What is a LINC Assessment Centre?

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) English classes are available at no cost to eligible newcomers and immigrants. Before you can enrol in a LINC or Enhanced Language Training class at a local community agency or school, you must take a test at a LINC Assessment Centre to find out your current English language skills.

These tests or assessments may take up to three hours to complete. An assessor will test how good your English skills are in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Each of these skills will be rated using Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), which is a scale from Level 1-12, with Level 1 being the lowest level.

Your ratings may be different for each skill. For example, if you speak English better than you write it, you will have a higher CLB Level in speaking than in reading. As you get better, all your levels will go up. Click here to read more about Canadian Language Benchmarks.

Tests are free to all eligible newcomers, including Permanent Residents and Convention Refugees who are over 18 years old. You will be required to present proof of your residency status, so please bring your original documents with you to your test.

You must book an appointment at an Assessment Centre for your test.

Where Do I Go For Testing?

There are several LINC Assessment Centres in the City of Toronto, Peel Region, York Region and Simcoe County. You can call or visit any of the listed locations. Most offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with some locations open in the evening or on Saturday.

To book an appointment call the location nearest you.