Differences Among English or French Language Tests' Results and their CLB or NCLC Scores

Differences Among English or French Language Tests' Results and their CLB or NCLC Scores

When applying for immigration to Canada, language proficiency is a key requirement, whether you’re taking the journey as an economic immigrant, a student, or a skilled worker. Understanding how your language test results correlate with the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or the Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadien (NCLC) is critical in determining your eligibility. These benchmarks provide a standardized way for Canadian immigration authorities to assess and compare language skills.

In this article, we’ll dive into the differences between popular language tests like the IELTS, CELPIP, and TEF, and explain how their scores are converted into the CLB and NCLC systems. 

What Are the CLB and NCLC?

The CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) and NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien) are national standards used in Canada to describe, measure, and recognize language proficiency in English and French, respectively. Both are structured across 12 levels, assessing four core skills:  

  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Writing  

These benchmarks allow Canadian immigration officers to objectively compare applicants’ language abilities. It’s essential to know your CLB or NCLC level, as most immigration pathways, such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or the Study Permit process, require applicants to meet minimum scores.  

Language Tests for Immigration

There are different approved tests for English and French proficiency that are accepted for immigration purposes. For English, the most common tests are:  

For French, the widely recognized tests include: 

For Quebec Immigration, the widely recognized tests are all the above and these below:  

How Are Test Scores Converted to CLB and NCLC?

Each language test uses a different grading system, but the scores are converted into CLB or NCLC levels so Canadian authorities can consistently assess applicants’ proficiency. Let’s break down some key examples: 

  1. IELTS (General Training) to CLB – The IELTS test is graded on a scale from 1 to 9 in each language ability (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). The scores are converted into corresponding CLB levels. For instance: 
Summary:

Summary:

  • Listening: An IELTS score of 8.0 corresponds to CLB 9.
  • Reading: A score of 7.0 aligns with CLB 9.
  • Writing: A score of 7.0 converts to CLB 9.
  • Speaking: A score of 7.0 corresponds to CLB 9. 

2. CELPIP (General) to CLB – The CELPIP is a Canadian-specific test, and its grading system is already aligned closely with CLB levels, making it easy to interpret. 

Summary:

  • Listening: A CELPIP score of 7 is equivalent to CLB 7.
  • Reading: A score of 7 matches CLB 7.
  • Writing: A score of 7 equals CLB 7.
  • Speaking: A score of 7 corresponds to CLB 7. 

3) Pearson’s PTE (Core) to CLB – The PTE is a new language proficiency test used to assess English skills using CLB Levels for many purposes and now widely accepted for Canadian immigration programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and other visa pathways. 

Summary:

  • Listening: 60-70 is equivalent to CLB 7.
  • Reading: 60 – 68 matches CLB 7.
  • Writing: 68 – 75 equals CLB 7.
  • Speaking: 69 – 78 corresponds to CLB 7. 

4) TEF Canada to NCLC – For French language proficiency, the TEF uses a different scoring range, but like IELTS and CELPIP, scores can be converted to NCLC. 

Summary:

  • Listening: A TEF score of 316-369 aligns with NCLC 7.
  • Reading: A score of 207-232 converts to NCLC 7.
  • Writing: A score of 310-348 is equivalent to NCLC 7.
  • Speaking: A score of 310-348 is NCLC 7. 

5) TCF Canada to NCLC – Like TEF, the TCF assesses French language skills across the four key abilities.  

Summary:

  • Listening: A score of 458-502 aligns with NCLC 7.
  • Reading: A score of 453-498 converts to NCLC 7.
  • Writing: A score of 10-11 matches NCLC 7.
  • Speaking: A score of 10-11 also corresponds to NCLC 7. 

6) DELF-DALF to NCLC – In Quebec alone, DELF-DALF assesses French language skills across the four key abilities like TEF and TCF especially in the two oral skills.   

Summary:

  • A1 and A2 (beginner levels) correspond to lower NCLC levels (3–4).
  • B1 and B2 (intermediate levels) map to CLB/NCLC 5 to 8, where B1 equals NCLC 5-6 and B2 typically aligns with NCLC 7–8, which is commonly required for Quebec immigration.
  • C1 and C2 (advanced levels) correspond to higher NCLC levels (9–12). 

Why Do These Scores Matter?

Understanding the relationship between your language test results and CLB or NCLC levels is crucial because Canadian immigration programs have minimum language requirements. For example:

  • Express Entry: For the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the minimum language requirement is CLB 7 in all four abilities.
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For skilled work under NOC (National Occupation Classification) categories 0 or A, you need at least CLB 7. For jobs under NOC B, CLB 5 is the minimum requirement.
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Language requirements vary by province, but most follow the CLB/NCLC system to assess candidates.

In addition, higher CLB or NCLC scores can improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in Express Entry, making you more competitive for invitations to apply for permanent residency. The tests results are judged based on the lowest skill scores in them.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the correlation between your English or French language test results and their CLB or NCLC scores is a vital step in your Canadian immigration journey. Accurate interpretation of these scores ensures that you meet the language proficiency requirements of the immigration program you’re applying to, whether it’s through Express Entry, PNPs, or other routes.

Make sure to prepare adequately, take the appropriate test, and aim for the CLB or NCLC level that aligns with your immigration goals! 

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