How many points is each TCF Canada writing task worth?
Checked November 1, 2026
There is no points-per-task scale. Two independent markings each give a level, from “A1 non atteint” to C2, to each of the 3 tasks. A calculation rule that uses these 6 levels gives the final mark out of 20. France Éducation international (FEI) does not publish how much each task weighs.
How the mark out of 20 is built
- Your paper is marked twice, independently and double-blind. For some computer-based sessions, the first marking can come from FIDELIA, FEI’s automated marking aid. The second is always human.
- Each marker gives a level to task 1, task 2 and task 3.
- A calculation rule takes these 6 levels and gives a mark out of 20 and a final level.
- If the two markers are far apart, a third marking takes place.
FEI does not say whether task 3 weighs more than task 1. Any split like “task 3 is worth 10 points” that you read elsewhere is not official.
From the mark to a level
The handbook grid turns the mark into a CEFR level. IRCC turns the same mark into an NCLC (CLB) level.
| Mark out of 20 | CEFR level (FEI) | NCLC (IRCC) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 | C2 | 10 and above |
| 16–17 | C1 | 10 and above |
| 14–15 | C1 | 9 |
| 12–13 | B2 | 8 |
| 10–11 | B2 | 7 |
| 7–9 | B1 | 6 |
| 6 | B1 | 5 |
| 4–5 | A2 | 4 |
What this means for you
Each task gets its own level, so one rushed task can pull the mark down even if the other two are good. A missing task, an off-topic one or one without the required word count can get the whole test marked “A1 non atteint”. Markers judge the language (vocabulary, grammar, spelling, sentences), the organisation (coherence, development of the topic) and the fit to the situation.
NCLC 7 needs 10 out of 20. The safest strategy is three complete tasks of even quality, rather than a brilliant task 3 after a weak task 1. The criteria are in the writing guide. To see where one task stands, you can get it marked out of 20 here, as an estimate.