French Test Update! New Equivalency Chart for Canada Immigration 2023

The French language test, TEF Canada for Immigration, has changed its equivalency chart, effective from December 11, 2023.

For those seeking immigration to Canada, there are now three distinct charts for the TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français pour le). The chart applicable to an applicant depends on the specific date when they took the examination.

Updated TEF Score Chart for Tests From December 11, 2023 Onward

The most recent TEF score equivalency chart, applicable for tests taken from December 11, 2023, onwards, is outlined as follows:

CLB 10

1. Reading: 546-699
2. Writing: 558-699
3. Listening: 546-699
4. Speaking: 556-699

CLB 9

1. Reading: 503-545
2. Writing: 512-557
3. Listening: 503-545
4. Speaking: 518-555

CLB 8

1. Reading: 462-502
2. Writing: 472-511
3. Listening: 462-502
4. Speaking: 494-517

CLB 7

1. Reading: 434-461
2. Writing: 428-471
3. Listening: 434-461
4. Speaking: 456-493

CLB 6

1. Reading: 393-433
2. Writing: 379-427
3. Listening: 393-433
4. Speaking: 422-455

CLB 5

1. Reading: 352-392
2. Writing: 330-378
3. Listening: 352-392
4. Speaking: 387-421

CLB 4

1. Reading: 306-351
2. Writing: 268-329
3. Listening: 306-351
4. Speaking: 328-386

This TEF equivalency chart provides a clear reference for individuals, indicating the expected scores across different language skills at various CLB levels for tests taken after December 11, 2023.

Earlier TEF Score Chart for Tests Between October 1, 2019, and December 10, 2023

The TEF CLB chart for tests taken between October 1, 2019, and December 10, 2023, provides score ranges for Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking at different Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.

CLB Level 10:

1. Reading: 566-699
2. Writing: 566-699
3. Listening: 566-699
4. Speaking: 566-699

CLB Level 9:

1. Reading: 533-565
2. Writing: 533-565
3. Listening: 533-565
4. Speaking: 533-565

CLB Level 8:

1. Reading: 500-532
2. Writing: 500-532
3. Listening: 500-532
4. Speaking: 500-532

CLB Level 7:

1. Reading: 450-499
2. Writing: 450-499
3. Listening: 450-499
4. Speaking: 450-499

CLB Level 6:

1. Reading: 400-449
2. Writing: 400-449
3. Listening: 400-449
4. Speaking: 400-449

CLB Level 5:

1. Reading: 350-399
2. Writing: 350-399
3. Listening: 350-399
4. Speaking: 350-399

CLB Level 4:

1. Reading: 300-349
2. Writing: 300-349
3. Listening: 300-349
4. Speaking: 300-349

TEF Score Chart for Tests Before September 30, 2019

The following score ranges represent the proficiency expectations for Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking at different CLB levels. Individuals can use this information to assess their language skills in the context of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system.

CLB Level 10:

1. Reading: 263-300
2. Writing: 393-450
3. Listening: 316-360
4. Speaking: 393-450

CLB Level 9:

1. Reading: 248-262
2. Writing: 371-392
3. Listening: 298-315
4. Speaking: 371-392

CLB Level 8:

1. Reading: 233-247
2. Writing: 349-370
3. Listening: 280-297
4. Speaking: 349-370

CLB Level 7:

1. Reading: 207-232
2. Writing: 310-348
3. Listening: 249-279
4. Speaking: 310-348

CLB Level 6:

1. Reading: 181-206
2. Writing: 271-309
3. Listening: 217-248
4. Speaking: 271-309

CLB Level 5:

1. Reading: 151-180
2. Writing: 226-270
3. Listening: 181-216
4. Speaking: 226-270

CLB Level 4:

1. Reading: 121-150
2. Writing: 181-225
3. Listening: 145-180
4. Speaking: 181-225

What Is the Alternative French Test for the Canadian Immigration Process?

The alternative test for French, recognized for Canadian immigration purposes in place of the TEF Canada, is the Test de Connaissance du Français pour le Canada (TCF Canada).

The TCF Canada Equivalency Chart provides a breakdown of scores across various language skills at different CLB levels:

CLB Level 10 and above:

1. Reading: 549-699
2. Writing: 16-20
3. Listening: 549-699
4. Speaking: 16-20

CLB Level 9:

1. Reading: 524-548
2. Writing: 14-15
3. Listening: 523-548
4. Speaking: 14-15

CLB Level 8:

1. Reading: 499-523
2. Writing: 12-13
3. Listening: 503-522
4. Speaking: 12-13

CLB Level 7:

1. Reading: 453-498
2. Writing: 10-11
3. Listening: 458-502
4. Speaking: 10-11

CLB Level 6:

1. Reading: 406-452
2. Writing: 7-9
3. Listening: 398-457
4. Speaking: 7-9

CLB Level 5:

1. Reading: 375-405
2. Writing: 6
3. Listening: 369-397
4. Speaking: 6

CLB Level 4:

1. Reading: 342-374
2. Writing: 4-5
3. Listening: 331-368
4. Speaking: 4-5

Applicants can refer to the TCF Canada Equivalency Chart to understand how their TCF Canada scores align with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels for immigration purposes.

Significance of TEF (Test d’évaluation du français) Canada

TEF Canada is like a test to check how well you know French if it’s not your first language. The Canadian government and many universities in Canada think highly of this test. It’s like a certificate that shows you’re good at French, and you can use it for different things like moving to Canada, becoming a citizen, or meeting language requirements for school.