Which scale should I use for Express Entry?

The “Équivalence ancien score” column. IRCC says the Score /699 column is not compatible with the Express Entry profile system.

Is reading NCLC 7 at 310?

No. On the ancien column, reading NCLC 7 is 207–232. 310 is the NCLC 7 floor for writing and speaking on that column. On Score /699, reading NCLC 7 is 434–461.

Does this work for TCF?

No. TCF uses different scales (listening/reading /699 with different bands; speaking/writing /20). Use IRCC’s TCF chart.

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TEF Canada NCLC score calculator

Paste your TEF Canada module scores to see approximate NCLC (CLB) levels per skill. IRCC uses your weakest skill as the ceiling for French CRS points — this calculator shows that floor instantly.

Two TEF score columns — pick the matching scale

Ancien (Express Entry): Reading /300 · listening /360 · writing & speaking /450
NCLC 7 (ancien): Reading 207 · listening 249 · writing/speaking 310
Score /699 (newer certificates): All four skills scored out of 699
NCLC 7 (/699): Reading/listening 434 · writing 428 · speaking 456
Express Entry warning: IRCC: enter the ancien column only — not Score /699

How to read the result

Select the same scale as the column you are reading on your certificate.
IRCC uses your weakest of the four skills — never the average.
If one skill is below 7, that skill is your study priority.
Pair this with the CRS calculator to see French bonus points at NCLC 7+.

Calculate your NCLC bands

Choose ancien or /699 first, then enter your four TEF scores. Defaults are set to the NCLC 7 floors for the selected scale.

Score scale on your certificate

Reading /300 · listening /360 · writing & speaking /450. IRCC tells Express Entry candidates to enter this column only.

Reading (0–300)

NCLC 7 · NCLC 7 starts at 207

Listening (0–360)

NCLC 7 · NCLC 7 starts at 249

Writing (0–450)

NCLC 7 · NCLC 7 starts at 310

Speaking (0–450)

NCLC 7 · NCLC 7 starts at 310

Express Entry French floor (weakest skill)

NCLC 7

These inputs clear NCLC 7+ in all four skills.

Practice the weak skill →

After you know your bands

Identify the weakest skill below NCLC 7.
Practice that skill daily on CanadaFrenchPath.
Retake a mock exam to confirm the band moved.
Recalculate here with your new scores.

TEF NCLC calculator FAQ

Which scale should I use for Express Entry?: The “Équivalence ancien score” column. IRCC says the Score /699 column is not compatible with the Express Entry profile system.
Is reading NCLC 7 at 310?: No. On the ancien column, reading NCLC 7 is 207–232. 310 is the NCLC 7 floor for writing and speaking on that column. On Score /699, reading NCLC 7 is 434–461.
Does this work for TCF?: No. TCF uses different scales (listening/reading /699 with different bands; speaking/writing /20). Use IRCC’s TCF chart.

Turn scores into a practice plan

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