TEF vs TCF: which French test should you take?
Both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted for Express Entry and both target NCLC 7. The right choice comes down to format, timing and your own strengths. Here's the honest comparison.
- Both count equally. IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada for Express Entry same NCLC conversion, no preference.
- TCF is shorter (~2h15) with progressive difficulty and a preparable speaking intro.
- TEF lets you preview listening questions and has fewer writing tasks, but runs longer (~2h30+).
- Your target is the same: NCLC 7 in all four abilities in every section, not on average.
- Both cost ~$300–450 CAD and stay valid for two years.
First, what's identical between them
Before the differences, know this: for Express Entry the two tests are interchangeable in the ways that matter most. Both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted by IRCC, both are marked against the same NCLC scale, both are valid for two years, and for a French-language draw both require NCLC 7 in all four abilities. IRCC has no preference between them so the "which is better" question is really "which suits you better."
TEF Canada vs TCF Canada, side by side
| Feature | TEF Canada | TCF Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | 4 reading, writing, listening, speaking | 4 reading, writing, listening, speaking |
| Reading | ~50 questions · ~60 min | ~39 questions · ~60 min |
| Listening | ~60 questions · ~40 min | ~39 questions · ~35 min |
| Writing | 2 tasks · 60 min | 3 tasks · 60 min |
| Speaking | 2 role-plays with an examiner · ~15 min | 3 tasks (intro + role-play + opinion) · ~12 min |
| Total time | ~2h30–2h55 | ~2h15 |
| Reading / listening score | 0–300 / 0–360 | up to 699 each |
| Writing / speaking score | 0–450 each | 0–20 each |
| Cost (approx.) | ~$300–450 CAD | ~$300–450 CAD |
| Results turnaround | ~3–4 weeks | ~2–3 weeks |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Accepted for Express Entry | Yes | Yes |
Question counts, durations and fees vary slightly by version and test centre treat these as typical, and confirm with your accredited centre when you book.
How each test actually feels
TEF Canada
- Listening: you can preview the questions before the audio plays
- Reading: difficulty is non-linear hard and easy items are mixed
- Writing: 2 tasks a "fait divers" news-style piece, then a formal argument
- Speaking: 2 unprepared role-plays with an examiner
- Bands: finer B2 split you must clear the higher B2 to reach NCLC 7
TCF Canada
- Listening & reading: questions get progressively harder you warm up
- Writing: 3 shorter tasks that build in complexity
- Speaking: 3 tasks, starting with a preparable self-introduction
- Length: shorter overall (~2h15) and faster results
- Bands: all of B2 counts as NCLC 7 no lower sub-band trap
What NCLC 7 looks like on each test
NCLC 7 is the minimum for a French-language draw required in every ability. Here's the score that maps to NCLC 7 on each test. Score higher where you can: stronger French also adds CRS points.
| Ability | TEF Canada (NCLC 7) | TCF Canada (NCLC 7) |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 207–232 | 453–498 |
| Writing | 310–348 | 10–11 |
| Listening | 249–279 | 458–502 |
| Speaking | 310–348 | 10–11 |
Score bands are set by IRCC and updated periodically confirm against IRCC's official equivalency chart before you book.
How to choose practically
TEF vs TCF questions answered
- IRCC Language requirements & NCLC equivalency, canada.ca
- IRCC Category-based selection (French proficiency), canada.ca
- Le français des affaires (CCI Paris) TEF Canada official test
- France Éducation international TCF Canada official test
General information, not legal advice. Test formats, fees and IRCC score bands change confirm current details with the official test providers and IRCC before booking.
Not sure which score you're aiming for?
Book a free 30-minute consultation. We'll set your NCLC 7 targets by ability, tell you which test fits you, and map how French moves your CRS.