French Test CanadaPractice test

Guide · Express Entry

French for Express Entry: the levels that count

French can be your first official language, your second one, or a source of bonus points on top of English. Here’s what IRCC asks for at each level, and why NCLC 7 is the number most French test-takers aim for.

Minimum levels by program

Minimum level in your first official language (IRCC). CLB is for English, NCLC for French.
ProgramSpeakingListeningReadingWriting
Federal Skilled WorkerNCLC 7NCLC 7NCLC 7NCLC 7
Canadian Experience Class, TEER 0 or 1 jobNCLC 7NCLC 7NCLC 7NCLC 7
Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or 3 jobNCLC 5NCLC 5NCLC 5NCLC 5
Federal Skilled TradesNCLC 5NCLC 5NCLC 4NCLC 4

So “CLB 5 in French” (NCLC 5) is enough for some Canadian Experience Class and Skilled Trades applicants, while NCLC 7 opens the Federal Skilled Worker Program and more points.

Extra CRS points for French

Additional points for French-language skills (Comprehensive Ranking System)
Your FrenchYour EnglishExtra points
NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilitiesCLB 4 or lower, or no English test25
NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilitiesCLB 5 or higher in all four abilities50

These come on top of your language points. If English is your first official language, French as your second can also earn up to 6 points per ability (22 with a spouse or partner, 24 without), and you need at least CLB 5 to earn any.

The French-language proficiency category

IRCC lists French-language proficiency as a current category for category-based Express Entry draws. To be eligible you need NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities, plus anything in the instructions for that round.

Score converter

Your TEF Canada scores as NCLC levels

Enter the “Équivalence ancien score” column from your TEF Canada results, not the score out of 699: that’s the one IRCC uses for Express Entry.

From IRCC’s official equivalency table. Your official result is the one on your test report.

Which test, and when

  • IRCC accepts two French tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. See TEF vs TCF.
  • Results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you submit your permanent residence application. Applications with expired results are refused.
  • For TEF Canada, enter the “Équivalence ancien score” figures in your profile, not the score out of 699.
  • Leave room for a retake: TEF Canada needs 20 days between sittings, TCF Canada 30 days.

Questions people ask

+What is CLB 7 in French?

In French the scale is called NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens). NCLC 7 is the French equivalent of CLB 7, the minimum in all four abilities for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

+Is CLB 5 in French enough for Express Entry?

For some programs. NCLC 5 in all four abilities meets the Canadian Experience Class minimum for TEER 2 or 3 jobs, and NCLC 5 in speaking and listening (4 in reading and writing) meets Federal Skilled Trades.

+How many points does French add?

25 extra CRS points for NCLC 7+ in all four French abilities with CLB 4 or lower in English, or 50 points with CLB 5+ in all four English abilities.

+How long are French test results valid for Express Entry?

They must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you submit your application.

Sources

Updated October 26, 2026. Not affiliated with CCI Paris Île-de-France (TEF), France Éducation international (TCF) or IRCC.

Keep going