What’s a Good TEF Canada score?
2025-03-28 2025-03-28 11:17What’s a Good TEF Canada score?
What’s a Good TEF Canada Score?
If you’re applying to immigrate to Canada, your TEF Canada score is very important. This guide will help you understand what score you need and how to get it. We’ll explain the new 2025 test format, show how scores convert to Canada’s language levels (NCLC), and give you practical tips to improve. You’ll learn how to check your current level, see what score you need next, and find out how long it might take to improve. Whether you need NCLC5 for some programs or NCLC7 for Express Entry, this guide will show you the way. We’ll also share the best study methods to help you reach a higher level, like B2, which can give you more points for your application. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do to get the score you need for your Canadian immigration goals.
The TEF Canada exam has introduced important changes this year that test-takers should know.
- Fewer Questions: Each section now has 40 questions (previously 50-60)
- Adjusted Scoring: Some questions carry more weight than others
- B2 Benchmark: Scoring 26-28/40 typically places you at B2 (NCLC7)
To ensure strong results, aim to answer at least 28 questions correctly in each section. This will help secure your B2 level certification, which is particularly valuable for Canadian immigration applications. Understanding these updates and practicing with the new format will be crucial for your test preparation.
A Good TEF Canada Score for Immigration
Your target TEF Canada score varies significantly depending on which immigration program you’re applying through.
1. For Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):
- Minimum Requirement: NCLC5 (B1 level)
- Score Range: 300-349 points
- Programs That Accept NCLC5:
- Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
- New Brunswick Francophone Immigration Stream
- Manitoba French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
2. For Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program):
- Minimum Requirement: NCLC7 (B2 level)
- Score Range: 400-499 points
- Points Earned: 50 CRS points
- Programs That Accept NCLC7:
- Makes you eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Qualifies you for additional points if combined with English scores
- Opens eligibility for certain Francophone mobility pathways
TEF Canada Score to NCLC Conversion
TEF Score | CEFR Level | NCLC Level | Express Entry Points |
0-100 | Below A1 | Ineligible | 0 |
101-199 | A1 | NCLC4 | 6 |
200-299 | A2 | NCLC5 | 12 |
300-399 | B1 | NCLC6 | 25 |
400-499 | B2 | NCLC7 | 50 |
500+ | C1/C2 | 10+ | Maximum |
TCF Canada Score Improvement Roadmap
Current Level | Target Level | Points Needed | Estimated Time | Weekly Study Hours | Key Focus Areas |
NCLC 4 (A2) | NCLC5 (B1) | +50 points | 2-3 months | 8-10 hours | • Basic vocabulary • Simple sentences • Present tense verbs |
NCLC 5 (B1) | NCLC7 (B2) | +100 points | 4-5 months | 10-12 hours | • Past/future tenses • Paragraph writing • Listening comprehension |
TCF Canada Score (A2 to B1)
1. Basic Vocabulary (A2 → B1 Level)
Goal: Build a foundation of 500-700 essential words for daily communication.
- Topics to Cover:
- Personal information (name, age, nationality)
- Family & relationships
- Food, shopping, and restaurants
- Daily routines (work, school, hobbies)
- Travel & directions
2. Simple Sentences (A2 → B1 Level)
Goal: Construct short, clear sentences (5-8 words) with correct word order.
- Key Grammar Rules:
- Subject + Verb + Object (e.g., “Je mange une pomme.”)
- Basic negation (“Je ne comprends pas.”)
- Simple questions (“Où est la gare ?”)
3. Present Tense Verbs (A2 → B1 Level)
Goal: Conjugate regular -ER, -IR, and common irregular verbs (être, avoir, aller, faire).
Essential Verbs:
-ER Verbs | -IR Verbs | Irregular Verbs |
Parler (to speak) | Finir (to finish) | Être (to be) |
Manger (to eat) | Choisir (to choose) | Avoir (to have) |
Regarder (to watch) | Réussir (to succeed) | Aller (to go) |
TCF Canada Score (B1 to B2)
1. Past & Future Tenses (B1 → B2 Level)
Goal: Use passé composé (past) and futur simple (future) in speaking/writing.
- Key Rules:
- Passé Composé: Auxiliary (être/avoir) + past participle (e.g., “J’ai mangé”)
- Futur Simple: Verb stem + endings (-ai, -as, -a) (e.g., “Je parlerai”)
2. Paragraph Writing (B1 → B2 Level)
Goal: Write 150-200 word paragraphs with logical flow.
- Structure Tips:
- Topic Sentence (Main idea)
- 2-3 Supporting Sentences (Details/examples)
- Conclusion (Summary or opinion)
3. Listening Comprehension (B1 → B2 Level)
Goal: Understand main ideas & key details in conversations/news.
- Practice Materials:
- Slow French: “News in Slow French” (Beginner)
- Authentic Content: RFI Français Facile (Intermediate)
Boost Your TCF Canada Score with CCC French Courses!
Preparing for the TCF Canada exam requires structured learning and expert guidance—and that’s exactly what our CCC French Courses offer! Whether you’re starting at beginner or aiming for CLB7+ (B2), our programs are designed to help you succeed.
Why Choose CCC French Courses?
🍁 Tailored for TCF Canada – Our curriculum aligns with the exam’s format, scoring, and key focus areas.
🍁 Native Instructors – Learn from certified native Canadian French teachers who specialize in TCF Canada exam preparation.
🍁 Flexible Learning – Online or in-person classes with morning/evening batches.
🍁 Mock Tests & Feedback – Regular practice exams with detailed score analysis.
Beginner French Course (Beginner to A2)
This beginner level French course is designed for students starting their French language journey. It focuses on building a strong foundation in French by teaching familiar, everyday expressions and simple statements to meet concrete needs.
Evening Classes
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* Enjoy this promotion price when you enroll for 10 months or more; please contact the Admissions Department for further discounts and group deals
Intermediate French Course (A2 - B1 )
This intermediate level French course is designed for students who have mastered the basics and want to enhance their fluency. The focus is on expanding vocabulary, improving sentence structures, and developing confidence in everyday conversations.
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Advanced French Course (B1 to B2)
This advanced level French course is designed for students who have mastered the basics and want to enhance their fluency. The focus is on expanding vocabulary, improving sentence structures, and developing confidence in everyday conversations.
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays |
From 6:00pm to 8:00 pm (PST)
🍁 3 classes per week
🍁 $405 per month | $25 per class*
🍁 24 hours per month | 2 hours per class
Registration Starting Date: May 19, 2025
* Enjoy this promotion price when you enroll for 10 months or more; please contact the Admissions Department for further discounts and group deals
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