TCF Canada guide · updated
TCF Canada or TEF Canada: which one should you take?
IRCC accepts both the TCF Canada and the TEF Canada, and converts both to the same NCLC scale. Yet the two tests are not alike: here are the differences, checked on the official sites of both test providers and IRCC, so you can choose with confidence.
Two tests, the same recognition
For Express Entry, IRCC accepts two French tests: the TCF Canada, designed by France Éducation international, and the TEF Canada, designed by Le français des affaires, part of the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Both are also accepted for citizenship; for citizenship, the TEF Canada only requires two tests, listening and speaking.
In both cases, IRCC converts your scores to NCLC levels with its own table and applies the same rules: one level per skill, no averaging, and results less than two years old (the two-year rule). The level you need depends on your program, not on the test: NCLC 7 in all four skills for skilled workers.
The format, test by test
| Test | TCF Canada | TEF Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 39 multiple-choice questions, 35 min | 40 multiple-choice questions, 40 min |
| Reading | 39 multiple-choice questions, 60 min | 40 multiple-choice questions, 60 min |
| Writing | 3 tasks in 60 min: a message (60–120 words), an account of an experience with comments (120–150 words), a comparison of two points of view (120–180 words) | 2 sections in 60 min: continue a news article (at least 80 words, 25 min), give and justify your point of view (at least 200 words, 35 min) |
| Speaking | 3 tasks in 12 min, including 2 of preparation, face to face with an examiner: guided interview, interaction, point of view | 2 sections in 15 min, face to face with an examiner: get information (5 min), argue to convince (10 min) |
| Total time | 2 h 47 | 2 h 55 (40 + 60 + 60 + 15 min) |
Sources: France Éducation international (TCF Canada) and Le français des affaires (TEF Canada), official pages checked on October 16, 2026.
The differences that really matter:
- In writing, the TCF sets maximums and the TEF sets minimums. On the TCF, three short texts of 180 words at most. On the TEF, two texts, including an argument of at least 200 words.
- In speaking, the TCF is shorter and more varied: three tasks in 12 minutes, including an interview about yourself. The TEF has two longer sections, including 10 minutes to convince.
- In listening, each recording is played only once in both tests. On the TEF, you cannot go back to a previous question.
- The medium: on the TEF Canada, listening, reading and writing are done on a computer; on the TCF Canada, on paper or on a computer, depending on the centre.
The TCF tests in detail: writing and speaking, with practice topics and sample answers.
Scoring and NCLC 7 scores
On the TCF Canada, listening and reading are scored out of 699, writing and speaking out of 20 (TCF scoring).
On the TEF Canada, the results certificate gives a score from 0 to 699 for each test, with the CEFR and NCLC levels. But for your IRCC profile, Le français des affaires asks you to use the “équivalence ancien score” (former score equivalent) column of the certificate: that is the column used in the IRCC table.
| NCLC | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 and above | 316–360 | 263–300 | 393–450 | 393–450 |
| 9 | 298–315 | 248–262 | 371–392 | 371–392 |
| 8 | 280–297 | 233–247 | 349–370 | 349–370 |
| 7 | 249–279 | 207–232 | 310–348 | 310–348 |
| 6 | 217–248 | 181–206 | 271–309 | 271–309 |
| 5 | 181–216 | 151–180 | 226–270 | 226–270 |
| 4 | 145–180 | 121–150 | 181–225 | 181–225 |
Source: IRCC, Express Entry — language test results, TEF Canada table (former score equivalent), checked on October 16, 2026.
On the TCF Canada, the same NCLC 7 requires 458 in listening, 453 in reading and 10/20 in each of writing and speaking. The scales differ, but the level required is the same.
Results, waiting times and re-marking
| TCF Canada | TEF Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Results | Within 15 working days of France Éducation international receiving the session materials | 1 to 10 working days after the test |
| Between two sittings | At least 20 days | At least 20 days |
| Valid for IRCC | 2 years | 2 years |
| Re-marking | Suspended for writing and speaking from the September 1, 2026 sessions, expected to resume in autumn 2027 | Appeal possible within 30 days, only for a serious anomaly or malfunction during the test |
| Fee | Set by each approved centre | Set by each approved centre |
Sources: France Éducation international, Le français des affaires and IRCC, checked on October 16, 2026.
Which one should you choose?
Neither test is officially easier: IRCC has an equivalence table for each. The right choice depends on you.
- The format that suits you. Comfortable with short, precise texts? The TCF, with its three tasks capped at 180 words. Enjoy building a long argument? The TEF, with its text of at least 200 words.
- Dates and centres. Compare the sessions offered near you and their registration deadlines.
- Your timeline. If your file is urgent, consider the announced results times: 1 to 10 working days for the TEF, 15 working days for the TCF after the session materials are received.
- The fee, set by each centre: compare.
- Re-marking: on the TCF, no re-marking of writing or speaking until autumn 2027.
Once you have chosen, prepare for that test’s exact format: the writing and speaking tests in particular are not prepared the same way. Prépa-TCF Canada prepares you for the TCF Canada, with explanations in English: lessons for each test, practice in the official format and mock exams.
Before you book the TCF Canada
Measure your level in the real format.
Module 1 is free, with no sign-up: exam format, NCLC scale and strategies, explained in English. The mock exam covers all four tests in the official timing and converts your results to NCLC.
Frequently asked questions
Is the TCF Canada easier than the TEF Canada?
Neither is officially easier: IRCC converts each one to NCLC levels with its own table. The format differs, especially in writing and speaking: choose the one that suits you.
Does IRCC accept both the TCF Canada and the TEF Canada?
Yes. Both are accepted for Express Entry and for citizenship, as long as the results are less than two years old.
What TEF Canada score do I need for NCLC 7?
According to the IRCC table (former score equivalent): 249 in listening, 207 in reading, 310 in writing and 310 in speaking.
How long must I wait between two sittings?
At least 20 days, for the TCF Canada as for the TEF Canada.
Which test gives results faster?
The TEF Canada announces results 1 to 10 working days after the test. For the TCF Canada, results are sent within 15 working days of France Éducation international receiving the session materials.
Sources
- IRCC — Express Entry: language test results
- France Éducation international — TCF Canada (in French)
- Le français des affaires (Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce) — TEF Canada
This topic is also covered in a short video (in French) on our TikTok account @prepatcfcanada.