TCF Canada Guide (2025): Format, NCLC 7 Scores & Express Entry

The TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français) is a designated language test approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Express Entry and citizenship applications. Like the TEF, it assesses your French proficiency to determine your NCLC level (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens).

If you are building French specifically to immigrate, TCF Canada can help you (1) meet language requirements and (2) raise your Express Entry score—especially if you can reach NCLC 7 in all four skills.

This guide explains what TCF Canada is, how IRCC uses it for Express Entry, what is on the exam, what scores you should aim for, and how to prepare in a measurable way.

What is TCF Canada (and who is it for)?

TCF Canada is delivered by France Éducation international and is specifically accredited for Canadian economic immigration and citizenship. You can review the test standards on the official TCF Canada page.

For Express Entry, IRCC confirms that TCF Canada is one of the approved language tests you can use to prove French ability.

TCF Canada vs TCF Québec vs TEF Canada

• TCF Canada: The version accepted for federal processes like Express Entry. It tests all four skills.
• TCF Québec (TCFQ): A version intended strictly for Quebec-specific immigration pathways. Do not take this if you are applying for Express Entry.
• TEF Canada: The other accepted French test for Express Entry; IRCC lists both on its designated language tests page. They differ in format (number of questions, task types) but have equal validity.

TCF Canada for Express Entry: NCLC Requirements & CRS Points

Express Entry uses language results in two ways: (1) to check if you meet the minimum language requirement for your program, and (2) to calculate your CRS score (your rank in the pool).

Minimum language levels for Express Entry programs

IRCC publishes the minimum language requirements for each program on the language test results page:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Minimum NCLC 7 in all four abilities.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Depends on your job’s TEER level. TEER 0/1 requires NCLC 7; TEER 2/3 requires NCLC 5.
• Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP): French minimums are NCLC 5 for Speaking/Listening and NCLC 4 for Reading/Writing, shown in the FST language table.

How long TCF Canada results are valid

IRCC requires that language test results be less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you submit your PR application. IRCC explains this under the validity period section.

France Éducation international also states that your TCF Canada certificate is valid for 2 years from the date results are issued on their results information page.

How French Can Raise Your CRS Score

French can improve your CRS in two important ways: additional CRS points for French, and eligibility for French-language category-based invitations.

Up to 50 additional CRS points for French

IRCC awards extra CRS points if your French is strong. The CRS additional points rules show:

• 25 points if you score NCLC 7+ in all four French abilities and your English is CLB 4 or lower (or no English test).
• 50 points if you score NCLC 7+ in all four French abilities and your English is CLB 5+ in all four abilities.

French-language category-based invitations

IRCC sometimes invites candidates through category-based rounds. To be eligible, IRCC requires valid French test results showing at least NCLC 7 in all four abilities, as detailed on the French-language proficiency category page.

Because invitation rounds change, check the latest activity on the Express Entry rounds page.

TCF Canada Test Format

France Éducation international states that TCF Canada has 4 mandatory tests and lasts roughly 2 hours 47 minutes. Full details are on the TCF Canada format page.

1) Listening comprehension (Compréhension orale)

• 39 items
• 35 minutes
• Format: Multiple choice. Audio is played once; your concentration and pacing matter.

2) Reading comprehension (Compréhension écrite)

• 39 items
• 60 minutes
• Format: Multiple choice. Items generally progress in difficulty.

3) Written skills (Expression écrite)

• 3 writing tasks
• 60 minutes
• Task 1: Short message (60–120 words).
• Task 2: Report/narrative (120–150 words).
• Task 3: Compare viewpoints and justify opinion (120–180 words).
• Details on written skills.

4) Verbal skills (Expression orale)

• One-on-one with an examiner
• 12 minutes total
• Task 1: Structured interview (No prep time).
• Task 2: Interactive exchange to obtain information (2 mins prep time allowed).
• Task 3: Express and defend an opinion (No prep time).

Scoring Guide: Converting TCF Results to NCLC 7

TCF Canada reports results separately by skill. Listening and Reading are reported as scores (usually scaled), while Writing and Speaking are reported as grades out of 20.

IRCC provides official conversion tables on the TCF Canada score table. NCLC 7 corresponds to the following minimums:

If your score falls below these ranges in any single ability, you are considered below NCLC 7 for that specific skill, which may disqualify you from the 50-point French bonus.

How to Register for TCF Canada

TCF Canada sessions are organized throughout the year by approved centers. You cannot register centrally; you must contact a center directly.

• Find a center using the official exam center map.
• Check dates and fees with the center (they vary by location).

Retakes and Waiting Period

You can retake the TCF Canada, but you must wait a minimum of 30 days between sessions, as stated on the registration rules.

How to Enter TCF Canada in Express Entry

In your profile, select "TCF Canada" and enter the specific score for each ability. Two practical tips:

• Enter exact numbers: Do not guess. Use the exact score or grade (e.g., 10, 460) shown on your attestation.
• Check Validity: Ensure your test date is within the last 2 years.

A Measurable Study Plan (Built Around the 4 Tests)

TCF Canada is not a generic French quiz. Practice the exact task types under time pressure.

Step 1: Listening & Reading Strategy

• Listening: Practice "one-pass" listening. Do not replay audio during practice sets.
• Reading: Practice 39-question sets with a strict 60-minute timer. Prioritize scanning for connectors (cependant, donc) to understand logic quickly.

Step 2: Writing the 3 Tasks

• Task 1: Focus on clarity. Who/What/When/Where.
• Task 2: Practice reporting events with correct past tenses (passé composé vs imparfait).
• Task 3: This is the hardest. Practice comparing two ideas and stating your preference with 2 clear arguments. Stick to the 120–180 word limit.

Step 3: Speaking Structure

• Task 2 (Interaction): This is the only task with prep time. Use the 2 minutes to write down 5 specific questions you want to ask the examiner.
• Task 3 (Opinion): Structure your answer: "Je suis d'accord..." → "Premièrement..." → "Par exemple..." → "Deuxièmement..." → "Conclusion."

Official Practice Materials

Use materials from France Éducation international to ensure accuracy. Start with the candidate manual and the official example tests.

Quick Action Checklist

1. Confirm TCF Canada is accepted for your specific program via IRCC's list.
2. Book your test via the center map.
3. Aim for NCLC 7 (Listening 458+, Reading 453+, Speaking/Writing 10+).
4. Track your practice scores against the conversion table.