The TCF Score Calculator
Pick your TCF version, enter your section scores, and instantly see your per-skill CEFR levels, CLB / NCLC levels for Canadian and Quebec immigration, and your CRS language points.
Your TCF Score
Pick the version you took and enter your section scores from your official result.
TCF Canada is the version IRCC accepts for federal immigration programs.
Three steps from result to immigration eligibility
TCF reports four section scores. Comprehension (Listening + Reading) is on a 0 to 699 scale; production (Writing + Speaking) is on a 0 to 20 scale. Each maps to a CEFR level and (for Canada / Quebec) a CLB / NCLC level.
Pick your version and enter four section scores
TCF Canada, Quebec, Tout Public, or DAP, plus Listening (CO) and Reading (CE) on the 0 to 699 scale, and Writing (EE) and Speaking (EO) on the 0 to 20 scale.
Read your CEFR, CLB / NCLC, and CRS points
You get the effective CEFR (lowest section), CLB / NCLC (for Canada and Quebec), and Express Entry CRS language points (for Canada).
Check your immigration eligibility
The result tells you which Canadian and Quebec immigration streams accept your scores, plus how competitive you are for an Express Entry ITA.
What is the TCF and how is it scored?
Two things every candidate should understand before reading their result.
TCF: Test de Connaissance du Français
The TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) is administered by France Education International (FEI, formerly CIEP) on behalf of the French Ministry of National Education. Unlike DELF / DALF (level-specific lifetime certificates), TCF gives you a date-stamped score across all CEFR levels in one sitting, valid for 2 years.
Four versions exist for different purposes: TCF Canada (IRCC immigration), TCF Quebec (Quebec immigration), TCF Tout Public (general purpose, includes a 5th Lexicon & Structure section, used for French universities), and TCF DAP (first-year French undergraduate admission, includes a mandatory Writing test).
Two scales: 0 to 699 for comprehension, 0 to 20 for production
All TCF versions use the same dual-scale scoring:
- Listening (CO) and Reading (CE) are scored 0 to 699 (multiple-choice questions, computer-scored)
- Writing (EE) and Speaking (EO) are scored 0 to 20 (rated by certified examiners)
- TCF Tout Public also includes Lexicon & Structure (LSF), 0 to 699
There is no overall pass / fail. Each program (university, immigration stream) sets its own per-section minimums. For Canadian Express Entry, your effective CLB / NCLC is the lowest section score -- a single weak section caps your eligibility regardless of how strong the others are.
How each TCF version is structured
Same core scoring scales across versions, but the mandatory sections, total length, and target audience differ.
TCF Canada
~3 hours · IRCC immigration4 mandatory sections: Listening (~25 min), Reading (~45 min), Writing (~60 min), Speaking (~12 min one-on-one). Used for Express Entry (FSWP, CEC, FSTP), Provincial Nominee Programs, and many Canadian work permits. The version IRCC accepts; results map directly to CLB / NCLC.
TCF Quebec
~2.5 hours · Quebec immigration4 mandatory sections similar to TCF Canada but with the production sections (Writing, Speaking) often optional depending on the visa stream. Used for the Quebec PEQ (graduate stream), PRTQ (Quebec Skilled Worker Program), and Quebec citizenship. NCLC is reported per section.
TCF Tout Public
~2 to 3 hours · General / University5 sections: Listening, Reading, Lexicon & Structure (LSF, 0 to 699), Writing, Speaking. The general-purpose version, accepted by French universities for admission and by employers for proof of French. The Writing and Speaking sections are optional for some uses.
TCF DAP
~3.5 hours · French university first-year3 mandatory sections (Listening, Reading, Lexicon & Structure) plus a mandatory Writing test (separate from the general TCF EE). Required for non-EU candidates applying directly to first-year (Licence 1) French undergraduate study. Bypassed if the candidate already has DELF B2 or DALF.
What your TCF score unlocks
Per-section thresholds for the most common Canadian and Quebec immigration pathways. Your effective level is the lowest section.
Competitive Express Entry ITA
TCF Canada with each section at NCLC 9+ (L 523+, R 524+, W 14+, S 14+) earns 124 CRS first-official-language points (without spouse). The practical target for an ITA in 2026 with cut-offs around 430 to 510. Higher scores (NCLC 10) earn the maximum 136 points.
FSWP, CEC TEER 0/1, Quebec PEQ
TCF Canada at L 458+, R 453+, W 10+, S 10+ in every section meets the FSWP minimum and CEC TEER 0/1. Quebec PEQ requires NCLC 7 in oral skills (CO + EO). Earns 68 CRS first-official-language points (without spouse) for Express Entry: eligible to enter the pool but rarely competitive at current cut-offs.
CEC TEER 2/3, Quebec written threshold
L 369+, R 375+, W 6+, S 6+ in every section meets CEC TEER 2 and 3 minimums. Quebec immigration sometimes accepts NCLC 5 in written skills (CE + EE) when oral skills are NCLC 7+.
Federal Skilled Trades L+S, Citizenship
L 331+ and S 4+ meets the Federal Skilled Trades Program oral minimums. NCLC 4 in oral skills is also the threshold for Canadian citizenship by naturalisation when applying in French.
Below most immigration thresholds
Below Canadian citizenship and Express Entry minimums. Recommend retaking the test after focused work on the weakest section.
TCF score to CEFR and CLB / NCLC
Per-section CEFR mapping (left) and CLB / NCLC mapping for TCF Canada (right). Effective CEFR or CLB is determined by the lowest section.
| L / R (0–699) | W / S (0–20) | CEFR | CLB / NCLC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600–699 | 18–20 | C2 | 10+ |
| 549–599 | 16–17 | C1 | 10 |
| 523–548 | 14–15 | C1 | 9 |
| 503–522 | 12–13 | B2 | 8 |
| 458–502 | 10–11 | B2 | 7 |
| 398–457 | 7–9 | B1 | 6 |
| 369–397 | 6 | B1 | 5 |
| 331–368 | 4–5 | A2 | 4 |
| 200–330 | below 4 | A2 | below 4 |
| below 200 | -- | A1 | -- |
Source: IRCC official TCF Canada to NCLC chart and France Education International TCF score guide. Per-section CEFR ranges may differ slightly between Listening / Reading and Writing / Speaking due to the dual-scale scoring.
One concrete tip per section
Skill-specific advice for moving from NCLC 7 to NCLC 9 (the gap that adds 56 CRS language points).
Listening, drill at 1.5x speed
TCF Listening plays once at natural French speed (175 to 195 words per minute). Many learners over-train on slowed audio. Practice with RFI Savoirs at 1.25x then 1.5x for 3 weeks before the test; on test day natural speed feels comfortable. Inference questions (speaker tone, intent) are the gap between NCLC 7 and 9 -- drill those specifically.
Reading, time-box at 90 seconds per item
TCF Reading is 39 questions in 60 minutes -- about 90 seconds per item including reading time. Use a stopwatch in practice; if you spend more than 100 seconds on one question, mark it and move on. Single-passage questions are usually faster than dual-passage; do them first if time is tight.
Writing, hit the structure for each task type
TCF Writing has three tasks of increasing complexity (60, 120, 180+ words). Each has a specific format: task 1 message, task 2 narrative or opinion, task 3 argumentative. Build templates per task; the AI scoring rewards clear structure and accurate vocabulary over creativity.
Speaking, speak in complete sentences
TCF Speaking has three tasks (intro, role-play, opinion). The biggest NCLC 7 to 9 gap is response length and structure -- short answers cap your score even if accurate. Default response template: state your position, give 2 supporting reasons, conclude with a forward-looking statement. Use the full response window.
TCF scoring questions, answered
How is the TCF score calculated?
TCF reports four section scores (or five for TCF Tout Public). Listening (CO) and Reading (CE) are scored 0 to 699. Writing (EE) and Speaking (EO) are scored 0 to 20. Each score also maps to a CEFR level (A1 through C2) and, for TCF Canada and TCF Quebec, to a CLB / NCLC level (1 through 12). There is no overall pass / fail mark; instead, each program (university, immigration stream, citizenship) sets its own per-section minimums.
What TCF score do I need for Canadian Express Entry?
For TCF Canada, the minimum for Express Entry programs is NCLC 7 (CEFR B2): Listening 458+ / 699, Reading 453+ / 699, Writing 10+ / 20, Speaking 10+ / 20. NCLC 7 across all four sections gives you 124 CRS language points as your first official language (no spouse). Higher scores (NCLC 9 / CEFR C1) earn the same maximum-tier CRS language points: Listening 523+, Reading 524+, Writing 14+, Speaking 14+.
What is the difference between TCF Canada, Tout Public, Quebec, and DAP?
TCF Canada is the version IRCC accepts for federal immigration (Express Entry, PNP). TCF Quebec is for Quebec immigration programs (PEQ, PRTQ). TCF Tout Public is the general-purpose version with five sections (adds Lexicon and Structure) used for university admission and personal benchmarking. TCF DAP (Demande d'Admission Préalable) is for non-EU candidates applying to first-year French undergraduate study and includes a mandatory Writing test. All versions use the same 0 to 699 scale for comprehension and 0 to 20 scale for production.
How does TCF convert to CEFR and CLB / NCLC?
CEFR mapping (Listening / Reading per the CIEP scale): 600 to 699 = C2, 500 to 599 = C1, 400 to 499 = B2, 300 to 399 = B1, 200 to 299 = A2, 100 to 199 = A1, 0 to 99 = below A1. For Writing / Speaking (0 to 20): 18 to 20 = C2, 16 to 17 = C1, 14 to 15 = B2, 10 to 13 = B1, 6 to 9 = A2, 4 to 5 = A1. The CLB / NCLC mapping for TCF Canada is per skill, with the lowest section determining your effective CLB / NCLC for IRCC purposes.
How long is a TCF score valid?
TCF results are valid for 2 years from the test date. After 2 years you must retake the test if your application is still in process or being submitted. The certificate is delivered within 6 weeks of the test date.
TCF vs TEF, which should I take?
Both are accepted by IRCC for Express Entry, by the Quebec government, and by French universities, but they have different formats and scoring scales. TCF uses 0 to 699 for comprehension and 0 to 20 for production, with multiple-choice questions for L and R. TEF uses 0 to 699 across all four sections. TCF tends to be slightly cheaper and is administered by the CIEP / France Education International. TEF is administered by Le français des affaires (Paris Chamber of Commerce). Many candidates pick based on which test centre near them has earlier appointments.
Does TCF or DELF / DALF give me a better French certification?
They serve different purposes. DELF / DALF gives you a lifetime certificate at one CEFR level (level-specific). TCF gives you a date-stamped score across all CEFR levels in one sitting, valid 2 years. For Canadian or Quebec immigration, TCF Canada or TCF Quebec is the only French test IRCC accepts. For French university admission, French citizenship, or lifetime proof, DELF or DALF is preferred. Many candidates take both.
Can I prepare for TCF in 3 months from B1 to B2?
Possible but tight. Moving one CEFR level typically takes 200 to 400 hours of focused study. Three months at 2 hours per day is ~180 hours, so the gap is doable for motivated learners with daily exposure. Realistic plan: 1 hour daily Listening (Radio France, RFI Savoirs), 1 hour daily Reading + Writing (Le Monde articles + structured essays), and weekly Speaking practice with a tutor or language partner. Mock test under timed conditions every 2 weeks to track progress.
Keep going
TCF to CEFR Converter →
Map your TCF section scores directly to the CEFR scale (A1 through C2) used by European universities and employers.
TCF to DELF / DALF Equivalent →
Translate your TCF result into the equivalent DELF or DALF level if you want to convert your date-stamped score into a lifetime certificate target.
TEF Score Calculator →
TEF is the other French test IRCC accepts. Calculate your TEF Canada / TEFAQ / Naturalisation score with the same CLB / NCLC eligibility logic.
Ready to push your TCF score higher?
Practice with realistic TCF-style tasks, AI-rated Writing and Speaking feedback, and a study plan tuned to your weakest section, built by LingUp.
Start PracticingTCF® is a registered trademark of France Education International (FEI), under the authority of the French Ministry of National Education. This calculator is not affiliated with or endorsed by FEI, the French Ministry of National Education, or IRCC.
