Scores & NCLCTEF Canada6 min read
TEF Canada Score Chart 2026: NCLC & CLB by Skill
The TEF Canada to NCLC chart IRCC uses for Express Entry (old-scale scores), the /699 tables by test date, and which one applies to you.
TEF Canada · Official format
Free TEF Canada practice test
Practise the four TEF Canada tests in exam order: reading, listening, writing, then speaking. Get an estimated NCLC level in each skill, using the column IRCC actually reads.
- reading and listening questions
- 40 + 40
- for all four tests
- 2 h 55
- all four, for IRCC
- Same day
Practise each skill
Four tests, four different rules
The TEF Canada is not the TCF with a new name. Each test has its own rules, so practise each one the way it really works.
- 1 · 60 min
Reading
40 questions. You can move freely between them, so answer the quick ones first and come back.
TEF Canada reading practice - 2 · 40 min
Listening
40 questions. Each audio plays once, starts on its own, and you can’t go back.
TEF Canada listening practice - 3 · 60 min
Writing
Section A: finish a news story (80+ words, 25 min). Section B: argue your view (200+ words, 35 min).
TEF Canada writing practice - 4 · 15 min
Speaking
Section A: call to ask about an ad (5 min). Section B: try to convince a friend (10 min).
TEF Canada speaking practice
How it works
From first question to NCLC estimate
Check your sound and microphone
Play a test sound and allow your microphone. It takes about 20 seconds.
Take the tests in TEF order
Reading, listening, writing, then speaking, as on test day. Practise one skill at a time if you prefer.
Get your level per skill
See an estimated NCLC level for each skill, based on IRCC’s TEF Canada table for Express Entry.
Review and repeat
Read the explanation for each question and the AI feedback on your writing and speaking. Then target your weakest skill.
Before you fill in Express Entry
Your TEF certificate has two score columns
Your results show a score out of 699 and an Équivalence ancien score. IRCC says to enter only the ancien scores in Express Entry, and warns: “If you don't enter the correct scores, we may refuse your application.”
IRCC equivalences · Express Entry
TEF Canada ancien scores and NCLC levels
Each skill has its own scale: listening /360, reading /300, writing and speaking /450. NCLC 7 in all four is the usual Express Entry target.
| NCLC | Listening (/360) | Reading (/300) | Writing (/450) | Speaking (/450) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 316–360 | 263–300 | 393–450 | 393–450 |
| 9 | 298–315 | 248–262 | 371–392 | 371–392 |
| 8 | 280–297 | 233–247 | 349–370 | 349–370 |
| 7 | 249–279 | 207–232 | 310–348 | 310–348 |
| 6 | 217–248 | 181–206 | 271–309 | 271–309 |
| 5 | 181–216 | 151–180 | 226–270 | 226–270 |
| 4 | 145–180 | 121–150 | 181–225 | 181–225 |
Source: IRCC language test equivalency table for TEF Canada (Express Entry). NCLC 10 means 10 and above. Confirm on canada.ca before you apply.
Not sure about the TEF?
IRCC also accepts the TCF Canada
Compare both tests
Format, timing, scoring, results speed and retakes, side by side and sourced.
TEF vs TCF comparedTaking the TCF Canada instead?
Practise its 39-question sections, three writing tasks and three speaking tasks.
Free TCF Canada practice test
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Sources
Last verified Oct 5, 2026 against canada.ca and Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France), the TEF Canada test owner. How we check facts
Scores & NCLCTEF Canada7 min read
NCLC 7 in TEF Canada: Exact Scores You Need
NCLC 7 on TEF Canada for Express Entry: listening 249, reading 207, writing 310, speaking 310 (old-scale). Why it matters and an 8-week plan.
TCF vs TEF8 min read
TCF Canada vs TEF Canada: Which Is Easier for You? (Quiz)
TCF Canada and TEF Canada compared section by section: timings, writing and speaking tasks, scoring and who each suits. Take the quiz to choose.
Your next step
Take the free TEF Canada mock test
All four skills, timed like the real exam, with an estimated NCLC level per skill. No account needed.