To calculate your score, convert each of your four TCF Canada results into a CLB level (NCLC in French), then keep the lowest of the four: that is your official level. Each level then earns a set number of CRS points per skill in Express Entry. From CLB 7 up, the points become significant and the French bonus becomes available.
The two TCF Canada scales
TCF Canada does not give a single overall score. You receive four separate results:
- listening (compréhension orale): a score out of 699;
- reading (compréhension écrite): a score out of 699;
- speaking (expression orale): a score out of 20;
- writing (expression écrite): a score out of 20.
Each result is converted into a CLB level with the IRCC table. Your final level is the lowest of the four. A 9/20 in writing brings you down to CLB 6, even with 520 in listening.
TCF Canada to CLB conversion table
The table below covers the levels that matter for Express Entry (CLB 7 to 10). It reproduces the IRCC table as specialist websites publish it; check it against the IRCC website before you submit your profile, because the table can change.
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 458 – 502 | 453 – 498 | 10 – 11 | 10 – 11 |
| 8 | 503 – 522 | 499 – 523 | 12 – 13 | 12 – 13 |
| 9 | 523 – 548 | 524 – 548 | 14 – 15 | 14 – 15 |
| 10 and above | 549 – 699 | 549 – 699 | 16 – 20 | 16 – 20 |
Below that, 457 in listening and 452 in reading are still CLB 6. Missing a threshold by one point changes your level, so re-read your results before drawing conclusions.
To see where you stand before the exam, try a free listening practice test. Three tests per skill are available with an account, and the result shows which skill to work on first.
From CLB to CRS points
Express Entry awards points per skill. For a candidate without a spouse, the CRS grid gives these values for French as the first official language:
| CLB | Points per skill | Total over 4 skills |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or 5 | 6 | 24 |
| 6 | 9 | 36 |
| 7 | 17 | 68 |
| 8 | 23 | 92 |
| 9 | 31 | 124 |
| 10 and above | 34 | 136 |
With a spouse the values are slightly lower (16 points at CLB 7, 29 at CLB 9). The most useful jump is between CLB 6 and CLB 7: from 9 to 17 points per skill, 32 more points in total, and the French bonus becomes available.
If French is your second official language (English being the first), the contribution is much smaller: 1 point per skill at CLB 5 to 6, 3 points at CLB 7 to 8, 6 points at CLB 9 and above.
The French bonus: 25 or 50 points
A candidate who reaches at least CLB 7 in all four French skills receives extra points:
- 50 points if their English reaches at least CLB 5;
- 25 points if their English is below CLB 5, or if they have no English test.
These points are added to those of the grid. A profile with CLB 9 in French across the board and an English test at CLB 5 therefore combines 124 points for French, plus 3 to 6 points per skill for English, plus the 50-point bonus. These figures come from the IRCC CRS grid as reproduced by immigration news websites; check them on the official site before you submit.
Worked example
A candidate scores: listening 510, reading 497, speaking 12, writing 10.
- Listening: 510 is CLB 8.
- Reading: 497 is CLB 7.
- Speaking: 12 is CLB 8.
- Writing: 10 is CLB 7.
Their official level is CLB 7, the lowest. CRS points before bonus (no spouse): 23 + 17 + 23 + 17 = 80 points. Since they have at least CLB 7 everywhere, they can also claim the French bonus of 25 or 50 points depending on their English.
To move up a level, they only need a few more points in reading and writing. The free reading test lets you measure your reading under timed conditions.
How to choose which skill to work on
- Find the result that places you lowest in CLB: it caps your profile.
- Calculate the gap to the next threshold (for example 6 points out of 502).
- Work first on the skill where the gap is the smallest to close.
For the full 699-point scale, see the detailed TCF Canada scoring guide. If you are unsure how long to wait before retaking, read the TCF Canada retake delay. For more on the bonus, see CRS bonuses for French speakers and CLB levels explained.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert my TCF Canada score to CLB? Take each result separately and find the matching row in the IRCC table. Then keep the lowest of the four levels you obtain.
What TCF Canada score do I need for CLB 7? You need 458 in listening, 453 in reading, and 10 out of 20 in both speaking and writing.
How many CRS points does CLB 9 in French earn? For a candidate without a spouse, 31 points per skill, 124 points over the four. With a spouse, 29 points per skill.
Is the 50-point French bonus automatic? No. You need at least CLB 7 in all four French skills, and at least CLB 5 in English to get 50 points instead of 25.
How long are my TCF Canada results valid? IRCC requires valid results at the time you submit your profile and at the time of your application. See TCF Canada validity period.
Conclusion
Your score reads in three steps: four results, four CLB levels, then the lowest of the four. Identify the skill that limits you, then train on it before your next session. A free speaking or writing practice test is a good starting point to measure the gap.