🍁Study plan: from your level to NCLC 7

How the scoring works, how long it really takes, and how to spend the weeks you have.

First, understand what you are training for.

TCF Canada and TEF Canada have no pass mark. Everyone takes the same test. Your result is an NCLC band from 1 to 12 in each of the four skills.

NCLC 7 in all four skills is the Express Entry reference point. NCLC 9 unlocks the higher CRS bands. Your weakest skill sets your profile, so train the weakest first.

How long to NCLC 7

NCLC 7 corresponds roughly to a strong B1 to B2 level, performed under time pressure. Honest estimates, assuming 8 to 10 hours of French per week:

Your level today	Level needed	Estimated time	What matters most
A2	B1 solid	30 to 45 weeks	Finish the B1 course first. Testing now wastes an attempt.
B1	B2 entry	16 to 30 weeks	This is where most candidates start. NCLC 7 sits at high B1 to B2.
B2	B2 solid	6 to 16 weeks	You are in range. Train the exam format itself, not more grammar.
C1	C1	2 to 6 weeks	Aim for NCLC 9+ for the bonus CRS bands. Format training only.

Not sure of your level? Take the placement test, then a timed section here to see your starting NCLC estimate.

The weekly routine that works

4 sessions of course work: lessons at your level, plus daily SRS vocabulary. Reading speed and listening are mostly vocabulary depth.
1 timed exam section per week, alternating skills. Always under real conditions: full length, no pause.
After every section: read the full correction, including the why on each wrong answer. The correction is where the score moves.
2 short speaking sessions: record yourself on the speaking tasks, or better, real conversation. The TEF speaking test is live.
Every 3 to 4 weeks: one full mock exam in one sitting. Endurance is part of the test.

The week before the exam

One full mock at the start of the week. Then stop learning new material.
Review your last corrections: your recurring mistakes, not new content.
Re-read the section briefings so nothing about the format surprises you.
Writing: rehearse your letter openings, transitions and closings once more.
Speaking: run your question grid and your answers to the three universal objections.
Last two days: light review only, normal sleep.

Test day

Listening comes first and is heard once. Warm up your ear that morning: 20 minutes of French audio before you leave.
No points are removed for wrong answers. Never leave a blank.
A lost question is lost. The next one is not. Move on immediately.
In writing, respect the word counts. They are part of the instructions.
In speaking, fill the whole time. Silence scores nothing.
You cannot fail. Whatever happens, you leave with a band, and you can sit the exam again.

Start here

TCF Canada track

4 timed sections + full mock exam

Open the TCF track →

TEF Canada track

4 timed sections + full mock exam

Open the TEF track →

All NCLC results on this site are practice estimates based on the official IRCC equivalency chart. Official conversion is done only by the test centres.