Where do my TEF Canada and TCF Canada scores land against NCLC 7, 8 and 9+ for Canada?
For listening at NCLC 7, TEF Canada is typically 249 to 279 and TCF Canada 458 to 502. NCLC 8 is 280 to 297 for TEF and 503 to 522 for TCF, and NCLC 9+ starts at 298 and 523. Other skills use different bands, so check official tables.
Each skill has its own score band for NCLC 7, 8 and 9+, and the bands are different for TEF Canada and TCF Canada. The tables below show the typical ranges, so check the official score tables before your application.
Listening and Reading Score Bands
| Skill | NCLC level | TEF Canada | TCF Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | NCLC 7 | 249 to 279 | 458 to 502 |
| Listening | NCLC 8 | 280 to 297 | 503 to 522 |
| Listening | NCLC 9+ | 298+ | 523+ |
| Reading | NCLC 7 | 207 to 232 | 453 to 498 |
| Reading | NCLC 8 | 233 to 247 | 499 to 523 |
| Reading | NCLC 9+ | 248+ | 524+ |
Writing and Speaking Score Bands
| Skill | NCLC level | TEF Canada | TCF Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing | NCLC 7 | 310 to 348 | 10 to 11 |
| Writing | NCLC 8 | 349 to 370 | 12 to 13 |
| Writing | NCLC 9+ | 371+ | 14+ |
| Speaking | NCLC 7 | 310 to 348 | 10 to 11 |
| Speaking | NCLC 8 | 349 to 370 | 12 to 13 |
| Speaking | NCLC 9+ | 371+ | 14+ |
My Advice
Both tests use French in daily life, but the format, number of questions and timing differ. Pick the test that suits your strengths, and confirm the current score conversion and your target NCLC level on the official pages before booking.
Not sure which documents your Canadian visa needs?
Interview prep, funds proof and timelines. Get a checklist for your case.
More Student visa questions
- Is a loan sanction letter from the government regulated Indian Bank accepted for a UK student visa application?
- How much bank balance is needed for an Italy student visa after failing math in 12th grade?
- Can I call my husband on a dependent visa after I go on a student visa for my masters abroad in UK/Ireland?
- Is it possible for my son, who is currently in twelfth grade, to study in New Zealand next year for a Diploma?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- Which countries have less strict or different financial requirements compared to New Zealand, especially regarding funding duration?
- Can other family members act as financial sponsors if my father’s income is insufficient in Germany?
- Is it necessary to include a cover letter explaining my financial arrangement, which combines a loan and personal savings, for my German student visa application?
More Canada questions
- What is the lowest undergraduate tuition fee I can expect to pay at a Canadian university for the 2026 academic year?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- Which master's course suits a Supply Chain Management graduate planning to study in Canada?
- What are the options for pursuing a master's in psychology or clinical psychology given my bachelor's background in biology in Australia/Canada?
- Will there be any problems if I do my studies offline abroad given the education structure is different from India in Ireland/Canada?
- What should I do to improve my chances of going to Canada as a teacher?
- Which Sociology master's options in Canada suit a Sociology graduate with IELTS 7.5 for the January 2027 intake?
