"How long does it take to reach NCLC 5?" has no single answer. IRCC and the test organizers do not publish standard study hours. This article helps you estimate based on your own situation.
What determines the time
- Your starting point: some French already, or starting from zero.
- Other languages you know: people with strong English often recognize a lot of shared vocabulary.
- Hours of study per week and how regular they are.
- Real listening and speaking practice with a teacher or native speakers.
- Your goal: listening and speaking at NCLC 5 (C16) or all 4 skills (FCIP, Express Entry).
How to estimate
- Take a placement test at a language school to find your current level.
- Ask the school how many hours it expects you to need from that level to the equivalent of NCLC 5.
- Divide those hours by your weekly study time to get the number of weeks, then add time for test practice and waiting for results.
- Reassess every 2 to 3 months with a mock test.
Costs to plan for
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Depends on the format: group classes, private tutoring, online |
| Materials and practice tests | TEF Canada or TCF Canada prep books, mock tests |
| Test fees | Set by each test centre; ask the centre directly |
| Retakes | Plan for possibly retaking a skill you did not pass |
Waiting for results
- TEF Canada: about 2 weeks according to its organizer.
- TCF Canada: within 15 working days after France Éducation international receives the papers.
Results are valid for 2 years with IRCC.
Note Be careful with courses that promise NCLC in a very short time or sell "certificates". IRCC only accepts real TEF Canada or TCF Canada results from an approved test centre.
What is NCLC and how to read your scores
TEF Canada and TCF Canada
From zero to NCLC 5: a learning roadmap