On the TEF Canada, CLB 7 (NCLC 7 in French) corresponds on the results certificate to at least 434 in reading comprehension, 434 in listening comprehension, 428 in writing and 456 in speaking, out of 699. But in your Express Entry profile, IRCC asks for another column, the “Équivalence ancien score” (old-score equivalent): 207, 249, 310 and 310. Here is how to read both without making a mistake.
Two columns on the same certificate
Since the reform of December 11, 2023, the certificate has shown a score out of 699 for each test, along with a level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and a CLB level. It also shows an “Équivalence ancien score” column, which converts your result to the old TEF Canada scale.
The two columns are not used for the same procedures. According to IRCC's Express Entry page “Résultats d'examen linguistique” (language test results), amended October 16, 2026, the Express Entry profile is completed with the old-score equivalent. The tables out of 699 are used for IRCC's other programs, such as the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) or the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP).
The CLB table out of 699 (certificate)
This table comes from the correspondence chart published by the TEF's publisher and from IRCC's instructions on language requirements (amended June 23, 2026). It applies to tests taken since December 11, 2023.
| CLB | Reading comprehension | Listening comprehension | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 and above | 546–699 | 546–699 | 558–699 | 556–699 |
| 9 | 503–545 | 503–545 | 512–557 | 518–555 |
| 8 | 462–502 | 462–502 | 472–511 | 494–517 |
| 7 | 434–461 | 434–461 | 428–471 | 456–493 |
| 6 | 393–433 | 393–433 | 379–427 | 422–455 |
| 5 | 352–392 | 352–392 | 330–378 | 387–421 |
| 4 | 306–351 | 306–351 | 268–329 | 328–386 |
Note the gap between the tests. CLB 7 starts at 428 in writing, but at 456 in speaking: speaking is the test where the bar is highest. If you are more comfortable writing than speaking, this is the test to watch first.
The old-score equivalent, the only one that counts for Express Entry
For Express Entry, IRCC reads your level from this column, scored out of 300, 360 or 450 depending on the test. Here is the table published by IRCC (October 16, 2026), which the publisher also reproduces on its “Obtenir son attestation” (getting your certificate) page.
| CLB | Reading comprehension (out of 300) | Listening comprehension (out of 360) | Writing (out of 450) | Speaking (out of 450) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 263–300 | 316–360 | 393–450 | 393–450 |
| 9 | 248–262 | 298–315 | 371–392 | 371–392 |
| 8 | 233–247 | 280–297 | 349–370 | 349–370 |
| 7 | 207–232 | 249–279 | 310–348 | 310–348 |
| 6 | 181–206 | 217–248 | 271–309 | 271–309 |
| 5 | 151–180 | 181–216 | 226–270 | 226–270 |
| 4 | 121–150 | 145–180 | 181–225 | 181–225 |
IRCC warns that entering the score out of 699 in the profile may produce an incorrect CLB. So copy the equivalence column, test by test, without rounding or converting anything yourself.
Entering your certificate in the profile
Your certificate carries a number, at the bottom left. According to the publisher and IRCC, the certificate number requested in the profile is the part before the hyphen, and the PIN is the part after the hyphen.
A special case concerns tests taken between December 11, 2023 and May 6, 2024: their CLB levels were temporarily modified. According to IRCC, the candidates concerned must update their profile, and decline an invitation if they are no longer eligible. Tests from 2019 to 2023 followed yet another grid, but they are now more than 2 years old.
To measure the gap between your level and these thresholds, take a reading comprehension mock test under exam conditions. You get an estimated score out of 699, to compare with the 434 threshold. Mock tests marked “Free” are available with a free account.
Why aim for CLB 7 in all four skills
CLB 7 is not about your average. According to IRCC (pages of October 16, 2026), the “French-language proficiency” draws require CLB 7 or higher in each skill, with a test less than 2 years old. A single test at CLB 6 is enough to exclude you from these draws.
CLB 7 in French also earns points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). According to IRCC, you get 25 points with CLB 7 or higher in all four French skills and, in English, CLB 4 or lower, or no test at all. The bonus rises to 50 points if you also have at least CLB 5 in all four English skills.
Other procedures have their own thresholds, according to IRCC:
- Federal Skilled Workers: CLB 7 in all four skills.
- Canadian Experience Class: CLB 7 for a TEER 0 or 1 job, CLB 5 for a TEER 2 or 3 job.
- Federal Skilled Trades: CLB 5 for oral skills and CLB 4 for written skills.
- Francophone Mobility: CLB 5 in listening and speaking.
- Citizenship (ages 18 to 54): CLB 4 in listening and speaking.
To follow these draws, read our review of Express Entry French draws. If your plans involve Québec, the scale is not the same: our article on the PSTQ and the PEQ explains it.
Frequently asked questions
What TEF Canada score do you need for CLB 7?
On the certificate: at least 434 in reading comprehension, 434 in listening comprehension, 428 in writing and 456 in speaking, out of 699. In the Express Entry profile: at least 207, 249, 310 and 310 in the “Équivalence ancien score” (old-score equivalent) column.
Why does my profile show a different CLB from my certificate?
Most often, because the score out of 699 was entered instead of the old-score equivalent. Correct the entry using the right column. If your test dates from late 2023 or early 2024, also check the update requested by IRCC.
Is Québec's level 7 the same as CLB 7?
No. According to the table of Québec's immigration ministry, Québec level 7 starts at 400 out of 699 in each test. That is more attainable than the federal CLB 7, which requires 428 to 456 depending on the test.
Are my results valid for the whole process?
They must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you submit your permanent residence application, according to IRCC. Our article on TEF Canada validity will help you plan.
In short
Aim for at least 434, 434, 428 and 456 on the certificate, and enter the “Équivalence ancien score” column in your profile. Start with the most demanding test: train on a speaking mock test, then discover the subscription, which gives access to the other mock tests and the simulated examiner. Our article on TEF Canada results explains how to read your certificate.
Réussir Mon TEF is an independent practice platform. It is not affiliated with Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France), which designs the TEF, or with any immigration authority. Our mock tests are original: they are not official test papers.