What is the difference between CLB and NCLC?

CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) is used for English, and NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) is used for French. They are essentially the same 1-12 scale, just applied to different languages — immigration typically uses CLB 4-9 and NCLC 5-9.

What NCLC score do I need for the maximum French bonus?

NCLC 7 combined with CLB 5+ English gives you the maximum +50 CRS bonus. NCLC 7 with only CLB 4 English gives +25 CRS.

What TCF and TEF scores correspond to NCLC 7?

NCLC 7 (B2 level) corresponds to roughly 200-239 on TCF or 300-400 on TEF, and is equivalent to a DELF B2 diploma.

Does Quebec require French before or after arrival?

Quebec's PEQ and PSTQ programs mandate NCLC 7 oral (CLB 7) and NCLC 6 written (CLB 5) proficiency before arrival, with no post-arrival study pathway.

French Language for Canadian Immigration: CLB vs NCLC Requirements Explained

CLB vs NCLC: What's The Difference?

CLB = Canadian Language Benchmark (for English)

NCLC = Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (for French)

They're essentially the same scale, just for different languages. Both measure 1-12, but immigration uses CLB 4-9 and NCLC 5-9.

NCLC & CLB Scoring Scale

Level	CEFR Equivalent	Can You...
CLB 4 / NCLC 5	A2	Basic conversations, understand main ideas
CLB 5 / NCLC 6	A2/B1	Handle most work situations, understand details
CLB 6 / NCLC 7	B1/B2	Discuss complex topics, professional communication
CLB 7 / NCLC 8	B2	Advanced fluency, nuanced expression
CLB 9 / NCLC 9	C1/C2	Native-like proficiency

Official French Tests (NCLC)

Accepted by IRCC & Quebec:

TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) — $100-150
TEF (Test d'Évaluation du Français) — $120-180
DELF/DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) — $100-150

Score Equivalencies:

NCLC Level	TCF Score	TEF Score	DELF/DALF
NCLC 5 (A2)	120-140	160-200	DELF A2
NCLC 6 (B1)	141-179	201-260	DELF B1
NCLC 7 (B2)	200-239	300-400	DELF B2
NCLC 8 (B2/C1)	240-279	401-460	DALF C1

French Requirements by Immigration Program

Express Entry

Minimum: NCLC 5 + CLB 4 (+25 CRS bonus)
Recommended: NCLC 7 + CLB 5+ (+50 CRS bonus, French draws at CRS 400)

OINP (Ontario)

Minimum: CLB 6 English (French not required, but helpful)

Quebec PEQ/PSTQ

MANDATORY: NCLC 7 oral (CLB 7) + NCLC 6 written (CLB 5) BEFORE arrival

Other PNPs

Most: NCLC 5-6 minimum (varies by province/program)

French Bonus Points in Express Entry

French Level	+ English Level	CRS Bonus
NCLC 7	CLB 4+	+25 CRS
NCLC 7	CLB 5+	+50 CRS (BEST)

Bottom Line

NCLC is the Canadian French benchmark. For immigration, NCLC 7 (B2 CEFR) is the sweet spot—gets you +50 CRS in Express Entry, qualifies for Quebec programs, helps with most PNPs. Most Canadian immigration requires NCLC 5-7 French; Quebec requires CLB 7 oral BEFORE arrival.

Invest in reaching NCLC 7. The ROI is massive.

Curious how this affects your own score? Run the numbers with our free CRS calculator.

If you need a structured overview of the test, check our TCF Canada exam prep guide.