TEF Canada Preparation
TEF Canada preparation: speaking and writing with an AI examiner
TEF Canada is the French test of CCI Paris Île-de-France (Le français des affaires), accepted by IRCC. For immigration, all four tests are taken on the same day, and IRCC only uses the “ancien score” of each skill, converted into NCLC with its own table.
Official sources: Le français des affaires — TEF Canada · IRCC — language test results (Express Entry)
Take TEF Canada speaking section A
No sign-up. Counts as today's free speaking task. An NCLC estimate as a range, never an official result.
The four TEF Canada tests
| Test | Format | Time | NCLC 7 (ancien score) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 40 questions, one listening, no going back | 40 min | 249–279 |
| Reading | 40 questions, free navigation | 60 min | 207–232 |
| Writing | 2 sections on computer: at least 80 words, then at least 200 words | 60 min (25 + 35) | 310–348 |
| Speaking | 2 sections, face to face: on the phone, then convincing a friend | 15 min (5 + 10) | 310–348 |
Official sources: TEF Canada — on test day · Official TEF sample — writing (PDF) · Official TEF sample — speaking (PDF) · IRCC — language test results (Express Entry)
Practise all 4 TEF Canada tests
Speaking
An AI examiner, exam timing, an NCLC estimate at the end.
Pick a topic, exam or practice mode →Listening and reading
Original timed sets, marked instantly. Unlimited practice; one full test a day for free.
TEF Canada and NCLC: the essentials
- The certificate shows two scores: one out of 699 and an “Équivalence ancien score” line. IRCC only accepts the ancien score; entering the /699 score can get an application refused.
- NCLC 7: 310 to 348 in speaking and writing, 249 to 279 in listening, 207 to 232 in reading. NCLC 6 in speaking: 271 to 309.
- Your weakest skill is what counts. Full table: TEF Canada and NCLC; calculation: NCLC converter.
Official sources: IRCC — language test results (Express Entry) · TEF Canada — certificate
TEF Canada guides
Original practice topics
333 topics written for this site to the official TEF Canada format, with pointers, model answers and a button to take them with the examiner. See the topics
How we estimate your level
- Speaking and writing are assessed on what the official TEF sample stresses: doing the task (getting information, persuading, narrating, arguing), vocabulary, syntax, and in speaking the interaction and pronunciation.
- We estimate an “ancien score”, then convert it with the IRCC table. The score is worked out five times independently and we keep the median.
- The result is an estimated NCLC range, never an official result: the TEF raters' detailed grid is not public.
- Form instructions are checked separately: fewer than 80 or 200 words, a single paragraph, fewer than three arguments, and the score is capped.
FAQ
How long is TEF Canada?
Listening 40 min, reading 60 min, writing 60 min, speaking 15 min face to face.
Official source: TEF Canada — on test day
What TEF Canada score gives NCLC 7?
In the “ancien score”: 310–348 in speaking and writing, 249–279 in listening, 207–232 in reading.
Official source: IRCC — language test results (Express Entry)
Score out of 699 or ancien score: which one goes to IRCC?
The ancien score (the “Équivalence ancien score” line of the certificate). The /699 score is not compatible with IRCC's system.
Official sources: IRCC — language test results (Express Entry) · TEF Canada — certificate
When do TEF Canada results arrive?
In 1 to 10 working days, as an electronic certificate, valid for 2 years.
Official source: TEF Canada — certificate
Do I take all four tests on the same day?
For immigration, yes: all four tests are required and taken on the same day.
Official source: Le français des affaires — TEF Canada
TCF TEF Study is independent: neither France Éducation international nor CCI Paris Île-de-France has reviewed this content. Facts come from the official pages cited; check them before you register, as the test owners can change them. TCF or TEF Canada: compare the two tests