NCLC 5 in French: the scores to aim for in TCF Canada and TEF Canada
In TCF Canada, NCLC 5 means 6 out of 20 in writing and speaking, 369–397 in listening and 375–405 in reading. In TEF Canada the thresholds depend on the skill. Here are the full tables, the IRCC programs concerned and how to get there in writing.
Updated October 19, 2026
The scores that give NCLC 5
TCF Canada
| Skill | Score for NCLC 5 |
|---|---|
| Listening | 369–397 / 699 |
| Reading | 375–405 / 699 |
| Speaking | 6 / 20 |
| Writing | 6 / 20 |
TEF Canada (tests taken since 11 December 2023)
| Skill | Score / 699 | “Old score equivalent” |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 352–392 | 181–216 |
| Reading | 352–392 | 151–180 |
| Speaking | 387–421 | 226–270 |
| Writing | 330–378 | 226–270 |
Sources: IRCC’s equivalency chart (Express Entry page updated 16 October 2026) and CCI Paris Île-de-France’s “TEF score – NCLC level” table. To fill in an Express Entry profile with a TEF Canada result, IRCC asks for the « Équivalence ancien score » column. All tables: NCLC score chart.
Who needs NCLC 5?
Some requirements published by IRCC (page updated 16 October 2026). They change: always check the official page of your program.
- Canadian Experience Class: NCLC 5 in all four abilities for a TEER 2 or 3 job (NCLC 7 for TEER 0 or 1).
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: NCLC 5 for speaking and listening, NCLC 4 for reading and writing.
- Second official language (Federal Skilled Worker): points are given from NCLC 5.
For Express Entry’s French-language proficiency category the threshold is NCLC 7: see our NCLC 7 guide.
What does an NCLC 5 piece of writing look like?
In the TCF, 6 out of 20 sits at the start of B1 on France Éducation international’s grid: a limited but effective command of the language, enough to handle familiar topics and give brief explanations. In writing, that usually means:
- an understandable text that answers the prompt with the requested details;
- mostly simple sentences linked with « et », « mais », « parce que », « donc »;
- everyday vocabulary, sometimes repetitive;
- many mistakes once sentences get complex, without blocking understanding.
Moving from NCLC 4 to NCLC 5 in writing
- Complete the whole task: reread the prompt and tick every point asked. A missing detail costs more than an agreement mistake.
- Respect the word count: in the TCF, a task outside the limits can get the paper rated “A1 not reached”.
- Organise: an opening, two or three ideas in order, a sign-off. One paragraph per idea.
- Fix the basics: noun–adjective agreement, present and passé composé, « être » with motion verbs.
- Add simple links: « d’abord », « ensuite », « parce que », « donc », « mais ».
The next steps (NCLC 6, then 7) mostly need more elaborate sentences and more varied linking words: see our French linking words and the task 1 method.
Check your writing level
Write on this prompt (or paste your own): free preview with your estimated NCLC level and your 2 most important corrections.
Prompt of the day
Excuses pour un dîner
Vous ne pourrez pas venir au dîner d’anniversaire de votre amie samedi soir. Écrivez-lui un message pour vous excuser, expliquer pourquoi et proposer de la voir un autre jour. (60 mots minimum, 120 mots maximum)
Draft saved on this device
Free preview: estimated level and the first 2 corrections. Full report with a pack or a pass.
- Reading your text
- Checking the instructions
- Finding mistakes
- Estimating your level
- Writing the model answer
FAQ
What TCF Canada writing score is NCLC 5?
Exactly 6 out of 20, according to IRCC’s chart. With 4 or 5 out of 20 you are at NCLC 4; from 7 out of 20 you move up to NCLC 6.
What CEFR level is NCLC 5?
In the TCF, 6 out of 20 in writing or speaking sits at the start of the B1 band (6 to 9 out of 20) of France Éducation international’s grid. IRCC itself works in NCLC.
Is NCLC 5 enough for Express Entry?
It depends on the program. According to IRCC’s page updated 16 October 2026, the Canadian Experience Class requires NCLC 5 for a TEER 2 or 3 job, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program requires NCLC 5 for speaking and listening and NCLC 4 for reading and writing. The Federal Skilled Worker Program and the French-language proficiency category require NCLC 7. Always check your program on IRCC’s website.
How long does it take to go from NCLC 4 to NCLC 5?
It depends on your starting point and study time; there is no official duration. In writing, the step usually comes from completing the whole task and writing clearly: coherent messages with the requested details, at the right length.