TEF Canada and TCF Canada scores for each CLB level

TCF Canada marks reading and listening out of 699, and writing and speaking out of 20.

TEF Canada has two sets of figures, and this is where most people get confused. For a test taken after 10 December 2023, your results sheet shows a score out of 699 for each ability. It also has a column called “Équivalence ancien score”, which means previous score equivalency.

The previous score. The Express Entry page on canada.ca says your language level is based on the “Équivalence ancien score” column, and that you should enter only those figures in your profile. It asks you not to enter the scores out of 699, because its system does not accept them yet.

So for Express Entry, find your level in the previous score table and type those figures into your profile. Other programmes, such as the Atlantic Immigration Program, publish the table of scores out of 699, which is why both are shown here.

It depends on the programme. The level has to be met in each ability on its own. One ability below the range means that level is not met.

CLB 7 in all four French abilities also earns additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System.

For Express Entry, your test results must be less than two years old on the day you complete your profile, and again on the day you submit your application for permanent residence.