IRCC accepts both the TCF Canada and the TEF Canada as proof of French, and converts both to the same NCLC levels. Neither is officially easier. The real differences are the Writing and Speaking tasks, the length of the Listening test, how soon you can retake, and which centres near you have dates before your deadline.
- Both tests are accepted by IRCC, and both are read in NCLC levels.
- TCF Canada Writing is three shorter tasks; TEF Canada Writing is two longer pieces, one of at least 200 words.
- TCF Canada Speaking takes 12 minutes over three tasks; TEF Canada takes 15 minutes over two.
- You can retake the TCF Canada after 20 days; ask your centre for the TEF waiting period.
- Both results are valid for 2 years.
TCF Canada vs TEF Canada at a glance
| TCF Canada | TEF Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Set by | France Éducation international (FEI) | Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France) |
| Listening | 39 questions in 35 min; each recording played once | 40 questions in 40 min |
| Reading | 39 questions in 60 min | 40 questions in 60 min |
| Writing | 3 tasks in 60 min: 60–120, 120–150 and 120–180 words | 2 sections in 60 min: continue a news article (80 words minimum) and justify a point of view (200 words minimum) |
| Speaking | 3 tasks in 12 min with an examiner, including 2 min of preparation | 2 sections in 15 min with an examiner: get information (5 min), then argue to convince (10 min) |
| Total testing time | 2 h 47 | 2 h 55 |
| Wrong or blank answer | 0 points, no penalty | 0 points, no penalty |
| Scores IRCC uses | Listening and Reading 100–699; Writing and Speaking out of 20 | The "équivalence ancien score" on the results, not the score out of 699 |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Retake | After at least 20 days | After a waiting period; check with your centre |
What does NCLC 7 take in each test?
IRCC publishes a conversion chart for each test. These are the score ranges for NCLC 7:
| NCLC 7 | TCF Canada | TEF Canada (équivalence ancien score) |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 458–502 | 249–279 |
| Reading | 453–498 | 207–232 |
| Writing | 10–11 /20 | 310–348 |
| Speaking | 10–11 /20 | 310–348 |
The TEF Canada results show a score out of 699 and an "équivalence ancien score". IRCC asks for the second one in Express Entry, so read your TEF level from that column. For the full TCF Canada chart, see the TCF Canada score chart.
How do the Writing tests differ?
The TCF Canada asks for three short texts in 60 minutes: a message (60–120 words), an account of an experience with your opinion (120–150 words), and a comparison of two documents with opposing views followed by your own position (120–180 words). The TEF Canada asks for two longer texts: the continuation of a news article (at least 80 words in 25 minutes) and a justified point of view (at least 200 words in 35 minutes).
If you write well in short, tightly structured pieces, the TCF format may suit you. If you prefer one longer argued text, the TEF format may. Either way, both tests reward the same things: answering the task exactly, linking ideas clearly and using accurate French.
How do the Speaking tests differ?
The TCF Canada Speaking test lasts 12 minutes with three tasks: a guided interview about yourself (2 min), a role-play where you ask the examiner questions (3 min 30, after 2 minutes to prepare), and giving and defending an opinion (4 min 30). The TEF Canada lasts 15 minutes with two sections: asking questions to get information (5 min) and arguing to convince the examiner (10 min).
The TEF's 10-minute argument asks you to keep going for longer on one topic. The TCF moves faster between three shorter situations.
How do Listening and Reading differ?
Both are multiple choice, and a wrong answer costs nothing more than a blank. The TCF Canada has 39 questions in each test, ordered from A1 up to C2, with each recording played once in Listening. The TEF Canada has 40 questions in each, with 40 minutes for Listening rather than 35.
How should you choose?
- Check dates first. The best test is the one you can sit before your Express Entry or citizenship deadline, at a centre you can reach.
- Look at your weakest skill. If it is Writing or Speaking, read both formats above and pick the one that suits how you write and speak.
- Think about retakes. TCF Canada candidates can sit again after 20 days, with no limit on sittings.
- Compare fees. Both tests are priced by the centre, so ask locally.
- Then practise only that format. Take a full mock early, under exam timing.
Exam Hero prepares candidates for the TCF Canada only. If that's your test, start with a free TCF Canada mock test to see your estimated NCLC in each test, then follow How to prepare for the TCF Canada. Exam Hero is an independent preparation platform, not affiliated with FEI, Le français des affaires or IRCC.
