For Express Entry you take four tests on the same day: reading, listening, writing and speaking. Here is what each one involves, how it is scored, and original sample questions so you know what to expect.
The four tests
TEF Canada for immigration: the four required tests
Test
Content
Time
How it is marked
Reading (compréhension écrite)
40 multiple-choice questions, 4 options each
60 minutes
1 point per correct answer, 0 for a wrong or missing answer. You can move freely between questions.
Listening (compréhension orale)
40 multiple-choice questions, 4 options each
40 minutes
1 point per correct answer. Each recording plays once and you cannot go back.
Writing (expression écrite)
Section A: continue a news article (80+ words). Section B: give and justify your opinion (200+ words).
60 minutes (25 + 35)
Marked by examiners
Speaking (expression orale)
Section A: get information (5 min). Section B: convince someone (10 min).
15 minutes
Face to face with an examiner; recorded for double marking
Reading, listening and writing are taken on a computer; speaking is face to face.
All four tests must be taken on the same day for the results to be accepted by the Canadian authorities.
No dictionary, notes or phone are allowed. Results are valid for 2 years.
From scores to NCLC levels
IRCC converts each score into an NCLC level. For NCLC 7 you need at least 207 in reading, 249 in listening, 310 in writing and 310 in speaking.
We wrote these questions ourselves in the style of each test; they are not real exam items. Answer before you open the solution.
Reading: a public notice
MÉDIATHÈQUE JEAN-LEBRUN — Avis aux usagers
Du 3 au 28 novembre, la salle de lecture du rez-de-chaussée sera fermée pour travaux. Pendant cette période, les retours de documents se feront à l'accueil du premier étage, aux horaires habituels. Les ordinateurs publics seront installés dans la salle Molière. Les ateliers du mercredi sont maintenus.
Pendant les travaux, où faut-il rapporter les documents empruntés ?
A. Dans la salle de lecture du rez-de-chaussée.
B. À l'accueil du premier étage.
C. Dans la salle Molière.
D. Dans une boîte de retour à l'extérieur.
Show the answer
Answer: B
The notice says that returns are made “à l'accueil du premier étage” (B). The ground-floor reading room (A) is closed, and the Molière room (C) only hosts the public computers. Nothing mentions an outdoor box (D).
Listening: a voicemail
In the exam you hear each recording only once. Ask someone to read the transcript aloud at a normal pace, or read it once, then hide it before you answer.
Transcript
Bonjour madame Tremblay, ici Karim, du garage Duval. Je vous appelle au sujet de votre voiture. La réparation des freins est terminée, mais nous avons dû commander une pièce pour la climatisation. Elle arrivera jeudi. Vous pouvez venir chercher votre voiture dès aujourd'hui et revenir jeudi, ou bien nous la laisser jusqu'à jeudi soir. Rappelez-moi avant dix-sept heures pour me dire ce que vous préférez. Merci, bonne journée !
Que doit faire madame Tremblay ?
A. Venir chercher sa voiture avant dix-sept heures.
B. Rappeler le garage pour donner sa préférence.
C. Commander une pièce pour la climatisation.
D. Payer la réparation des freins jeudi.
Show the answer
Answer: B
Karim asks her to call back before 5 p.m. to say which option she prefers (B). The 5 p.m. deadline is for the call, not for picking up the car (A); the garage has already ordered the part (C), and payment is never mentioned (D).
Writing and speaking
Practise a real Section A or B writing task with the free writing grader, and use the role-play prompts on the speaking practice page.
The four tests in exam order and timing, with a timer
Original reading and listening questions at every NCLC level, with explanations
Writing and speaking tasks marked by the Allez7 graders
An estimated NCLC level per skill, and what to work on to reach NCLC 7
In development: none of this is available yet.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the whole TEF Canada take?
The four tests add up to 2 hours 55 minutes: 60 minutes of reading, 40 of listening, 60 of writing and 15 of speaking, plus breaks and instructions. You take all four on the same day.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers?
No. In reading and listening a correct answer earns 1 point and a wrong or missing answer earns 0, so always answer every question.
Can I take only some of the tests?
For Express Entry, IRCC needs results in all four skills, and the four tests must be taken on the same day.
When will Allez7 mock tests be available?
They are in development and we have no date yet. Join the waitlist on this page and we will email you when they open. Nothing is charged.
Sources
Official IRCC pages, checked on October 8, 2026. IRCC last updated them on June 22, 2026: