC (Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens) is Canada's French language benchmark. NCLC 7 is the minimum for Express Entry and most federal programs. NCLC 9+ earns the most CRS points. NCLC levels map directly to CLB levels — NCLC 7 = CLB 7.
What CECRL/CEFR levels mean for French citizenship
CECRL (Cadre europeen commun de reference pour les langues) is the European framework. For French naturalization, you need B2 level. For a 10-year resident card, B1 is required. For a multi-year residence permit, A2 is the minimum.
How TCF scoring works
Comprehension sections (Listening, Reading) use multiple-choice questions scored 0–699 with IRT (Item Response Theory) weighting — harder questions are worth more points. Production sections (Writing, Speaking) are scored 0–20 by certified examiners using official FEI criteria.
Score validity
TCF scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. After 2 years, you must retake the exam if you need a current score for immigration or other purposes.
Can you retake the TCF?
Yes. You can retake the TCF after a mandatory waiting period of 20 days between two test sessions. There is no limit on the number of times you can take the TCF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about TCF scoring
Check Your Readiness
Take a free practice test to estimate your score across all 4 sections with AI grading.