Improve your English or French
Improve your English or French
Canada has two official languages: English and French. Cape Breton has several Francophone communities, including Cheticamp and Arichat. To communicate effectively in Cape Breton, it is recommended that you have Basic English or French skills.
Many immigration streams at the Federal and Provincial levels require specific scores in one of Canada’s official languages. Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) are scores used across Canada to place you at a language level at a national standard. The CLB or NCLC required varies by immigration program. You are encouraged to review the minimum required score for your specific immigration program.
You can access English or French language testing through the following institutions:
Inside Canada:
English
- The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (General test) can be taken through Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc.
- The International English Language Testing System (General test) can be taken through Cambridge Assessment English, IDP Australia and The British Council
French
- The Test d’évaluation de français (TEF Canada) can be taken through The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- The Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada) (in French only) can be taken through le Centre international d’études pédagogiques (CIEP).
Outside Canada:
English
- The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (General test) can be taken through Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc.
- The International English Language Testing System (General test) can be taken through Cambridge Assessment English, IDP Australia and The British Council.
French
- The Test d’évaluation de français (TEF Canada) can be taken through The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- The Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada) (in French only) can be taken through le Centre international d’études pédagogiques (CIEP).
Resources to Improve English
Local Settlement Providers
Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) provides English language courses to newcomers. For people living in Cape Breton, some of these courses may be available online through their LINC Home Study program. Learn more here:
Click here to submit an addition/edit to this pageLast Modified: September 19, 2021