Free tool
TCF Canada CLB / NCLC calculator
Enter your four TCF Canada scores and instantly see your CLB/NCLC level for each skill — plus the level your profile can actually use, set by your weakest skill.
Based on IRCC score-equivalency ranges for TCF Canada. Unofficial guidance — always verify on canada.ca.
Full conversion table
| CLB / NCLC | Reading /699 | Listening /699 | Writing /20 | Speaking /20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 549–699 | 549–699 | 16–20 | 16–20 |
| 9 | 524–548 | 523–548 | 14–15 | 14–15 |
| 8 | 499–523 | 503–522 | 12–13 | 12–13 |
| 7key target | 453–498 | 458–502 | 10–11 | 10–11 |
| 6 | 406–452 | 398–457 | 7–9 | 7–9 |
| 5 | 375–405 | 369–397 | 6–6 | 6–6 |
| 4 | 342–374 | 331–368 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
Source: IRCC score-equivalency ranges. Requirements change — verify on canada.ca.
What your CLB level unlocks
CLB/NCLC 7 in all four skills is the key threshold for French-speaking Express Entry candidates — it can add up to 50 CRS points and qualifies you for French-language category draws, which have historically had much lower cut-offs than general draws. CLB 9+ boosts your core language points further. See exactly what to aim for 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
How is TCF Canada converted to CLB/NCLC?
Each skill has its own official IRCC score bands. CLB 7 requires Reading 453/699, Listening 458/699, Writing 10/20, and Speaking 10/20. Each skill is converted independently.
Which skill counts for immigration?
All four — and your weakest one matters most. Express Entry points are awarded per skill, and program minimums (like CLB 7 for French-language candidates) must be met in every skill separately.
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.
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.