NCLC 5 Study Plan: A Realistic 3–6 Month Roadmap for TEF & TCF

NCLC 5 is a practical milestone for Canadian immigration candidates: it’s high enough to meet language requirements in some provincial streams (PNPs) and semi-skilled worker programs, and it serves as a solid base if you later want to push toward NCLC 7 (where extra CRS points for French apply). IRCC recognizes French results from TEF Canada and TCF Canada as approved language tests for Express Entry.

This plan is built for real life: short daily routines, weekly structure, and measurable checkpoints using IRCC conversion tables. You’ll train the same four skills the tests require: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

What NCLC 5 means in TEF/TCF scores (your exact targets)

IRCC converts TEF Canada and TCF Canada scores into NCLC levels. Your first job is to copy these NCLC 5 score targets into a notebook. Note that these targets are based on the current scoring standards for tests taken after December 10, 2023.

TEF Canada: NCLC 5 target ranges (Post-Dec 10, 2023)

• Reading (Compréhension de l’écrit): 313–351
• Listening (Compréhension de l’oral): 280–322
• Writing (Expression écrite): 310–348
• Speaking (Expression orale): 310–348

Note: If you are using older practice tests or looking at results from before December 2023, the score scale was different. Always verify your current target against the official IRCC TEF table.

TCF Canada: NCLC 5 target ranges

• Reading: 375–405
• Listening: 369–397
• Writing: 6
• Speaking: 6

Notice the scale difference: on TCF Canada, Writing and Speaking use a 0–20 score (IRCC requires a score of "6" for NCLC 5), as shown in IRCC’s TCF Canada table.

Pick your exam early (so you train the right format)

Both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted by IRCC. Choose one now so your practice matches the real tasks and timing.

TEF Canada format basics

TEF Canada includes computer-based listening/reading/writing and a face-to-face (or computer-mediated) speaking test. The TEF Canada examination details describe a 40-question listening test (played once) and a 40-question reading test. It is known for having a "Continuation of a story" writing task.

TCF Canada format basics

TCF Canada includes 39-question listening and reading tests, plus 3 writing and 3 speaking tasks. As noted in the TCF Canada overview, the listening recordings are played once, so “replay practice” does not prepare you for test day.

Timeline: How long does it take to reach NCLC 5?

Your timeline depends mostly on your starting point and weekly hours. Use this rule of thumb:

• 3 months: Realistic if you already have basic French (around early A2) and can study 8–10 focused hours/week.
• 4–5 months: Realistic if you have some basics (A1–A2) and can study 6–8 hours/week.
• 6 months: Realistic if you’re starting near zero or your schedule is limited to 4–6 hours/week.

The plan below is written as a 6-month structure with “accelerators” that let you compress it to 3–5 months by increasing weekly hours and doing more test-timed practice earlier.

Week 0: Test your baseline (A1 vs. A2)

Before you plan, measure where you are. You don’t need an exact CEFR level—just a clear baseline in the four skills.

Baseline tasks (60–75 minutes total)

• Listening (15 min): Do a short set from TEF Canada sample papers or use the TCF practice materials. Do it once only (no replay).
• Reading (15 min): Answer a small set of multiple-choice questions and record your accuracy.
• Writing (15–20 min): Write 120–150 words on a simple topic (your routine, a problem you solved, why you want to move).
• Speaking (10 min): Record yourself: 2 minutes self-introduction + 2 minutes describing your day + 2 minutes giving an opinion.

Now you can choose your track: if you can already write 120+ words with a clear structure and speak for 2 minutes without freezing, you’re a good candidate for the faster timelines.

The Daily Routine: 45 Minutes to NCLC 5

The biggest mistake at this level is “only doing vocabulary.” NCLC 5 needs all four skills, and your test score is limited by your weakest skill. Use this simple daily structure 5–6 days per week.

Daily routine A (45 minutes) — the minimum effective dose

• Listening (10 min): One short audio set, played once. Goal: catch the situation + one key detail.
• Reading (10 min): One short text with 5–8 questions. Goal: answer quickly, then review why you missed anything.
• Speaking (10 min): Record a 60–90 second opinion answer using: position → reason 1 → reason 2 → example → conclusion.
• Writing (15 min): Write one paragraph (90–120 words) using a clear structure and 3 linking words (because, however, therefore).

Daily routine B (75 minutes) — the “3–4 month” accelerator

• Listening (15 min): Timed set, no replay.
• Reading (15 min): Timed set, push for speed.
• Writing (20 min): Full task practice (see monthly plan below).
• Speaking (15 min): Role-play + opinion answer (record both).
• Error repair (10 min): Fix one repeated error (gender agreement, verb tense, prepositions) and use it in 10 new sentences.

If you’re targeting TEF, make sure your practice includes “move forward” listening that matches the TEF Canada listening constraints. If you’re targeting TCF, keep the same discipline because the TCF Canada listening test also uses one-play recordings.

Weekly plan (repeat every week)

This weekly structure prevents the common problem of “I practiced a lot, but I didn’t improve my score.” It forces balanced training and consistent measurement.

Monday / Wednesday / Friday (test skills focus)

• Listening: One timed set (no replay).
• Reading: One timed set.
• Speaking: One role-play (asking for information) + one opinion recording.

Tuesday / Thursday (production focus)

• Writing: One structured task (see month-by-month).
• Speaking: Retell a short story (2 minutes) + opinion (1 minute).
• Grammar repair: Fix 1–2 error patterns from your writing/speaking.

Saturday (checkpoint day)

• Mini-mock: 20–30 minutes listening + 20–30 minutes reading, under real timing.
• One writing task: Timed.
• Score conversion: Compare your result to IRCC’s NCLC table.

Sunday (rest + light exposure)

Rest is part of consistency. Do light exposure only: 10 minutes listening or reading for pleasure, no pressure.

Month-by-month roadmap to NCLC 5

Month 1: Build the base and learn the test style

• Listening goal: Understand the situation and the main point, even if you miss details.
• Reading goal: Answer simple questions fast (names, dates, steps, reasons).
• Speaking goal: Speak for 60–90 seconds without stopping, using simple connectors.
• Writing goal: Write 120 words with clear structure and basic accuracy.

Task focus:

• If you’re doing TEF, start using the provider’s TEF tutorials and learn the feel of the MCQ tests.
• If you’re doing TCF, use the TCF practice examples and practice writing within limits early.

Month 2: Increase speed and reduce “easy mistakes”

This month is about timing. Most NCLC 5 misses happen because learners can do the task slowly, but not under test pace.

• Listening: Move to longer, timed sets and force one-play practice.
• Reading: Learn to skim first, then scan for answers. Stop translating every word.
• Speaking: Do 3 role-plays/week (asking for hours, prices, documents required, steps, alternatives).
• Writing: Write faster with a simple outline (3–5 bullets, then write).

Month 3: Train in “exam mode” twice a week

If you want the 3–4 month timeline, Month 3 is where you add more test-timed work and start thinking about booking.

• Listening + Reading: Two full timed sessions per week.
• Writing: One timed writing session per week.
• Speaking: Two full speaking practices per week (record, listen, redo).

If you’re aiming for Express Entry later, remember your results must be valid when you act: IRCC explains that language results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your profile and PR application.

Months 4–6: Close the gaps and stabilize all four skills at NCLC 5

This phase is for learners who need more time (or want a safer margin). Your job is to pull up your weakest skill until all four are consistently at NCLC 5.

• If listening is weakest: Add one extra one-play listening set every Tuesday and Thursday.
• If reading is weakest: Add timed scanning drills (find the answer in 60–90 seconds, then move on).
• If writing is weakest: Reduce complexity and increase structure. Short, correct sentences beat long, unclear ones.
• If speaking is weakest: Do “repeat practice”: record, listen, rewrite 5 key sentences, re-record.

How to track progress (simple, measurable, motivating)

Use a weekly score log

• Listening: % correct on timed MCQs + notes on what you missed.
• Reading: % correct + how many questions you finished within time.
• Writing: Word count + number of sentences without major errors.
• Speaking: Length without long pauses + “structure check” (did you give reasons and an example?).

Convert monthly to NCLC

Once per month, convert your practice results using IRCC’s official conversion charts. That keeps your study goal connected to immigration reality.

Common reasons people miss NCLC 5 (and how to fix them)

Problem 1: You only study passive skills

Listening and reading feel easier, so learners avoid writing and speaking. Fix: Schedule speaking and writing first in your routine, even if it’s only 10–15 minutes.

Problem 2: You practice “with help” (replay, pausing, translating)

Both TEF and TCF listening are designed for one-play audio. Train that way using the official format guidance on the TEF Canada exam page and the TCF Canada test description.

Problem 3: Your writing has ideas but no structure

Fix: Outline in 3–5 bullets before writing. Then write short paragraphs: (1) point, (2) reason, (3) example, (4) short conclusion.

Your next 3 actions (start today)

1. Choose TEF or TCF and commit to the format you’ll train.
2. Copy the NCLC 5 targets for your test from IRCC’s tables into a simple tracking sheet.
3. Run the 45-minute routine for 7 days without trying to “study perfectly.” Consistency comes first.

If you can do that for one week, you can do it for 12–24 weeks. That’s the real secret to reaching NCLC 5 in 3–6 months: a routine you can actually repeat.