What TCF Canada score is NCLC 4?
Checked November 1, 2026
NCLC 4 starts at 331 in listening, 342 in reading and 4 out of 20 in writing and speaking. It is the lowest level in IRCC’s table, and a lower score does not convert at all. NCLC 4 is the bar for reading and writing in Federal Skilled Trades. For citizenship, IRCC asks TCF Canada results of B1 in listening and speaking, so speaking needs 6 out of 20, not 4.
| Skill | NCLC 4 | CEFR in FEI’s table |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 331–368 | B1 |
| Reading | 342–374 | B1 |
| Writing | 4–5 out of 20 | A2 |
| Speaking | 4–5 out of 20 | A2 |
Where NCLC 4 is enough
- Federal Skilled Trades, NCLC 4 in reading and writing (speaking and listening need NCLC 5).
- Canadian citizenship, ages 18 to 54, CLB or NCLC 4 in speaking and listening, but see the trap below for TCF Canada.
It is not enough for the Federal Skilled Worker program or for Canadian Experience Class jobs, which start at NCLC 5 or NCLC 7. In CRS, NCLC 4 and NCLC 5 both give 6 points per skill as a first language.
A trap for citizenship
IRCC’s citizenship pages ask for TCF Canada results of “B1 or higher (B2, C1 or C2) in listening and speaking”. FEI labels 4–5 out of 20 in speaking as A2, not B1. So with TCF Canada you need at least 6 out of 20 in speaking, which FEI labels B1, and a listening score in FEI’s B1 band or higher, which starts at 300. Check the level printed on your attestation before you apply.
Citizenship also accepts proof of secondary or post-secondary studies in English or French, and a DELF at B1 or higher, so you may not need a new test at all. In CRS, NCLC 4 gives 6 points per skill as a first language and 0 as a second language. For the other levels, see the NCLC conversion table and what score you need for NCLC 5.