TCF Canada vs TEF Canada: which French test should you take?
IRCC accepts both for Express Entry, and both results stay valid for two years. Neither is officially easier: they test the same four skills with different formats, so the right choice depends on how you work and on the dates near you.
The short answer
- Book the Canada version. IRCC accepts TCF Canada and TEF Canada for Express Entry, not the general TCF or TEF: check the name before you pay.
- Pick the test you can book soonest in a centre near you: dates and seats differ much more than the tests do.
- Prefer the TCF Canada if you like short, framed tasks: three speaking tasks in 12 minutes and three short texts with word ranges.
- Prefer the TEF Canada if you are at ease with longer pieces: a 10-minute persuasive role-play and a written opinion of at least 200 words.
- Short on time? The TEF announces results in 1 to 10 working days; the TCF within 15 working days after France Éducation international receives the session material.
Side by side
| TCF Canada | TEF Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | France Éducation international | Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France) |
| Listening | 39 questions, 35 minutes, each recording heard once | 40 questions, 40 minutes, each recording heard once |
| Reading | 39 questions, 60 minutes | 40 questions, 60 minutes |
| Writing | 60 minutes, 3 tasks: 60–120, 120–150 and 120–180 words | 60 minutes, 2 sections: at least 80 words, then at least 200 words |
| Speaking | 12 minutes, 3 tasks, 2 minutes of preparation included | 15 minutes, 2 role-plays: 5 minutes, then 10 minutes |
| Scores | Listening and reading out of 699, speaking and writing out of 20 | Each skill out of 699, plus an “Équivalence ancien score” column for IRCC |
| On computer? | Paper or computer, depending on the centre (speaking is always face to face) | Reading, listening and writing on computer, speaking face to face |
| Results | Within 15 working days after France Éducation international receives the session material | 1 to 10 working days, as a download |
| Speaking and writing marked | Twice, independently: speaking by the examiner, then by a second marker from the recording; writing by two markers | Twice, independently: speaking by the examiner, then by a second assessor from the recording; writing by two markers |
| Re-marking | Suspended for sessions from 1 September 2026, expected back in autumn 2027 | Appeal within 30 days, only for a serious problem during the test |
| Retakes | As often as you like, 20 days apart | As often as you like, 20 days apart |
| Price | Set by each centre | Set by each centre |
For Express Entry you need all four skills. On the TEF Canada, Le français des affaires states that all four tests must be taken on the same day.
Where the speaking tests differ
The TCF Canada splits 12 minutes into three tasks: a guided interview about yourself (2 minutes), an interactive exercise where you lead the conversation to get information (3 minutes 30 after 2 minutes of preparation) and a point of view on a social question (4 minutes 30). See our TCF Canada speaking guide.
The TEF Canada uses two role-plays based on an everyday ad. In the official examples, section A (5 minutes) has you phone for information and ask about ten questions; in section B (10 minutes), you present the ad to a friend, played by the examiner, and try to convince them. Section B asks you to hold an argument for longer than any single TCF task.
Where the writing tests differ
The TCF Canada asks for three texts with word ranges: a message, then an article, letter or note telling an experience with your opinion, then a text that presents two documents and gives your view. Stay inside the ranges: according to France Éducation international, your whole writing paper could be rated “A1 not reached” if a task does not have the required number of words.
The TEF Canada asks for two texts with minimums: continue a news article (section A, 25 minutes, at least 80 words), then state and justify your opinion (section B, 35 minutes, at least 200 words). The opinion piece, with 35 of the 60 minutes, carries most of the work.
The CLB 7 bar on each test
CLB 7 (NCLC 7 in French) in all four skills is the usual Express Entry target. These are the lowest scores for CLB 7 in IRCC’s tables:
| Skill | TCF Canada | TEF Canada (“ancien score” column) |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 458 | 249 |
| Reading | 453 | 207 |
| Writing | 10 / 20 | 310 |
| Speaking | 10 / 20 | 310 |
TEF Canada trap: your certificate shows a “Score / 699” column, but IRCC asks you to enter only the “Équivalence ancien score” column in your Express Entry profile. Entering the wrong one can get your application refused.
The two scales are not comparable: a 458 on the TCF and a 249 on the TEF are both the CLB 7 bar, nothing more. Convert your TCF results with our TCF Canada score to CLB calculator.
Questions people ask
Is the TEF easier than the TCF, or the reverse?
No official source says so, and the scores are not on the same scale. Opinions differ from one candidate to the next, and they often come down to which format suits them. Try a sample of each before you book.
Can I take both?
Yes, they are separate tests from separate organisations, and each has its own 20-day wait before a retake. Check IRCC’s instructions for the result you enter in your profile.
How long are the results valid?
Two years. IRCC requires them to be less than two years old both when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence.
How much does each test cost?
Both organisations let each centre set its own fee, so prices vary by country and city. Ask two or three centres near you before you book.
Preparing for the TCF Canada?
Répartie runs mock TCF Canada tests with the official timings: speaking with Claire, an AI examiner with a synthetic voice who asks follow-up questions, corrected writing, reading and listening. It then estimates whether you are likely at CLB 7, borderline or not yet. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Sources: TCF Canada and marking of the TCF, France Éducation international · TEF Canada tests, certificate and results, Le français des affaires · Express Entry language test results, IRCC. Always check these pages before you book or apply.