Documents for Express Entry: Language testing
You must prove your language skills by taking an approved language test.
To do this you must
- schedule your test with an agency approved by IRCC and pay the costs
- enter the test results into your Express Entry profile (and the language test result form or certificate number and test PIN, if the system asks for it)
Language tests we accept
You can take any of these approved language tests:
English | French |
---|---|
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
|
TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français |
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
|
TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français |
PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
|
What happens next
We will verify the test results with the testing organizations to prove your language skills.
Your test results must be valid (less than 2 years old) when you:
- complete your Express Entry profile
- apply for permanent residence
The Express Entry profile is valid for 12 months. Make sure that your language test results are valid for the same time period.
If your test results expire soon, you should re-take the test and update your Express Entry profile with your new test results.
If you took a French test from TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français between December 11, 2023 and May 6, 2024
If you took a French language test between December 11, 2023 and May 6, 2024 from TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français you may need to take action in your Express Entry profile.
CCI Paris Ile-de-France administers the TEF Canada language test for immigration to Canada. As part of ongoing improvements to the way French language is evaluated, CCI temporarily modified the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) to reflect raw scores.
This change has been reverted back to the Express Entry scoring grid we currently use.
NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 393-450 | 316-360 | 263-300 | 393-450 |
9 | 371-392 | 298-315 | 248-262 | 371-392 |
8 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 233-247 | 349-370 |
7 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 207-232 | 310-348 |
6 | 271-309 | 217-248 | 181-206 | 271-309 |
5 | 226-270 | 181-216 | 151-180 | 226-270 |
4 | 181-225 | 145-180 | 121-150 | 181-225 |
If you were impacted by this scoring change, you’ll have received an email message from the CCI, notifying you of this change, and your updated score.
- You’ll need to update your Express Entry profile with this new scoring information.
- If you don’t, and you’re invited to apply, it could cause your application to be refused based on incorrect language scores.
If you’ve been invited to apply but have not yet submitted your application, please update your scores. If you find that you no longer meet the criteria, you should decline your invitation for that round.
If you’ve already applied for permanent residence, the Department may contact you to provide your updated test scores.
Check your language level
To measure your English or French levels, we use
- Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English
- Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French
Based on your test results, you can assess your level in each of the following abilities:
- reading
- writing
- listening
- speaking
The required minimum level and the number of points you’ll get for your language skills will depend on the specific program you’re applying to.
If you aren’t able to complete one or more sections of your language test because of a disability
If you have a disability and you aren’t able to complete one or more sections of your language test:
- You must get your averaged scores through our language averaging tool for the abilities you weren’t able to complete (if the language organization didn’t give you averaged scores directly).
- Use these averaged scores in your profile in the Express Entry profile builder.
- We’ll verify both the averaged scores and the language test results you submit.
Find out more about the public policy on this issue.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
First official language (maximum 24 points)
CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points per ability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 CELPIP-G |
7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 |
8 CELPIP-G |
8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 |
9 CELPIP-G |
9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 |
10 and above CELPIP-G |
10+ | 10+ | 10+ | 10+ | 6 |
Second official language (4 points if you meet the minimum threshold in each of the four language abilities)
CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points (total) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 and above | 5-12 | 5-12 | 5-12 | 5-12 | 4 |
How to calculate your points
- First official language:
- Speaking + Listening + Reading + Writing = your subtotal
-
Second official language:
- Add four points to your subtotal if you meet the minimum level in all four abilities. If you do not, you get 0 points for your second official language.
- Add (1) and (2) together for your total points.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
First official language (maximum 24 points)
CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points per ability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 4 |
8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 5 |
9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 6 |
10 and above | 7.5-9.0 | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 | 6 |
Second official language (4 points if you meet the minimum threshold in each of the four language abilities)
CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points (total) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 and above | 5.0-9.0 | 5.0-9.0 | 4.0-9.0 | 5.0-9.0 | 4 |
How to calculate your points
- First official language:
- Speaking + Listening + Reading + Writing = your subtotal
-
Second official language:
- Add four points to your subtotal if you meet the minimum level in all four abilities. If you do not, you get 0 points for your second official language.
- Add (1) and (2) together for your total points.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
First official language (maximum 24 points)
CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points per ability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 68-75 | 60-70 | 60-68 | 69-78 | 4 |
8 | 76-83 | 71-81 | 69-77 | 79-87 | 5 |
9 | 84-88 | 82-88 | 78-87 | 88-89 | 6 |
10 and above | 89+ | 89+ | 88+ | 90+ | 6 |
Second official language (4 points if you meet the minimum threshold in each of the four language abilities)
CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points (total) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 and above | 51-90 | 39-90 | 42-90 | 51-90 | 4 |
Federal Skilled Worker Program
TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
Your language level will be based on the “Équivalence ancien score” (previous score equivalency).
- Only enter the scores for each language ability from that column.
- If you don’t enter the correct scores, we may refuse your application.
- Your attestation de résultats (statement of results) will also include test results in the column marked “Score / 699.” Don’t enter these results in your Express Entry profile. They aren’t compatible with our system at this time.
First official language (maximum 24 points)
NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) | Points (per ability) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 207-232 | 310-348 | 4 |
8 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 233-247 | 349-370 | 5 |
9 and above | 371+ | 298+ | 248+ | 371+ | 6 |
Second official language (4 points if you meet the minimum threshold in each of the four language abilities)
NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) | Points (total) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 and above | 226-371+ | 181-298+ | 151-248+ | 226-371+ | 4 |
The testing organization will issue you a copy of TEF Canada electronic test results. The results will include:
- your score
- the NCLC equivalence level you achieved for each test component
How to calculate your points
- First official language:
- Speaking + Listening + Reading + Writing = your subtotal
-
Second official language:
- Add four points to your subtotal if you meet the minimum level in all four abilities. If you do not, you get 0 points for your second official language.
- Add (1) and (2) together for your total points.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
First official language (maximum 24 points)
NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) | Points (per ability) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 10-11 | 458-502 | 453-498 | 10-11 | 4 |
8 | 12-13 | 503-522 | 499-523 | 12-13 | 5 |
9 and above | 14+ | 523+ | 524+ | 14+ | 6 |
Second official language (4 points if you meet the minimum threshold in each of the four language abilities)
NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) | Points (total) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 and above | 6+ | 369-397+ | 375-405+ | 6+ | 4 |
How to calculate your points
- First official language:
- Speaking + Listening + Reading + Writing = your subtotal
-
Second official language:
- Add four points to your subtotal if you meet the minimum level in all four abilities. If you do not, you get 0 points for your second official language.
- Add (1) and (2) together for your total points.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
---|---|---|---|---|
9 and above | 9+ | 9+ | 9+ | 9+ |
8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Federal Skilled Trades Program
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 and above | 7.5-9.0 | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 |
9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
4 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
Federal Skilled Trades Program
PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 and above | 89+ | 89+ | 88+ | 90+ |
9 | 84-88 | 82-88 | 78-87 | 88-89 |
8 | 76-83 | 71-81 | 69-77 | 79-87 |
7 | 68-75 | 60-70 | 60-68 | 69-78 |
6 | 59-67 | 50-59 | 51-59 | 60-68 |
5 | 51-58 | 39-49 | 42-50 | 51-59 |
4 | 42-50 | 28-38 | 33-41 | 41-50 |
Federal Skilled Trades Program
TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
Your language level will be based on the “Équivalence ancien score” (previous score equivalency).
- Only enter the scores for each language ability from that column.
- If you don’t enter the correct scores, we may refuse your application.
- Your attestation de résultats (statement of results) will also include test results in the column marked “Score / 699.” Don’t enter these results in your Express Entry profile. They aren’t compatible with our system at this time.
NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) |
---|---|---|---|---|
9 and above | 371+ | 298+ | 248+ | 371+ |
8 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 233-247 | 349-370 |
7 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 207-232 | 310-348 |
6 | 271-309 | 217-248 | 181-206 | 271-309 |
5 | 226-270 | 181-216 | 151-180 | 226-270 |
4 | 181-225 | 145-180 | 121-150 | 181-225 |
The testing organization will issue you a copy of TEF Canada electronic test results. The results will include:
- your score
- the NCLC equivalence level you achieved for each test component
Federal Skilled Trades Program
TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 and above | 16-20 | 549-699 | 549-699 | 16-20 |
9 | 14-15 | 523-548 | 524-548 | 14-15 |
8 | 12-13 | 503-522 | 499-523 | 12-13 |
7 | 10-11 | 458-502 | 453-498 | 10-11 |
6 | 7-9 | 398-457 | 406-452 | 7-9 |
5 | 6 | 369-397 | 375-405 | 6 |
4 | 4-5 | 331-368 | 342-374 | 4-5 |
Canadian Experience Class
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) centres are not approved testing agencies for people who apply under the Canadian Experience Class.
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
NOC TEER | CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 and 1 | 9 and above | 9+ | 9+ | 9+ | 9+ |
0 and 1 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
0 and 1 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
2 and 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
2 and 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Canadian Experience Class
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) centres are not approved testing agencies for people who apply under the Canadian Experience Class.
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
NOC TEER | CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 and 1 | 10 and above | 7.5-9.0 | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 |
0 and 1 | 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
0 and 1 | 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
0 and 1 | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
2 and 3 | 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
2 and 3 | 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
Canadian Experience Class
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) centres are not approved testing agencies for people who apply under the Canadian Experience Class.
PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
NOC TEER | CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 and 1 | 10 and above | 89+ | 89+ | 88+ | 90+ |
0 and 1 | 9 | 84-88 | 82-88 | 78-87 | 88-89 |
0 and 1 | 8 | 76-83 | 71-81 | 69-77 | 79-87 |
0 and 1 | 7 | 68-75 | 60-70 | 60-68 | 69-78 |
2 and 3 | 6 | 59-67 | 50-59 | 51-59 | 60-68 |
2 and 3 | 5 | 51-58 | 39-49 | 42-50 | 51-59 |
Canadian Experience Class
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) centres are not approved testing agencies for people who apply under the Canadian Experience Class.
TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
Your language level will be based on the “Équivalence ancien score” (previous score equivalency).
- Only enter the scores for each language ability from that column.
- If you don’t enter the correct scores, we may refuse your application.
- Your attestation de résultats (statement of results) will also include test results in the column marked “Score / 699.” Don’t enter these results in your Express Entry profile. They aren’t compatible with our system at this time.
NOC TEER | NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 and 1 | 9 and above | 371+ | 298+ | 248+ | 371+ |
0 and 1 | 8 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 233-247 | 349-370 |
0 and 1 | 7 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 207-232 | 310-348 |
2 and 3 | 6 | 271-309 | 217-248 | 181-206 | 271-309 |
2 and 3 | 5 | 226-270 | 181-216 | 151-180 | 226-270 |
The testing organization will issue you a copy of TEF Canada electronic test results. The results will include:
- your score
- the NCLC equivalence level you achieved for each test component
Canadian Experience Class
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) centres are not approved testing agencies for people who apply under the Canadian Experience Class.
TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
NOC TEER | NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 and 1 | 10 and above | 16-20 | 549-699 | 549-699 | 16-20 |
0 and 1 | 9 | 14-15 | 523-548 | 524-548 | 14-15 |
0 and 1 | 8 | 12-13 | 503-522 | 499-523 | 12-13 |
0 and 1 | 7 | 10-11 | 458-502 | 453-498 | 10-11 |
2 and 3 | 6 | 7-9 | 398-457 | 406-452 | 7-9 |
2 and 3 | 5 | 6 | 369-397 | 375-405 | 6 |
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