TEF Canada score for CLB 5 (NCLC 5)
The TEF Canada and TCF Canada scores that count as NCLC 5, which programs ask for that level, and which score column each one reads.
NCLC 5 score ranges
| Test and column | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEF — ancien score (Express Entry) | 226–270 | 181–216 | 151–180 | 226–270 |
| TCF Canada | 6 | 369–397 | 375–405 | 6 |
| TEF — Score / 699, after Dec 10, 2023 | 387–421 | 352–392 | 352–392 | 330–378 |
TCF Canada speaking and writing are out of 20; listening and reading out of 699. The Score / 699 row is for programs that publish /699 tables, such as the post-graduation work permit — not for Express Entry.
Programs that ask for NCLC 5
| Program | Minimum French level | Score column |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry — French-language category draws | NCLC 7 in all four skills (and eligible for an Express Entry program) | TEF ancien score / TCF Canada |
| Federal Skilled Worker (French as first official language) | NCLC 7 in all four skills | TEF ancien score / TCF Canada |
| Canadian Experience Class — TEER 0 or 1 job | NCLC 7 in all four skills | TEF ancien score / TCF Canada |
| Canadian Experience Class — TEER 2 or 3 job | NCLC 5 in all four skills | TEF ancien score / TCF Canada |
| Federal Skilled Trades | NCLC 5 speaking and listening; NCLC 4 reading and writing | TEF ancien score / TCF Canada |
| Canadian citizenship | CLB / NCLC 4 in speaking and listening | Check the accepted tests on canada.ca |
Federal Skilled Trades: two different levels
Federal Skilled Trades is the one Express Entry program with different minimums per skill: NCLC 5 in speaking and listening, NCLC 4 in reading and writing. On the ancien score column, NCLC 4 starts at 121 in reading and 181 in writing.
CLB 5 is a minimum, not a target
Meeting a program’s minimum makes you eligible; it doesn’t make you competitive. Higher French levels add CRS points, and French-language category draws need NCLC 7 in every skill. See what NCLC 7 means before you decide how far to push.
Related
Frequently asked questions
What TEF Canada score is CLB 5?
On the Équivalence ancien score column used by Express Entry, NCLC 5 starts at 226 in speaking, 181 in listening, 151 in reading and 226 in writing.
Who needs CLB 5 in French?
On canada.ca, Canadian Experience Class applicants whose experience is in a TEER 2 or 3 job need NCLC 5 in all four skills, and Federal Skilled Trades applicants need NCLC 5 in speaking and listening (NCLC 4 in reading and writing).
Is CLB 5 enough for French-language draws?
No. Express Entry French-language category draws require NCLC 7 in all four skills.
Sources
- canada.ca — Express Entry: language requirements — checked October 19, 2026
- canada.ca — Express Entry: language test results — checked October 19, 2026
- canada.ca — PGWP: how to find your language level — checked October 18, 2026
- canada.ca — Citizenship: proof of language ability — checked October 19, 2026
Rules change. Always confirm on the official page before you submit an application.