Scores for NCLC 4
You need the score in each ability separately. Your level is set ability by ability, so one weaker result does not lower the others.
TEF Canada
| Ability | Score for NCLC 4 |
|---|---|
| Speaking | 181 to 225 |
| Listening | 145 to 180 |
| Reading | 121 to 150 |
| Writing | 181 to 225 |
TCF Canada
| Ability | Score for NCLC 4 |
|---|---|
| Speaking | 4 to 5 |
| Listening | 331 to 368 |
| Reading | 342 to 374 |
| Writing | 4 to 5 |
IRCC’s online CRS calculator gives 0 points for TCF Canada results at NCLC 4, while the published CRS criteria give 6 points per ability for CLB or NCLC 4 and 5, and the same calculator does give them for TEF Canada. CRS Planner follows the published criteria. We found this on 14 October 2026 while testing our calculator against IRCC’s with 1,000 random profiles.
What NCLC 4 is worth in the CRS
| Used as | Per ability | All four abilities |
|---|---|---|
| First official language, single applicant | 6 | 24 |
| First official language, with a partner who counts | 6 | 24 |
| Second official language | 0 | 0 |
| Your partner’s language | 0 | 0 |
With NCLC 4 in all four abilities of your first official language, skill transferability gives nothing for education or foreign work experience, which start at CLB 7.
French bonus points
The French bonus starts at NCLC 7 in all four abilities. At NCLC 4 it does not apply.
Program minimums
| Program | Minimum | With NCLC 4 in all four |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | NCLC 7 in all four abilities | Not met |
| Canadian Experience Class, TEER 0 or 1 jobs | NCLC 7 in all four abilities | Not met |
| Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or 3 jobs | NCLC 5 in all four abilities | Not met |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | NCLC 5 in speaking and listening, NCLC 4 in reading and writing | Not met |
Calculate your full score with the CRS calculator, convert a mixed set of results with the CLB converter, or see CLB 4 in English.
Sources
- Language test results for Express Entry, IRCC
- CRS criteria, IRCC, modified June 22, 2026