To measure your English or French levels, we use:
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English
Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French
Check your language level
You can use your test results to find your CLB level.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
First official language (maximum 24 points)
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points per ability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 CELPIP-G |
7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 |
| 8 CELPIP-G |
8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 |
| 9 CELPIP-G |
9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 |
| 10 and above CELPIP-G |
10+ | 10+ | 10+ | 10+ | 6 |
Second official language (4 points if you meet the minimum threshold in each of the 4 language abilities)
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points (total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 and above | 5-12 | 5-12 | 5-12 | 5-12 | 4 |
How to calculate your points
- First official language:
- Speaking + Listening + Reading + Writing = your subtotal
-
Second official language:
- Add 4 points to your subtotal if you meet the minimum level in all 4 abilities. If you do not, you get 0 points for your second official language.
- Add (1) and (2) together for your total points.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
First official language (maximum 24 points)
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points per ability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 4 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 6 |
| 10 and above | 7.5-9.0 | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 | 6 |
Second official language (4 points if you meet the minimum threshold in each of the 4 language abilities)
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points (total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 and above | 5.0-9.0 | 5.0-9.0 | 4.0-9.0 | 5.0-9.0 | 4 |
How to calculate your points
- First official language:
- Speaking + Listening + Reading + Writing = your subtotal
-
Second official language:
- Add 4 points to your subtotal if you meet the minimum level in all 4 abilities. If you do not, you get 0 points for your second official language.
- Add (1) and (2) together for your total points.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
First official language (maximum 24 points)
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points per ability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 68-75 | 60-70 | 60-68 | 69-78 | 4 |
| 8 | 76-83 | 71-81 | 69-77 | 79-87 | 5 |
| 9 | 84-88 | 82-88 | 78-87 | 88-89 | 6 |
| 10 and above | 89+ | 89+ | 88+ | 90+ | 6 |
Second official language (4 points if you meet the minimum threshold in each of the 4 language abilities)
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points (total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 and above | 51-90 | 39-90 | 42-90 | 51-90 | 4 |
Federal Skilled Worker Program
TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
Your language level will be based on the “Équivalence ancien score” (previous score equivalency).
- Only enter the scores for each language ability from that column.
- If you don’t enter the correct scores, we may refuse your application.
- Your attestation de résultats (statement of results) will also include test results in the column marked “Score / 699.” Don’t enter these results in your Express Entry profile. They aren’t compatible with our system at this time.
If you took a test from TEF Canada between December 11, 2023 and May 6, 2024
If you took a French language test between December 11, 2023 and May 6, 2024 from TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français, you may need to take action in your Express Entry profile.
CCI Paris Ile-de-France administers the TEF Canada language test for immigration to Canada. As part of ongoing improvements to the way French language is evaluated, CCI temporarily modified the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) to reflect raw scores.
This change has been reverted back to the Express Entry scoring grid we currently use.
| NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 393-450 | 316-360 | 263-300 | 393-450 |
| 9 | 371-392 | 298-315 | 248-262 | 371-392 |
| 8 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 233-247 | 349-370 |
| 7 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 207-232 | 310-348 |
| 6 | 271-309 | 217-248 | 181-206 | 271-309 |
| 5 | 226-270 | 181-216 | 151-180 | 226-270 |
| 4 | 181-225 | 145-180 | 121-150 | 181-225 |
If you were impacted by this scoring change, you’ll have received an email message from the CCI, notifying you of this change, and your updated score.
- You’ll need to update your Express Entry profile with this new scoring information.
- If you don’t, and you’re invited to apply, it could cause your application to be refused based on incorrect language scores.
If you’ve been invited to apply but have not yet submitted your application, please update your scores. If you find that you no longer meet the criteria, you should decline your invitation for that round.
If you’ve already applied for permanent residence, we may contact you to provide your updated test scores.
First official language (maximum 24 points)
| NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) | Points (per ability) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 207-232 | 310-348 | 4 |
| 8 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 233-247 | 349-370 | 5 |
| 9 and above | 371+ | 298+ | 248+ | 371+ | 6 |
Second official language (4 points if you meet the minimum threshold in each of the 4 language abilities)
| NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) | Points (total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 and above | 226-371+ | 181-298+ | 151-248+ | 226-371+ | 4 |
The testing organization will issue you a copy of TEF Canada electronic test results. The results will include:
- your score
- the NCLC equivalence level you achieved for each test component
How to calculate your points
- First official language:
- Speaking + Listening + Reading + Writing = your subtotal
-
Second official language:
- Add 4 points to your subtotal if you meet the minimum level in all 4 abilities. If you do not, you get 0 points for your second official language.
- Add (1) and (2) together for your total points.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
First official language (maximum 24 points)
| NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) | Points (per ability) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 10-11 | 458-502 | 453-498 | 10-11 | 4 |
| 8 | 12-13 | 503-522 | 499-523 | 12-13 | 5 |
| 9 and above | 14+ | 523+ | 524+ | 14+ | 6 |
Second official language (4 points if you meet the minimum threshold in each of the 4 language abilities)
| NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) | Points (total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 and above | 6+ | 369-397+ | 375-405+ | 6+ | 4 |
How to calculate your points
- First official language:
- Speaking + Listening + Reading + Writing = your subtotal
-
Second official language:
- Add 4 points to your subtotal if you meet the minimum level in all 4 abilities. If you do not, you get 0 points for your second official language.
- Add (1) and (2) together for your total points.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 and above | 9+ | 9+ | 9+ | 9+ |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Federal Skilled Trades Program
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 and above | 7.5-9.0 | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
Federal Skilled Trades Program
PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 and above | 89+ | 89+ | 88+ | 90+ |
| 9 | 84-88 | 82-88 | 78-87 | 88-89 |
| 8 | 76-83 | 71-81 | 69-77 | 79-87 |
| 7 | 68-75 | 60-70 | 60-68 | 69-78 |
| 6 | 59-67 | 50-59 | 51-59 | 60-68 |
| 5 | 51-58 | 39-49 | 42-50 | 51-59 |
| 4 | 42-50 | 28-38 | 33-41 | 41-50 |
Federal Skilled Trades Program
TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
Your language level will be based on the “Équivalence ancien score” (previous score equivalency).
- Only enter the scores for each language ability from that column.
- If you don’t enter the correct scores, we may refuse your application.
- Your attestation de résultats (statement of results) will also include test results in the column marked “Score / 699.” Don’t enter these results in your Express Entry profile. They aren’t compatible with our system at this time.
If you took a test from TEF Canada between December 11, 2023 and May 6, 2024
If you took a French language test between December 11, 2023 and May 6, 2024 from TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français, you may need to take action in your Express Entry profile.
CCI Paris Ile-de-France administers the TEF Canada language test for immigration to Canada. As part of ongoing improvements to the way French language is evaluated, CCI temporarily modified the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) to reflect raw scores.
This change has been reverted back to the Express Entry scoring grid we currently use.
| NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 393-450 | 316-360 | 263-300 | 393-450 |
| 9 | 371-392 | 298-315 | 248-262 | 371-392 |
| 8 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 233-247 | 349-370 |
| 7 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 207-232 | 310-348 |
| 6 | 271-309 | 217-248 | 181-206 | 271-309 |
| 5 | 226-270 | 181-216 | 151-180 | 226-270 |
| 4 | 181-225 | 145-180 | 121-150 | 181-225 |
If you were impacted by this scoring change, you’ll have received an email message from the CCI, notifying you of this change, and your updated score.
- You’ll need to update your Express Entry profile with this new scoring information.
- If you don’t, and you’re invited to apply, it could cause your application to be refused based on incorrect language scores.
If you’ve been invited to apply but have not yet submitted your application, please update your scores. If you find that you no longer meet the criteria, you should decline your invitation for that round.
If you’ve already applied for permanent residence, we may contact you to provide your updated test scores.
| NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 and above | 371+ | 298+ | 248+ | 371+ |
| 8 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 233-247 | 349-370 |
| 7 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 207-232 | 310-348 |
| 6 | 271-309 | 217-248 | 181-206 | 271-309 |
| 5 | 226-270 | 181-216 | 151-180 | 226-270 |
| 4 | 181-225 | 145-180 | 121-150 | 181-225 |
The testing organization will issue you a copy of TEF Canada electronic test results. The results will include:
- your score
- the NCLC equivalence level you achieved for each test component
Federal Skilled Trades Program
TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
| NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 and above | 16-20 | 549-699 | 549-699 | 16-20 |
| 9 | 14-15 | 523-548 | 524-548 | 14-15 |
| 8 | 12-13 | 503-522 | 499-523 | 12-13 |
| 7 | 10-11 | 458-502 | 453-498 | 10-11 |
| 6 | 7-9 | 398-457 | 406-452 | 7-9 |
| 5 | 6 | 369-397 | 375-405 | 6 |
| 4 | 4-5 | 331-368 | 342-374 | 4-5 |
Canadian Experience Class
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) centres are not approved testing agencies for people who apply under the Canadian Experience Class.
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
| NOC TEER | CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 and 1 | 9 and above | 9+ | 9+ | 9+ | 9+ |
| 0 and 1 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 0 and 1 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 2 and 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 2 and 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Canadian Experience Class
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) centres are not approved testing agencies for people who apply under the Canadian Experience Class.
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
| NOC TEER | CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 and 1 | 10 and above | 7.5-9.0 | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 |
| 0 and 1 | 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 0 and 1 | 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 0 and 1 | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 2 and 3 | 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| 2 and 3 | 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
Canadian Experience Class
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) centres are not approved testing agencies for people who apply under the Canadian Experience Class.
PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
| NOC TEER | CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 and 1 | 10 and above | 89+ | 89+ | 88+ | 90+ |
| 0 and 1 | 9 | 84-88 | 82-88 | 78-87 | 88-89 |
| 0 and 1 | 8 | 76-83 | 71-81 | 69-77 | 79-87 |
| 0 and 1 | 7 | 68-75 | 60-70 | 60-68 | 69-78 |
| 2 and 3 | 6 | 59-67 | 50-59 | 51-59 | 60-68 |
| 2 and 3 | 5 | 51-58 | 39-49 | 42-50 | 51-59 |
Canadian Experience Class
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) centres are not approved testing agencies for people who apply under the Canadian Experience Class.
TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
Your language level will be based on the “Équivalence ancien score” (previous score equivalency).
- Only enter the scores for each language ability from that column.
- If you don’t enter the correct scores, we may refuse your application.
- Your attestation de résultats (statement of results) will also include test results in the column marked “Score / 699.” Don’t enter these results in your Express Entry profile. They aren’t compatible with our system at this time.
If you took a test from TEF Canada between December 11, 2023 and May 6, 2024
If you took a French language test between December 11, 2023 and May 6, 2024 from TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français, you may need to take action in your Express Entry profile.
CCI Paris Ile-de-France administers the TEF Canada language test for immigration to Canada. As part of ongoing improvements to the way French language is evaluated, CCI temporarily modified the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) to reflect raw scores.
This change has been reverted back to the Express Entry scoring grid we currently use.
| NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 393-450 | 316-360 | 263-300 | 393-450 |
| 9 | 371-392 | 298-315 | 248-262 | 371-392 |
| 8 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 233-247 | 349-370 |
| 7 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 207-232 | 310-348 |
| 6 | 271-309 | 217-248 | 181-206 | 271-309 |
| 5 | 226-270 | 181-216 | 151-180 | 226-270 |
| 4 | 181-225 | 145-180 | 121-150 | 181-225 |
If you were impacted by this scoring change, you’ll have received an email message from the CCI, notifying you of this change, and your updated score.
- You’ll need to update your Express Entry profile with this new scoring information.
- If you don’t, and you’re invited to apply, it could cause your application to be refused based on incorrect language scores.
If you’ve been invited to apply but have not yet submitted your application, please update your scores. If you find that you no longer meet the criteria, you should decline your invitation for that round.
If you’ve already applied for permanent residence, we may contact you to provide your updated test scores.
| NOC TEER | NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 and 1 | 9 and above | 371+ | 298+ | 248+ | 371+ |
| 0 and 1 | 8 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 233-247 | 349-370 |
| 0 and 1 | 7 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 207-232 | 310-348 |
| 2 and 3 | 6 | 271-309 | 217-248 | 181-206 | 271-309 |
| 2 and 3 | 5 | 226-270 | 181-216 | 151-180 | 226-270 |
The testing organization will issue you a copy of TEF Canada electronic test results. The results will include:
- your score
- the NCLC equivalence level you achieved for each test component
Canadian Experience Class
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) centres are not approved testing agencies for people who apply under the Canadian Experience Class.
TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
| NOC TEER | NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 and 1 | 10 and above | 16-20 | 549-699 | 549-699 | 16-20 |
| 0 and 1 | 9 | 14-15 | 523-548 | 524-548 | 14-15 |
| 0 and 1 | 8 | 12-13 | 503-522 | 499-523 | 12-13 |
| 0 and 1 | 7 | 10-11 | 458-502 | 453-498 | 10-11 |
| 2 and 3 | 6 | 7-9 | 398-457 | 406-452 | 7-9 |
| 2 and 3 | 5 | 6 | 369-397 | 375-405 | 6 |