TEF Canada Score, CLB Levels: Everything You Need to Know
French
November 6, 2025
Are you planning to move to Canada for further studies or work purposes? Want to apply for immigration through programs like Express Entry or the Federal Skilled Worker Program? Then, you might hear about the TEF exam. With the help of this exam, you can demonstrate your language skills with TEF Canada score.
TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) is a French proficiency exam recognized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The TEF French exam for PR is designed for people wanting to shift to Canada. This exam checks your ability to read, write, listen, and speak in the French language.
This article will walk you through everything you need about the TEF Canada score. We will also tell you how one can use this exam score for immigration or PR purposes, the minimum TEF score required for Canada immigration you need to clear this exam, and how the scores are converted into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.
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Why Does Your TEF Score Matter for Canadian Immigration?
Canada has a points-based immigration system, and one area where you can earn points is language skills. Proficiency in French can help you earn up to 50 additional points in programs like Express Entry.
TEF Canada score can significantly impact your PR process in Canada, especially if you want to apply via the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The higher the TEF Canada score, the higher the chances of getting PR in Canada.
In addition to helping you gain more points in the language proficiency component of TEF Canada, high scores in the French language competence category may also give you additional points, mainly if you are bilingual (English and French).
TEF Canada Test Structure
The TEF Canada exam is the most important in the French language and is divided into four sections.
You will receive a TEF Canada score for each section, which will be converted into CLB levels (Canadian Language Benchmark) to measure your French proficiency.
How Is the TEF Canada Score Converted to CLB?
To understand how your TEF Canada score is evaluated, you need to convert your TEF score to CLB level. Here’s how the conversion works for each section:
Listening
TEF Listening Score
CLB Level
249-279
CLB 10
280-297
CLB 9
298-315
CLB 8
316-333
CLB 7
334-349
CLB 6
350-360
CLB 5
361-371
CLB 4
Reading
TEF Canada Reading Score
CLB Level
233-247
CLB 10
248-262
CLB 9
263-277
CLB 8
278-298
CLB 7
299-315
CLB 6
316-329
CLB 5
330-342
CLB 4
Speaking
TEF Canada Speaking Score
CLB Level
416-450
CLB 10
401-415
CLB 9
386-400
CLB 8
371-385
CLB 7
356-370
CLB 6
341-355
CLB 5
325-340
CLB 4
Writing
TEF Canada Writing Score
CLB Level
416-450
CLB 10
401-415
CLB 9
386-400
CLB 8
371-385
CLB 7
356-370
CLB 6
341-355
CLB 5
325-340
CLB 4
Since the writing section requires clear structure, accurate grammar, and strong vocabulary, many applicants practice by writing sample essays before the test. Using an online essay checker for students can help you identify mistakes, improve sentence formation, and refine your writing style before taking the TEF exam.
To be eligible for Express Entry, you need to achieve a minimum level of French proficiency based on the program you’re applying for.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): If French is your first language, then you must score a minimum CLB level 7 in all 4 sections, i.e., reading, speaking, listening, and writing. And if French is your second language, then you must have CLB 5 in all four sections.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): The minimum TEF Canada score for this program is CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For CEC, the required CLB level depends on your job’s National Occupational Classification (NOC). For jobs classified as NOC 0 or A, you need CLB 7. For jobs in NOC B, you need at least CLB 5.
It’s crucial to comprehend PR’s linguistic needs. Demonstrating your fluency in French, one of Canada’s official languages might help your application, particularly if you want to live in a province like Quebec or join the Express Entry pool.
You will be able to satisfy the language requirements and improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score with a robust TEF Canada score, which is essential for immigration programs. You will be distinguished from other applicants in the Express Entry pool if you obtain a high CRS score.
What is the Difference Between TEF and TCF?
While both TEF and TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) are accepted for Canadian immigration, both exams have some significant differences. In this part, let’s discuss the difference between these exams:
TEF Canada is more commonly taken for Express Entry, as it provides a detailed assessment across all four sections.
TCF Canada is also recognized, but TEF’s scoring system and structure may differ slightly.
Regardless of which test you choose, both are valid for immigration purposes, and your results will be converted to CLB levels similarly.
How Much of a French Score Is Required for Canada PR?
The TEF Canada score you need for Canada PR depends on the program you’re applying for. A minimum of CLB 7 is often required for significant immigration programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, while CLB 5 or CLB 4 may be sufficient for others.
The better you score in your TEF Canada exam, the higher your chances of meeting the language requirements and receiving bonus points for your Express Entry application.
Preparing well for the test is essential to maximizing your score, as a strong performance in TEF Canada can significantly improve your chances of securing permanent residency in Canada.
Why Choose Kochiva for Your TEF Canada Exam Journey?
At Kochiva, we offer a number of online foreign courses at different levels, mainly designed to support you as you prepare for the TEF test. We provide solutions that meet your schedule, regardless of how much time you must prepare—we adapt to various time periods. With the help of our courses, you will receive personalized feedback and some valuable ideas from our trainers.
Our C1/C2 certified trainers have helped many students clear their TEF exams.
Are you planning to move to Canada for further studies or work purposes? Want to apply for immigration through programs like Express Entry or the Federal Skilled Worker Program? Then, you might hear about the TEF exam. With the help of this exam, you can demonstrate your language skills with TEF Canada score.
TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) is a French proficiency exam recognized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The TEF French exam for PR is designed for people wanting to shift to Canada. This exam checks your ability to read, write, listen, and speak in the French language.
This article will walk you through everything you need about the TEF Canada score. We will also tell you how one can use this exam score for immigration or PR purposes, the minimum TEF score required for Canada immigration you need to clear this exam, and how the scores are converted into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.
Experience Live Classes
Why Does Your TEF Score Matter for Canadian Immigration?
Canada has a points-based immigration system, and one area where you can earn points is language skills. Proficiency in French can help you earn up to 50 additional points in programs like Express Entry.
TEF Canada score can significantly impact your PR process in Canada, especially if you want to apply via the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The higher the TEF Canada score, the higher the chances of getting PR in Canada.
In addition to helping you gain more points in the language proficiency component of TEF Canada, high scores in the French language competence category may also give you additional points, mainly if you are bilingual (English and French).
TEF Canada Test Structure
The TEF Canada exam is the most important in the French language and is divided into four sections.
For More : https://kochiva.com/language-course/tef-exam/
You will receive a TEF Canada score for each section, which will be converted into CLB levels (Canadian Language Benchmark) to measure your French proficiency.
How Is the TEF Canada Score Converted to CLB?
To understand how your TEF Canada score is evaluated, you need to convert your TEF score to CLB level. Here’s how the conversion works for each section:
Listening
Reading
Speaking
Writing
Since the writing section requires clear structure, accurate grammar, and strong vocabulary, many applicants practice by writing sample essays before the test. Using an online essay checker for students can help you identify mistakes, improve sentence formation, and refine your writing style before taking the TEF exam.
Important Read:
CLB/NCLC 7 in French: Complete Guide to Canadian Immigration Language Requirements
Minimum TEF Score for Canada Express Entry
To be eligible for Express Entry, you need to achieve a minimum level of French proficiency based on the program you’re applying for.
Similar Read: Facts about French Language
French Requirement for Canada PR
It’s crucial to comprehend PR’s linguistic needs. Demonstrating your fluency in French, one of Canada’s official languages might help your application, particularly if you want to live in a province like Quebec or join the Express Entry pool.
You will be able to satisfy the language requirements and improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score with a robust TEF Canada score, which is essential for immigration programs. You will be distinguished from other applicants in the Express Entry pool if you obtain a high CRS score.
What is the Difference Between TEF and TCF?
While both TEF and TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) are accepted for Canadian immigration, both exams have some significant differences. In this part, let’s discuss the difference between these exams:
Regardless of which test you choose, both are valid for immigration purposes, and your results will be converted to CLB levels similarly.
How Much of a French Score Is Required for Canada PR?
The TEF Canada score you need for Canada PR depends on the program you’re applying for. A minimum of CLB 7 is often required for significant immigration programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, while CLB 5 or CLB 4 may be sufficient for others.
The better you score in your TEF Canada exam, the higher your chances of meeting the language requirements and receiving bonus points for your Express Entry application.
Preparing well for the test is essential to maximizing your score, as a strong performance in TEF Canada can significantly improve your chances of securing permanent residency in Canada.
Read Informative blog: TEF Canada Exam- Exam Fees, Syllabus & More
Why Choose Kochiva for Your TEF Canada Exam Journey?
At Kochiva, we offer a number of online foreign courses at different levels, mainly designed to support you as you prepare for the TEF test. We provide solutions that meet your schedule, regardless of how much time you must prepare—we adapt to various time periods. With the help of our courses, you will receive personalized feedback and some valuable ideas from our trainers.
Our C1/C2 certified trainers have helped many students clear their TEF exams.
Contact: +91 9872334466
Email: info@kochiva.com
Website: Online French Classes
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