Writing is marked twice, by markers working independently. TCF Canada reports a mark out of 20; TEF Canada a 0-699 score with an "ancien score" equivalent for IRCC.
Two markers work independently and without seeing each other's marks. On computer, the first marking may come from FEI's automated correction-assistance system; the second is always human. Each marker gives each of the three tasks a CEFR level, from "A1 not reached" to C2, and a calculation rule turns the six levels into a mark out of 20. A third marking is made if the first two differ widely.
| Mark /20 | CEFR level |
|---|---|
| 1 | A1 |
| 2-5 | A2 |
| 6-9 | B1 |
| 10-13 | B2 |
| 14-17 | C1 |
| 18-20 | C2 |
FEI does not publish the analytic grid or the rule that combines the task levels.
For sessions from 1 September 2026, FEI does not accept requests to re-mark writing or speaking for about a year; the service is planned to resume in autumn 2027.
| NCLC | TCF writing /20 |
|---|---|
| 10 and above | 16-20 |
| 9 | 14-15 |
| 8 | 12-13 |
| 7 | 10-11 |
| 6 | 7-9 |
| 5 | 6 |
| 4 | 4-5 |
NCLC 7, the usual Express Entry threshold, needs 10/20; NCLC 9 needs 14/20.
Two markers assess the two texts independently with a standardised grid that gives an overall CEFR level. Their grids cover the ability to communicate, vocabulary, grammar, organisation and ease. The result is converted into a calibrated 0-699 score.
For IRCC, enter the "Équivalence ancien score" (out of 450 for writing), which IRCC converts like this:
| NCLC | TEF writing (ancien score) |
|---|---|
| 10 | 393-450 |
| 9 | 371-392 |
| 8 | 349-370 |
| 7 | 310-348 |
| 6 | 271-309 |
| 5 | 226-270 |
| 4 | 181-225 |
CCI's table for the /699 score, used for the NCLC printed on the attestation. IRCC does not use it.
| NCLC | TEF writing /699 (tests from 11 Dec 2023) |
|---|---|
| Below 4 | 0-267 |
| 4 | 268-329 |
| 5 | 330-378 |
| 6 | 379-427 |
| 7 | 428-471 |
| 8 | 472-511 |
| 9 | 512-557 |
| 10 | 558-576 |
| 11 | 577-618 |
| 12 | 619-699 |
| Programme | French requirement |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker (first official language) | NCLC 7 in all four skills. Points per skill: NCLC 7 = 4, NCLC 8 = 5, NCLC 9 or higher = 6 (24 at most). |
| Federal Skilled Worker (second official language) | 4 extra points with at least NCLC 5 in all four skills. |
| Canadian Experience Class | NCLC 7 in all four skills for TEER 0 and 1 jobs; NCLC 5 for TEER 2 and 3 jobs. |
| Federal Skilled Trades | NCLC 5 in speaking and listening; NCLC 4 in reading and writing. |
| Canadian citizenship (ages 18-54) | NCLC 4 or higher in speaking and listening. |
Results must be less than two years old both when you create your Express Entry profile and when you submit your permanent residence application.
Practise TCF / TEF online
Every section of TCF Canada and TEF Canada is in the TestSucceed app. The tasks are timed like the real exam and marked instantly, and your writing and speaking are assessed by AI trained by our French exam experts. Start with TCF / TEF practice or sit a full TCF / TEF mock test.
Written by Kirill O'Nayd
French test expert and educator at TestSucceed. He prepares candidates for TCF Canada and TEF Canada and follows how each section is timed and marked. See all TestSucceed preparation materials.