CRS Planner

NCLC 5 in French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada scores

NCLC 5 is the French equivalent of CLB 5. These are the TEF Canada and TCF Canada results that count as NCLC 5 for Express Entry, ability by ability, and what that level is worth in CRS points.

Equivalences checked October 14, 2026Source: IRCC language test results

NCLC 4 NCLC 5 NCLC 6 NCLC 7 NCLC 8 NCLC 9 NCLC 10+

Scores for NCLC 5

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

AbilityScore for NCLC 5
Speaking226 to 270
Listening181 to 216
Reading151 to 180
Writing226 to 270

TCF Canada

AbilityScore for NCLC 5
Speaking6
Listening369 to 397
Reading375 to 405
Writing6

What NCLC 5 is worth in the CRS

Used asPer abilityAll four abilities
First official language, single applicant624
First official language, with a partner who counts624
Second official language14
Your partner’s language14

With NCLC 5 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 5 it does not apply.

Program minimums

ProgramMinimumWith NCLC 5 in all four
Federal Skilled Worker ProgramNCLC 7 in all four abilitiesNot met
Canadian Experience Class, TEER 0 or 1 jobsNCLC 7 in all four abilitiesNot met
Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or 3 jobsNCLC 5 in all four abilitiesMet
Federal Skilled Trades ProgramNCLC 5 in speaking and listening, NCLC 4 in reading and writingMet

Calculate your full score with the CRS calculator, convert a mixed set of results with the CLB converter, or see CLB 5 in English.

Sources