Confused about TEF Canada scores? Learn how TEF Canada scores correspond to NCLC levels, including the score ranges for NCLC 4 to NCLC 10.
TEF Canada scores can be confusing because your result is not shown as one simple pass or fail.
Each ability receives its own score, and that score is matched to a Canadian language benchmark called NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens).
Your reading, writing, listening, and speaking levels may all be different.
For TEF Canada tests taken after December 10, 2023, the Government of Canada publishes the following score ranges on the 0–699 scale. The order of the abilities matters, so always check the heading before using a score for an immigration application.
TEF Canada Score Chart: NCLC 4 to NCLC 10
| NCLC Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCLC 10 | 546–699 | 558–699 | 546–699 | 556–699 |
| NCLC 9 | 503–545 | 512–557 | 503–545 | 518–555 |
| NCLC 8 | 462–502 | 472–511 | 462–502 | 494–517 |
| NCLC 7 | 434–461 | 428–471 | 434–461 | 456–493 |
| NCLC 6 | 393–433 | 379–427 | 393–433 | 422–455 |
| NCLC 5 | 352–392 | 330–378 | 352–392 | 387–421 |
| NCLC 4 | 306–351 | 268–329 | 306–351 | 328–386 |
Important: This table applies to TEF Canada tests taken after December 10, 2023. Immigration requirements can change, so candidates should always confirm the current requirements for their specific immigration program on the Government of Canada website.
What TEF Canada Score Is NCLC 7?
For the current 0–699 scale, NCLC 7 begins at:
- Reading: 434
- Writing: 428
- Listening: 434
- Speaking: 456
Notice that the minimum is not the same for every ability.
There is no single number that represents NCLC 7 across all four sections.
For example, a candidate with a 440 score in reading or listening falls within the NCLC 7 range. However, a 440 in speaking is below the NCLC 7 threshold of 456.
This is why saying “I scored 440 on the TEF” is incomplete.
You should always identify both:
the score + the ability
For example:
Reading: 440 → NCLC 7
rather than simply:
TEF score: 440
What TEF Canada Score Is NCLC 9?
For the current 0–699 scale, NCLC 9 begins at:
- Reading: 503
- Writing: 512
- Listening: 503
- Speaking: 518
Again, the thresholds are different between abilities.
Candidates targeting higher Express Entry scores often pay close attention to NCLC 9 and above. However, the immigration benefit depends on the applicant’s complete profile and the rules in effect when the application is submitted.
Does TEF Canada Have an Overall Score?
Not in the way many candidates expect.
Your TEF Canada results report the score for each test component. Your language abilities are assessed separately rather than being reduced to one simple average.
For immigration purposes, a very high reading score does not automatically compensate for a speaking score that is below the required level.
For example, if a program requires a minimum level in all four abilities, achieving a high NCLC level in three sections does not necessarily make up for a lower result in the fourth.
Before booking or retaking the test, check whether your immigration program requires a minimum score in each of the four abilities.
Important: TEF Canada Score / 699 vs. Express Entry Scores
This is one of the most important details to understand.
Your TEF Canada statement of results may show scores on the 0–699 scale, but that does not necessarily mean you should enter those numbers directly into your Express Entry profile.
IRCC currently instructs Express Entry candidates to use the “Équivalence ancien score” column for TEF Canada results. The “Score / 699” values shown on the attestation are not currently compatible with the Express Entry system.
For example, the current NCLC 7 equivalency is shown differently depending on which score system you are looking at.
Therefore, do not simply copy the largest or most obvious number from your certificate into your immigration profile.
Always follow the current instructions in your Express Entry account and on Canada.ca.
Is NCLC 7 the Same as B2?
Not exactly.
NCLC and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) are different language assessment systems.
They describe language ability using different frameworks and should not be treated as interchangeable labels in every situation.
For Canadian immigration purposes, use the NCLC level and TEF Canada equivalency specified by the Canadian authorities rather than assuming that a CEFR label such as B2 can be entered in its place.
Why Do Some Websites Show Different TEF Canada Scores?
There are several reasons.
The scoring presentation has changed over time, and older immigration pages, calculators, screenshots, and blog posts may still display earlier score ranges.
For example, Canada.ca provides different TEF Canada tables depending on when the test was taken. Tests taken between October 1, 2019 and December 10, 2023 use a different score equivalency table from tests taken after December 10, 2023.
There was also a temporary change affecting TEF Canada results issued between December 11, 2023 and May 6, 2024, which was subsequently reverted for Express Entry scoring purposes.
This is why you may find different TEF numbers on different websites.
Your test date and the score columns shown on your attestation de résultats matter.
When in doubt, compare your results with the current instructions on Canada.ca.
A test centre administers the examination, but it does not determine immigration eligibility or decide how a government immigration system interprets your results.
How to Use the TEF Canada Score Chart When Preparing
The score chart is most useful when you use it to set a target for each ability.
1. Identify your minimum score for each ability
Do not write down only one overall target.
Instead, record the minimum required score for:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
2. Track practice results by skill
Averages can hide a weak area.
For example, strong reading and listening results may make your overall practice performance look good while your speaking score remains below your target.
Track each ability separately.
3. Leave a safety margin
Do not prepare only to reach the exact minimum.
Practice results naturally vary from one test to another. If your target is NCLC 7, consistently practicing just one or two points above the minimum may not give you enough margin on test day.
4. Use the current score chart
Be careful with old screenshots and calculators shared online.
Always check the test date and make sure the score table corresponds to the current TEF Canada scoring system.
5. Check your immigration program separately
The score needed for one immigration pathway may not be the same as the score needed for another.
Your TEF Canada target should be based on your actual immigration strategy, not simply on the most commonly mentioned NCLC level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need NCLC 7 in all four sections?
It depends on the immigration program.
Some federal immigration programs require a minimum language level in all four abilities, while other programs may have different requirements.
Do not assume that NCLC 7 is automatically the requirement for every applicant.
Check the official requirements for the specific program you are applying under.
Can I combine my best scores from different TEF Canada certificates?
For a federal immigration application, candidates should not assume that they can combine individual scores from different TEF Canada sessions.
For TEF Canada immigration purposes, the required four components are taken during the same session.
If you are planning to retake only certain components, check the current rules that apply to your specific application before registering.
How long are TEF Canada results valid?
TEF Canada results are generally valid for two years.
For Express Entry, IRCC states that your language test results must be less than two years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your permanent residence application.
This means you should consider the timing of your test carefully, especially if you expect to remain in the Express Entry pool for an extended period.
Final Takeaway
Understanding your TEF Canada score is about more than looking at one number.
Your result must be interpreted according to:
- The ability tested
- Your score
- The corresponding NCLC level
- The date you took the test
- The immigration program you are applying under
- The score system required by the immigration application
If you are targeting NCLC 7, NCLC 9, or a higher level, start by identifying the exact minimum score required in each ability.
Then use the current TEF Canada score chart to measure your progress and leave yourself a reasonable safety margin.
Take Your TEF Canada in the Toronto Area
CSA Toronto offers official TEF Canada and TEFAQ sessions for candidates from Toronto and across the Greater Toronto Area.
Check our upcoming exam dates and registration options online.
Ready to book your TEF Canada exam?
