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TCF Canada writing score: criteria, grid and NCLC 7
Updated 2026-10-28
The TCF Canada writing score has two layers: a level for each task, and a final mark out of 20 that IRCC converts into an NCLC level. This page explains both, what the examiners look at, and what NCLC 7 means for your writing. Plumepass is not affiliated with France Éducation international (FEI). For the format, see TCF Canada writing: format and tasks.
How the mark is built
Two FEI examiners mark independently and blind. Each gives every task a level, from 'A1 non atteint' to C2. A calculation rule, which is not published, turns these six levels into the final mark and level. If the examiners are far apart, a third marking is done. On some computer-based tests, FIDELIA (an automated tool) may do a first marking; the second marking is always human. Copies are not annotated and candidates do not get a correction of their mistakes, so you have to find your weak points through practice and feedback before the test.
The criteria
| Group | What is looked at |
|---|---|
| Linguistic | Range of vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, spelling, sentence construction |
| Pragmatic | Coherence and cohesion, development of the topic |
| Sociolinguistic | Suitability for the communication situation (register, readers, purpose) |
'A1 non atteint' is possible if a text is illegible (on paper), does not have the required number of words, is off topic, or if a task is missing.
The grid out of 20 and the NCLC table
| Level | Mark out of 20 |
|---|---|
| A1 | 1 |
| A2 | 2 to 5 |
| B1 | 6 to 9 |
| B2 | 10 to 13 |
| C1 | 14 to 17 |
| C2 | 18 to 20 |
| NCLC (writing) | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 or more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCF Canada mark | 4 to 5 | 6 | 7 to 9 | 10 to 11 | 12 to 13 | 14 to 15 | 16 to 20 |
Source for the NCLC row: the IRCC language test equivalency table. The Express Entry French-language proficiency category requires NCLC 7 or higher in all four language abilities, so writing needs at least 10 out of 20.
What NCLC 7 looks like in practice
NCLC 7 sits at the bottom half of B2. The following is our general description of B2-type writing, not an official descriptor. A text in that zone usually:
- answers the task fully and develops each point with a reason or an example;
- is organised, with paragraphs and connectors that link ideas (d'abord, cependant, c'est pourquoi);
- uses a fairly wide vocabulary instead of repeating basic words;
- mixes simple and complex sentences, with some subordinate clauses;
- has mostly correct grammar and spelling, where errors do not stop the reader from understanding;
- keeps a register that suits the reader.
In general terms, the step from NCLC 6 (7 to 9) to NCLC 7 (10 to 11) is about consistency: fewer basic errors in agreement and verb forms, and arguments that are developed rather than just listed. Reaching NCLC 7 on one task does not guarantee it on the test, since the final mark combines all three tasks by a rule that is not published.
Why Plumepass shows a range, not one mark
A 2026 preprint by Wilkens, Cardon, Folny and François studied a cleaned set of 27,683 TCF essays. Two human examiners gave exactly the same level in 51 % of cases and differed by one level in 46 %. If trained examiners differ that often, a single mark from software would look more precise than it can be. So for each task Plumepass gives an estimated level and, from A2 upward, a range of marks out of 20 (not a single score) with the matching NCLC levels. For A1 and 'A1 non atteint' it shows the level only, without a mark. It is a guide for practice, not an official result. If your range crosses the NCLC 7 line, treat it as a signal to work on the weakest criterion.
Try a task and look at the range you get, or read the guides for task 1, task 2 and task 3.
Sources
- France Éducation international, Manuel du candidat TCF, version J, septembre 2024
- IRCC, Language test equivalency table
- IRCC, Express Entry category-based selection
- Wilkens, Cardon, Folny, François (June 2026, preprint), arxiv.org/abs/2606.02009
Try it on a practice task
Write the task with a timer and word count, then get a level estimate, the corrections that matter and a better version of your answer. 1 grading is free, and 2 more after you add your e-mail.
Questions
What TCF Canada writing score is NCLC 7?
Per the IRCC equivalency table, NCLC 7 in writing is a TCF Canada mark of 10 to 11 out of 20. That is the lower half of B2 (10 to 13).
What are the TCF Canada writing criteria?
Three groups: linguistic (vocabulary range, grammatical accuracy, spelling, sentence construction), pragmatic (coherence and cohesion, development of the topic) and sociolinguistic (suitability for the communication situation).
Why does Plumepass give a range of marks and not one mark?
Because even trained human examiners often differ by a level, and because the official calculation rule is not published. A range is a more honest estimate than a single number. From A2 upward you get a range of marks; for A1 and 'A1 non atteint' you get the level only, without a mark.
Is the Plumepass level an official result?
No. It is an automatic estimate for practice. Only the examiners of France Éducation international give an official result.