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Guide · TCF Canada vs TEF Canada · Last checked

TCF Canada or TEF Canada: which French test to take

IRCC accepts both tests for Express Entry and citizenship and converts both to the same NCLC levels, so neither result is worth more than the other. The differences are in the format, the tasks and the logistics.

By Certloom Learning, publisher of NCLC Ready. Checked against the official sources listed at the end.

1The short answer

Both tests count the same for IRCC. Most people choose by the centre and the date they can get. After that, compare the formats: TEF Canada has reading, listening and writing on computer and 15 minutes of speaking in two sections; TCF Canada is on paper or computer depending on the centre, with 12 minutes of speaking in three tasks.

2Side by side

CriterionTCF CanadaTEF Canada
PublisherFrance Éducation InternationalCCI Paris Île-de-France
Accepted by IRCC forExpress Entry and citizenshipExpress Entry and citizenship
Listening39 questions · 35 min40 questions · 40 min
Reading39 questions · 60 min40 questions · 60 min
Writing3 tasks in 60 min, each with a word range (60–120, 120–150, 120–180)2 sections in 60 min, each with a minimum (A: 80 words, B: 200 words)
Speaking3 tasks in 12 min: guided interview, interaction (you ask the questions), point of view2 sections in 15 min: obtain information (A), convince (B); recorded
How it is takenPaper or computer, depending on the centre; speaking face to faceReading, listening and writing on computer; speaking face to face; all four on the same day
ScoresListening and reading out of 699; writing and speaking out of 20Each test out of 699, plus the “Équivalence ancien score” that IRCC uses
ResultsWithin 15 working days of the publisher receiving the session materialWithin 1 to 10 working days of the test day, digital certificate
RetakesAs often as you like, 20 days apart20-day wait before taking the same test again
Valid for2 years from the results date2 years from the certificate date

TCF Canada format and scoringTEF Canada format and scoring

3How to choose

  1. Dates and centres near youBoth publishers list approved centres, and each centre sets its dates and fees. The test you can sit soonest, close to home, is often the practical choice.
  2. Paper or screenIf you read faster on paper, check whether a TCF Canada centre near you offers the paper version. TEF Canada reading, listening and writing are always on computer, so practise typing French accents.
  3. The speaking tasksTCF Canada has three short tasks, including one where you only ask questions. TEF Canada has two longer sections: asking for information, then arguing to convince an examiner who pushes back.
  4. The writing tasksTCF Canada sets three shorter texts with maximum word counts. TEF Canada sets two texts with minimums, including an argued text of at least 200 words.
  5. How fast you need resultsTEF Canada certificates come within 1 to 10 working days of the test. TCF Canada results come within 15 working days of the publisher receiving the session material.

4Practising for your test

NCLC Ready has one app for each test, so every task, timer and score table matches the test you book. Try the free questions for both in your browser before you decide.

Try 10 free TCF Canada questionsTry 10 free TEF Canada questions

Questions people ask

Is TEF Canada easier than TCF Canada?

Neither IRCC nor the publishers rank one as easier, and both convert to the same NCLC levels on IRCC’s charts. Candidates find one or the other easier depending on the task types, so compare the speaking and writing tasks with your strengths.

Do both tests count for French-language draws?

Yes. The French-language proficiency category needs NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities on an approved French test, which means TCF Canada or TEF Canada.

Which test gives results faster?

TEF Canada results come within 1 to 10 working days of the test day. TCF Canada results come within 15 working days of France Éducation International receiving the session material from the centre.

Can I use either test for citizenship?

Yes. IRCC accepts both for citizenship, where it asks for level B1 or higher in listening and speaking.

Can I retake the other test instead?

Yes. Each test has its own waiting rule: 20 days between two sittings of TCF Canada, and 20 days before retaking the same TEF test in any version.

Practise with NCLC Ready

One app for each test, with the real format and timing, AI feedback on writing and speaking, and an estimated NCLC level for each skill. Scores in the apps are estimates, never official results.

Official sources

Checked against official sources on .

  • TCF Canada format and scoring

    The four sections and their timing, the writing and speaking tasks, how scores convert to NCLC, booking, results and a study plan.

    Checked

  • TEF Canada format and scoring

    The four tests and their timing, the two scores on your certificate and which one IRCC uses, NCLC ranges and a study plan.

    Checked

  • NCLC and CLB conversion tables

    IRCC’s charts for both tests, the scores that reach NCLC 7, 8 and 9, and how NCLC and CLB relate.

    Checked

  • French and Express Entry points

    Minimum levels by program, CRS points per ability, the 25 or 50 additional points for French and French-language draws.

    Checked