Two scales, one application
The TEF Canada and TCF Canada give scores per section. Immigration programs think in CLB levels. Between the two sits an official conversion table published by IRCC — the only valid reference, and it can be updated. Do not trust tables copied onto forums.
The three most common misreadings
- Averaging. CLB is calculated per skill (listening, speaking, reading, writing). A strong reading score does not offset weak speaking: the lowest skill limits the application.
- Confusing CEFR and CLB. B2 is not "CLB 8": they are different systems, and only the IRCC table counts for immigration.
- Forgetting Quebec. Quebec programs (TEFAQ, TCF Québec) have their own thresholds and their own authority, MIFI.
How to use this in practice
- Identify the target CLB level for your stream (official source).
- Convert that level into a target score per section using the IRCC table.
- Take a corrected mock exam and compare, section by section.
- Focus preparation on sections below target — usually speaking and writing.
Why start from the conversion
Many candidates prepare "the TEF" in general, then discover they were a few points short on a single section. Starting from the target CLB level avoids paying for a second session.
Next step
Our free assessment compares your current results to the target scores for your CLB level and shows which sections to work on first.
