Similarities and differences between the NCLC and the CECRL

THE Canadian Language Proficiency Levels ( explanations on the NCLC ) are national standards that describe, assess and recognize language skills in French and English in Canada. In this sense, they are similar to the levels CEFR ( CEFR levels – European reference framework for living languages ) with however some differences.

NCLC/CEFR Commonalities

Like the CEFR, the NCLC serves as a model and grid for assessing a candidate's mastery of a secondary language. These are therefore not tests but scales necessary to analyze the results of exams and deduce the candidate's level, in other words their mastery of the language tested .

For example, if you take the TEF Canada, you will get a score which, thanks to the NCLC scales, will tell you your level: beginner, intermediate or advanced level.

• What score should I get on the TEF Canada?

NCLC/CEFR differences

The NCLC and the CEFR are independent and are not used in the same countries. Frame European E Common of Reference for the Languages , as its name suggests, is implemented only in Europe. It allows us to give an equivalent estimate of the level of each student in each country in a foreign language: if you have a B1 level in English, for example, you have the same level as a German who also has a B1 level in English.

The NCLC is specific to Canada and is used by immigration services to check the level of English or French of immigrants.

The CEFR has only 6 levels (A1 to C2) while the NCLC has 12.

Preparation for the TEF test