Interpretation, Requirements and Score Report
Score Interpretation
You will receive distinct scores for each skill, measured in Level Bands (from 1 to 5). If you happen to be between two levels, the decimal will be used (e.g. 3.5). The level descriptions are found below.
You will receive distinct scores for each skill, measured in Level Bands (from 1 to 5). If you happen to be between two levels, the decimal will be used (e.g. 3.5). The level descriptions are found below.
In the Writing and Reading components, evaluators measure your performance according to the level descriptions. Thus, a moderately fluent speaker with a good pronunciation and whose mistakes do not prevent message comprehension would receive a level 4.0 or 4.5.
| Band | Description |
| [5+] | The candidate does not experience, in various given tasks, any difficulty that could impede academic success, and exceeds the minimal requirements of level 5 in the different evaluated skills. |
| [5] | The candidate performs the imposed tasks effectively, and is able, despite minor mistakes, to undertake university studies in French. The candidate is very comfortable with interacting in familiar fields and has good strategies to deal with unfamiliar topics. This person processes spoken and written texts with an appropriate rhythm and understands them very well. This proficiency level allows the candidate to succeed in a university study program. |
| [4] | The candidate experiences, in some given tasks, certain difficulties that could impede academic success, and needs improvement courses to become more effective in his language use (faster rhythm, better precision). In a familiar field, the candidate is able to communicate in an adequate way, and the mistakes made do not prevent the transmission of ideas, except in rare occasions. This proficiency level may be sufficient to allow the candidate to participate in a professional internship or in a study program that does not lead to an academic degree. |
| [3] | The candidate is able to be self-sufficient when performing given tasks in well-defined contexts with a sympathetic interviewer. In complex or unfamiliar contexts, communication efficiency is markedly reduced. Additional language training is needed to achieve a general proficiency level that could allow the candidate to be eligible to any study program in Canada. |
| [2] | The candidate shows a certain ability to use language in highly contextualized contexts, but cannot reach a sufficient level to enter a preparatory language training program. |
| [1] | The candidate is at a level limited to very basic discussions, and needs solid elementary training before being able to take the TESTCan once more and being eligible to a preparatory language training program. |
Required Results
Most of the Canadian universities require an average of 4.5, and no score below 4.0 is accepted. Certain departments (e.g. Management, Law) and professional organizations (e.g. professional licensing bodies in pharmacy) require a stronger performance. Please verify the requirements of the institution where you wish to send your results.
Score Report
An Unofficial Score Report will be mailed to the candidates within fifteen business days following the test session. If you take the test in Toronto or Ottawa, your results will also be posted on the TESTCan website.
An Official Score Report will be sent, free of cost, to the university or professional organisation you mentioned on your registration form. If you decide where to send your results after you have taken the test, or if you wish that your results be sent to other places, you must complete the Request form – TESTCan Official Score Report, available online or at the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute. Fees of $15, payable by cash, certified cheque or money order, are required for this service. Additionally, it is your responsibility to provide the institutions’ accurate addresses.
* Fees are subject to change without notice.