NCLC 7 French Study Plan: A Realistic 6–12 Month Roadmap for Express Entry

NCLC 7 is a “sweet spot” for immigration-focused French learners because it can unlock meaningful advantages in Express Entry. IRCC awards additional CRS points for French when you score NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities (with different bonus amounts depending on your English results). NCLC 7 in all four skills is also the minimum threshold for the French-language proficiency category when IRCC runs category-based selection rounds.

This plan is designed to be realistic: it assumes school/work life, not “study all day.” It also keeps you focused on what IRCC actually uses—your test scores converted to NCLC using official TEF/TCF conversion tables.

Step 1: Pinpoint your NCLC 7 score targets (TEF vs. TCF)

IRCC doesn’t evaluate “B2” directly for Express Entry. IRCC evaluates your TEF Canada or TCF Canada scores and converts them to NCLC. Start by copying the NCLC 7 targets below from IRCC’s language results tables, then track your practice toward those numbers.

TEF Canada: NCLC 7 target ranges (match the correct test-date table)

• If you took TEF after December 10, 2023: Reading 434–461, Writing 428–471, Listening 434–461, Speaking 456–493.
• If you took TEF between October 1, 2019 and December 10, 2023: Reading 450–499, Writing 450–499, Listening 450–499, Speaking 450–499.

Because the TEF conversion table depends on when you take the test, always confirm your correct score bands in the TEF Canada section of IRCC tables before you set your final target.

TCF Canada: NCLC 7 target ranges

• Reading: 453–498
• Listening: 458–502
• Writing: 10–11
• Speaking: 10–11

Notice the scale difference: for TCF Canada, IRCC’s table uses a 0–20-style score for writing and speaking (so NCLC 7 appears as “10–11”), as shown in IRCC’s TCF Canada table.

Step 2: Choose your test now (so you train the right tasks)

IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada as approved French language tests for Express Entry. Pick one early, because “general French study” isn’t enough for NCLC 7—you need format-specific practice.

What matters in TEF Canada for your training

• Listening: you must answer as you go and you cannot go back; each audio is played once.
• Reading: you can navigate freely in the questionnaire.
• Writing: 2 tasks with minimum word counts in the official TEF format.
• Speaking: face-to-face, recorded, with an “information” part and an “argument” part in the oral test description.

What matters in TCF Canada for your training

• Listening and reading: 39-question multiple-choice tests in the official TCF Canada overview.
• Writing: 3 tasks in 60 minutes with strict word ranges in the written skills format.
• Speaking: 3 tasks in 12 minutes (including preparation time inside task 2) in the verbal skills format.

For official practice materials, use TEF Canada preparation tools or the official TCF examples published by France Éducation international.

Step 3: Pick a realistic timeline based on your weekly hours

NCLC 7 usually requires you to be comfortable in everyday and workplace-style communication: you can understand the main points quickly, read and infer meaning, write structured texts, and speak with reasons and examples. Whether you reach that in 6 or 12 months depends mostly on time and consistency.

Choose one of these tracks (then stick to it)

• 6-month track (fast): 10–12 focused hours/week. Best if you already have some French (around A2–B1) and can train in “test mode” early.
• 9-month track (steady): 6–8 focused hours/week. Best for most learners with work/school.
• 12-month track (light but consistent): 4–6 focused hours/week. Best if your schedule is busy or your starting level is closer to A1.

If you’re starting from near zero, NCLC 7 may take longer than 12 months. In that case, follow the 12-month routine, but treat month 1–3 as “foundation building” before pushing hard on test timing.

The 60-Minute Routine: A Realistic Schedule for NCLC 7

At NCLC 7, your score is limited by your weakest skill. The routine below forces balance while still feeling manageable.

Daily routine (60 minutes, 5 days/week)

• Listening (15 min): one timed set. No replay. For TEF, practice the exact habit of answering “forward only” because you cannot go back.
• Reading (15 min): one short timed set. Goal: answer quickly, then review errors.
• Speaking (15 min): record yourself. Alternate:
  • Information role-play (asking for details politely)
  • Opinion/argument (position → 2 reasons → example → conclusion)
• Writing (15 min): one structured paragraph (140–180 words) using connectors (because, however, therefore).

Weekend routine (one longer “exam-mode” session)

• Saturday (90–120 min): timed listening + timed reading + one writing task + one speaking recording. Convert your results using IRCC conversion tables.
• Sunday (optional 20–30 min): light exposure only (easy listening/reading). Keep motivation high.

If you want the 6-month track, add a second “exam-mode” block midweek (45–60 minutes) and increase writing/speaking volume (details below).

Skill-by-skill training to reach NCLC 7 (what to do, not just “study more”)

Listening: train decision-making, not perfect comprehension

Your goal is to identify the situation, the speaker’s intent, and the key detail the question targets. Both TEF and TCF listening are designed to move fast. TEF explicitly states each audio is played once and you answer as you go; TCF Canada listening is also a structured MCQ test in the official format.

• 3×/week: timed MCQ practice (single play). After each set, write 5 “keywords you caught” and 2 summary sentences.
• 2×/week: “numbers and details” drill: dates, prices, times, quantities (these are common traps).
• Every session: review wrong answers and label the reason: speed, vocabulary, negative forms, inference.

Reading: build two speeds (scan fast, then infer)

NCLC 7 reading isn’t just vocabulary; it’s structure and inference. Use timed practice to stop over-translating.

• Fast scan (10 minutes): answer “easy” factual questions quickly (names, dates, steps).
• Logic read (10 minutes): focus on connectors and argument structure (however, therefore, although).
• Review (5 minutes): write the author’s main point in one sentence and list 3 connectors you noticed.

Writing: aim for structure + control under time

At NCLC 7, you don’t need perfect style. You need clear structure, accurate basic grammar, and enough vocabulary to argue a point.

If you are taking TEF Canada

TEF writing has two tasks with minimum word counts in the official TEF writing format. Your training should mirror that:

• 1×/week: continuation task (plan 3 bullets → write → quick edit).
• 1×/week: opinion task (position → 2 reasons → example → conclusion).
• Daily (15 min): one paragraph using 3 connectors and one “because” clause.

If you are taking TCF Canada

TCF Canada writing is three tasks with strict word ranges in the written skills format. Train with strict limits from day one:

• Week A: Task 1 + Task 2 (timed, within word limits)
• Week B: Task 3 (compare viewpoints) + Task 1 (timed)
• Rule: finish all tasks; don’t get stuck perfecting one.

Speaking: master “organized speech” (the NCLC 7 engine)

Speaking improves fastest when you record, listen, fix, and re-record. TEF speaking includes an “obtaining information” section and an “argument” section in the oral test description. TCF speaking includes three tasks in the verbal skills format.

• 3×/week: record 2 minutes of “information seeking” (ask 8–10 questions: price, schedule, conditions, documents, alternatives).
• 3×/week: record 90 seconds of “argument” with one example.
• 1×/week: longer simulation (6–10 minutes total): role-play + argument back-to-back.

Simple speaking template (use every time): position → reason 1 → reason 2 → example → short conclusion. This structure helps you sound fluent even when your grammar isn’t perfect.

Month-by-month roadmap (6–12 months)

Months 1–2: Build the base (accuracy + basic fluency)

• Listening: understand the situation and main message; stop replaying.
• Reading: answer factual questions quickly; learn connector meanings.
• Writing: produce clear paragraphs with correct tense and agreement most of the time.
• Speaking: speak 60–90 seconds without long pauses, using simple connectors. Checkpoint: you can complete the 60-minute daily routine 5 days/week for 4 straight weeks.

Months 3–4: Push toward B1+ (structure, speed, confidence)

• Add timing: at least 2 days/week, do listening + reading strictly timed.
• Upgrade writing: longer opinion writing once per week, not just short paragraphs.
• Upgrade speaking: role-play + argument in one session (record both). Checkpoint: in your monthly mini-mock, you are approaching NCLC 6–7 in at least two skills when you convert using IRCC tables.

Months 5–6: Go “test-mode” (stabilize all four skills)

• Listening and reading: 2–3 full timed sessions per week.
• Writing: 2 timed tasks per week (TEF: continuation + opinion; TCF: rotate tasks 1–3).
• Speaking: 2 full simulations per week based on your test format. Checkpoint: you can hit NCLC 7 ranges (or very close) in your weakest skill at least twice in a month.

Months 7–12: Close gaps and build a safety margin

This phase is what makes your result reliable. Many learners can “touch” NCLC 7 once, then fall back under pressure. Use these months to make NCLC 7 your normal level.

• If listening is weak: add one extra single-play listening set on two weekdays.
• If reading is weak: do daily scan drills (find the answer in 60–90 seconds).
• If writing is weak: simplify sentences, increase structure, and practice timed editing.
• If speaking is weak: do “re-record cycles” (record → listen → rewrite 5 key sentences → record again).

How to measure progress (and know when to book)

Use one monthly scoreboard

Once per month, do a mini-mock under strict timing and convert your results using IRCC’s NCLC tables. Your goal is not “I studied a lot.” Your goal is: “My scores convert to NCLC 7 in all four skills.”

Booking rule (simple and safe)

Book your real test when you can reach the NCLC 7 score ranges in all four skills for 3–4 weeks in a row in practice. If you’re taking TEF, remember the provider notes that all tests must be taken on the same day, so plan your preparation and energy accordingly.

Don’t forget validity

For Express Entry, IRCC explains your language test results must be valid (generally less than 2 years old) when you create your profile and submit your application, as stated on the Express Entry language test rules.

Why learners fail NCLC 7 (and how to fix it)

You study vocabulary but avoid speaking and writing

Fix: put speaking and writing first in your daily routine (even 15 minutes each). Production skills are usually the bottleneck at NCLC 7.

You practice “with help” (pause, replay, translate)

Fix: practice listening in single-play mode and answer forward-only to match TEF rules where you cannot go back, and to match the fast pace described in the TCF Canada format.

Your writing has ideas but no structure

Fix: outline in 3–5 bullets, then write. Clear paragraphs and connectors beat “advanced vocabulary” used incorrectly.

Your speaking is accurate but too short

Fix: force one example every time. Examples create length, clarity, and better vocabulary naturally.

Start this week (a simple 7-day launch)

1. Pick TEF or TCF and open the official test format page you’ll train for (TEF exam format or TCF Canada format).
2. Write your NCLC 7 targets from IRCC conversion tables in a notebook (listening, reading, writing, speaking).
3. Do the 60-minute routine for 5 days. Record speaking every session.
4. Do one Saturday mini-mock and convert your scores to NCLC using IRCC tables.

That’s it: consistency, test-format practice, and monthly score conversion. If you follow the routine for 6–12 months, you’ll not only improve your French—you’ll improve it in the exact way IRCC measures.