Free tool
TEF Canada to CLB / NCLC calculator & conversion chart
Enter your four TEF Canada scores and instantly see your CLB/NCLC level for each skill — or read the exact targets off the full IRCC conversion chart below.
Based on IRCC score-equivalency ranges for TEF Canada tests taken on or after December 10, 2023. Unofficial guidance — always verify on canada.ca.
What TEF Canada score do you need for CLB 5, 7 and 9?
To reach CLB 7, you need at least: Reading 207/300, Listening 249/360, Writing 310/450 and Speaking 310/450 — all in the same TEF Canada sitting.
CLB 5
≈ CEFR B1 milestone
- Reading≥ 151/300
- Listening≥ 181/360
- Writing≥ 226/450
- Speaking≥ 226/450
CLB 7
The PR target — unlocks CRS bonus
- Reading≥ 207/300
- Listening≥ 249/360
- Writing≥ 310/450
- Speaking≥ 310/450
CLB 9
Maximum-points territory
- Reading≥ 248/300
- Listening≥ 298/360
- Writing≥ 371/450
- Speaking≥ 371/450
Full TEF Canada to CLB conversion chart (tests after Dec 10, 2023)
| CLB / NCLC | Reading /300 | Listening /360 | Writing /450 | Speaking /450 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 263–300 | 316–360 | 393–450 | 393–450 |
| 9 | 248–262 | 298–315 | 371–392 | 371–392 |
| 8 | 233–247 | 280–297 | 349–370 | 349–370 |
| 7key target | 207–232 | 249–279 | 310–348 | 310–348 |
| 6 | 181–206 | 217–248 | 271–309 | 271–309 |
| 5 | 151–180 | 181–216 | 226–270 | 226–270 |
| 4 | 121–150 | 145–180 | 181–225 | 181–225 |
Source: IRCC score-equivalency ranges. Using an older prep book or blog post? IRCC changed these ranges for tests taken on or after December 10, 2023 — older TEF-to-CLB charts no longer apply. Requirements change — verify on canada.ca.
What your CLB level is worth for Canada PR
| Your language profile | Additional points |
|---|---|
| NCLC 7+ in all four French skills, with CLB 4 or less in English (or no English test) | +25 CRS points |
| NCLC 7+ in all four French skills, with CLB 5+ in all four English skills | +50 CRS points |
On top of that, NCLC 7 makes you eligible for French-language category draws, whose CRS cut-offs have historically been far below general draws. Per-skill core language points also rise sharply again at CLB 9.
See exactly what to aim for, skill by skill, in the score-for-PR guide.
Not at your target yet?
Take free timed mock tests in all four modules and get an estimated CLB band after every attempt — so you know exactly when you're ready to book the real exam.
Frequently asked questions
What TEF Canada score is CLB 7?
CLB/NCLC 7 requires Reading 207/300, Listening 249/360, Writing 310/450 and Speaking 310/450 — all in the same sitting. These are IRCC's equivalency ranges for TEF Canada tests taken on or after December 10, 2023.
What TEF score do I need for Canada PR?
There is no single pass mark. For Express Entry, French-speaking candidates usually target NCLC 7 in all four skills — the threshold for up to 50 bonus CRS points and for French-language category draws. NCLC 9 and above increases your core language points further.
How is TEF Canada converted to CLB/NCLC?
Each skill has its own official IRCC score bands and is converted independently — there is no overall total. Enter your four scores in the calculator above, or read them off the conversion chart.
Is TEF Canada scored out of 300, 360 or 450?
All three, depending on the skill: Reading is scored out of 300, Listening out of 360, and Writing and Speaking out of 450 each. That's why a 'good score' only makes sense per skill.
What's the difference between CLB and NCLC?
They're the same scale: CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) is the English name, NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) the French one. French test results are formally expressed as NCLC.
Do old TEF-to-CLB charts still apply?
No. IRCC changed the equivalency ranges for tests taken on or after December 10, 2023. Many older books and blog posts still show the pre-2023 thresholds — always check against the current chart on this page or on canada.ca.
Is this calculator official?
No — it's a free tool based on the published IRCC equivalency ranges. Always verify current thresholds on canada.ca before making decisions.