TCF Canada practice: how far are you from NCLC 7?
The TCF Canada is one of the two French tests IRCC accepts for Express Entry. Start with a free 5-minute estimate of your French level and the gap to your target.
SparkAI is an independent preparation tool. It is not the official exam, and it is not affiliated with France Éducation International, the CCI Paris Île-de-France, IRCC or any government. Only the official test gives a result you can use in an application.
About the TCF Canada
The TCF Canada is France Éducation International's test for Canadian immigration. It tests listening, reading, writing and speaking, and IRCC converts each result to an NCLC level with its own table.
The levels IRCC asks for
IRCC sets its minimums in NCLC levels (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens), for each of the four abilities: speaking, listening, reading and writing. For Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Worker: NCLC 7 in all four abilities (first official language)
- Federal Skilled Trades: NCLC 5 in speaking and listening, NCLC 4 in reading and writing
- Canadian Experience Class: NCLC 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, NCLC 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs
Results must be less than 2 years old when you create your Express Entry profile and when you apply for permanent residence.
NCLC 7 and the CEFR
On IRCC's TCF Canada table, the reading scores for NCLC 7 fall in the B2 band of the TCF scale. That is why the estimate uses B2 as the target for NCLC 7: a rough guide, not a conversion IRCC makes.
Official sources
- Government of Canada (IRCC): Language test results, Express Entry (page checked by its publisher: 16 October 2026)
Rules change: always confirm on the official page before you book a test or apply.
Questions
Does IRCC accept the TCF Canada?
Yes. IRCC lists the TCF Canada and the TEF Canada as the approved French tests for Express Entry.
Which NCLC level do I need?
It depends on the program: NCLC 7 in all four abilities for the Federal Skilled Worker program (first official language); other programs ask for NCLC 4 to 7 depending on the ability and the job. See IRCC's page for your case.
How long are TCF Canada results valid for Express Entry?
IRCC says your results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply.
Does the estimate give me an NCLC level?
No. It gives an estimated CEFR level from grammar and reading questions, and the gap to B2, which we use as a rough guide for NCLC 7. Only the TCF Canada gives an NCLC level IRCC accepts.
Is SparkAI official or approved by IRCC?
No. SparkAI is an independent preparation tool, not affiliated with IRCC, France Éducation International or any government.
Where are you now?
A free estimate of your French level and how far it is from your goal. About 5 minutes, no sign-up.
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