NCLC 5 in listening and speaking is the French threshold for the C16 work permit. This article suggests how to plan your learning if you are starting from zero. It is general guidance and does not replace a teacher's placement assessment.
Targets
- For C16: listening NCLC 5 (TEF Canada 352+, TCF Canada 369+) and speaking NCLC 5 (TEF Canada 387+, TCF Canada 6/20).
- To keep the FCIP open: NCLC 5 in all 4 abilities.
- For Express Entry French-language rounds: NCLC 7 in all 4 abilities.
According to the CCLB, NCLC 5 is in the intermediate stage of the 12-level scale: you need to communicate in familiar everyday and work situations, not just know vocabulary.
Stage 1: foundations
- Pronunciation and the distinctive sounds of French.
- Everyday vocabulary and phrases: introducing yourself, family, work, shopping, appointments.
- Basic grammar: present tense, near past, near future, questions.
Stage 2: communication
- Listen to conversations, announcements and short news at natural speed.
- Talk about experiences, recount events, give simple opinions and reasons.
- Grammar: passé composé, imparfait, pronouns, simple complex sentences.
Stage 3: test preparation
- Do practice tests in the exact TEF Canada or TCF Canada format, timed like the real test.
- Practise speaking with an examiner: the TCF Canada speaking test lasts only 12 minutes, and the TEF Canada speaking test is also timed, so you need to speak fluently without long pauses.
- Take mock tests and compare your scores with IRCC's NCLC conversion tables.
General tips
- Studying a little every day works better than cramming at weekends.
- Prioritize listening and speaking if C16 is your immediate goal, but don't drop reading and writing if you plan to apply for permanent residence later.
- Learn the vocabulary of your occupation: the interview with an employer may be in French.
Note Test results are only valid for 2 years with IRCC. Take the test when you are close to applying so the results are still valid when you submit.
What is NCLC and how to read your scores
TEF Canada and TCF Canada
How long it takes and what it costs