Rhythm
TEF asks more questions in the same time — pace matters more. TCF asks fewer, but they get harder as you go, so the last ten decide your band.
Choosing your exam
TEF Canada or TCF Canada?
Both are accepted by IRCC for Express Entry, by Québec for its programmes, and for citizenship — on equal terms, with results reported on the same NCLC scale. There is no easier one. The choice is about format, dates and how fast you need the result.
What is the same
- Both are recognised by IRCC and by Québec; neither is preferred.
- Both report a result per skill on the NCLC scale (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens), and NCLC 7 in all four skills is the Express Entry French-bonus threshold whichever you take.
- Both test the same four skills: reading, listening, writing, speaking. For Express Entry you must sit all four in one session.
- Both results are valid for two years for immigration purposes.
- Both are sat at accredited centres in Canada and abroad, on a computer, with the speaking part face to face with an examiner.
Format, side by side
| Skill | TEF Canada | TCF Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Reading (compréhension écrite) | ≈ 60 min · ≈ 40–50 multiple-choice questions on short documents and articles | 60 min · 39 multiple-choice questions, increasing in difficulty |
| Listening (compréhension orale) | ≈ 40 min · ≈ 40–60 questions on recordings played once | 35 min · 39 questions on recordings played once |
| Writing (expression écrite) | 60 min · 2 tasks: continue a news item (Section A) and argue a position in a letter or article (Section B) | 60 min · 3 tasks of rising length, the third an argued reaction to two opinions on a topic |
| Speaking (expression orale) | 15 min · 2 tasks with an examiner: obtain information by asking questions (A), then persuade (B) | 12 min · 3 tasks with an examiner: an interview, an interaction, then a point of view on a topic |
What actually differs
Writing
TEF’s Section A (continuing a fait divers) is a genre you have to practise specifically. TCF’s three-task ladder is more predictable.
Speaking
TEF’s Section A — you ask the questions — surprises candidates who prepared to answer. TCF’s tasks are closer to a conversation.
Results
Turnaround varies by centre and season; ask yours. If your Express Entry profile has a deadline, this can decide the choice on its own.
Availability
Not every centre offers both, and dates fill weeks ahead near draws. The exam you can sit on the date you need is often the right one.
How the results map to NCLC
TCF Canada reports an NCLC level per skill directly (from 4 to 10 and above). TEF Canada reports a score per skill that the test owner converts to an NCLC level using a published table. Either way, the number IRCC reads is the NCLC level, and 7 is the bar for the French-language category and the CRS bonus.
How to decide
- Check which exam your nearest centre offers on dates before your deadline. If only one fits, you are done.
- If both fit, take a free sample of each from the official sites and sit the reading section under the clock. Pick the rhythm that felt manageable.
- Whichever you choose, the reading and listening practice is the same: real texts at NCLC 7 register, timed. That is what this site is for.
The reading papers in detail
Practise the reading paper here
Timed readings, timed listening and exam-format documents with questions, at every level up to the original — with Plus. The reading placement is free.
| Easy French News Plus | A leading paid French-news service |
|---|---|
| $2.99 / month · $8.99 for one exam cycle (6 months) | $22.90 / month — Plus is 7× less |
Estimate my NCLC reading levelFrench for Canadian immigration