Guide TCF / TEF

TCF Canada or TEF Canada: which one should you take?

IRCC accepts both tests and converts each into NCLC with an official table. The difference is mainly format: TCF Canada has 3 speaking tasks in 12 minutes and 3 short texts with strict word limits; TEF Canada has 2 speaking sections in 15 minutes and 2 texts, including a letter of at least 200 words. Officially, neither is “easier”.

Key facts

TCF Canada is run by France Éducation international; TEF Canada by CCI Paris Île-de-France (Le français des affaires). Both are on IRCC's list of language tests for Express Entry.

Official sources: IRCC — language test results (Express Entry) · France Éducation international — TCF Canada · Le français des affaires — TEF Canada

Practise now

No sign-up. An NCLC estimate as a range, never an official result.

Try TCF Canada speaking (60 seconds)

The two tests side by side

	TCF Canada	TEF Canada
Listening	39 questions, 35 min, one listening	40 questions, 40 min, one listening, no going back
Reading	39 questions, 60 min	40 questions, 60 min, free navigation
Writing	3 tasks, 60 min: 60–120, 120–150 and 120–180 words	2 sections, 60 min: at least 80 words (25 min) and 200 words (35 min)
Speaking	3 tasks, 12 min, face to face	2 sections, 15 min (5 + 10), face to face
Written tests taken on	Paper or computer, depending on the centre	Computer (paper only as an exception)
Scores	Listening and reading out of 699, speaking and writing out of 20	“Ancien score” per skill for IRCC
Results	Within 15 working days	1 to 10 working days, electronic certificate
Valid for	2 years	2 years
Gap between two sittings	20 days minimum	20 days minimum
Fees	Set by each centre	Set by each centre

Official sources: TCF candidate handbook (version Q, Sept. 2026) · France Éducation international — TCF Canada · TEF Canada — on test day · Official TEF sample — writing (PDF) · Official TEF sample — speaking (PDF) · TEF Canada — certificate

Two things to know right now

TCF Canada: for sessions from 1 September 2026, re-marking of speaking and writing is suspended; FEI expects to bring it back in autumn 2027. On computer, the first rating of writing may be assisted by the FIDELIA system; the second is still human.
TEF Canada: the certificate shows a score out of 699 and an “Équivalence ancien score”. For IRCC only the ancien score counts; entering the /699 score can get an application refused.

Official sources: France Éducation international — TCF Canada · TEF Canada — certificate · IRCC — language test results (Express Entry)

How to choose: our take

Your writing. Comfortable with short, tightly framed texts? TCF asks for three texts with strict word limits. Better at building a longer argument? TEF section B asks for a letter of at least 200 words.
Your speaking. TCF ends with a 4 min 30 argued monologue in which the examiner may interrupt. TEF ends with 10 minutes of dialogue convincing a friend who keeps raising objections.
The keyboard. TEF writing is on a computer; TCF writing may be on paper depending on the centre. If typing accents slows you down, or your handwriting is weak, ask the centre.
The calendar. Seats go fast in some cities. The test available soonest near you is often the right choice; TEF also announces faster results.
Best of all: try both formats. Take the TCF and the TEF speaking tests with our examiner, then compare your NCLC estimates.

FAQ

Is TCF Canada easier than TEF Canada?

Officially, no: IRCC converts each into NCLC with its own table. The formats differ, and one may suit you better than the other.

Official source: IRCC — language test results (Express Entry)

Does IRCC accept both for Express Entry?

Yes, TCF Canada and TEF Canada are both on the list of accepted French tests, each with its own NCLC equivalency table.

Official source: IRCC — language test results (Express Entry)

How much do TCF Canada and TEF Canada cost?

There is no single price: for both tests each centre sets its own fees. Check with the centre where you want to sit the test.

Official sources: France Éducation international — TCF Canada · TEF Canada — registration

Do I have to take all four skills on the same day?

For TEF Canada, yes: for immigration all four skills are required and taken on the same day. For citizenship, only listening and speaking are required.

Official source: Le français des affaires — TEF Canada