TEF Canada vs TCF Canada
TEF Canada vs TCF Canada: which French test should you take?
IRCC accepts both tests for Express Entry and converts both into NCLC levels, so neither earns more points by itself. They differ in format, timing and scoring. Here is a side-by-side comparison from the official sources.
Side by side
| TEF Canada | TCF Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | Le français des affaires, CCI Paris Île-de-France | France Éducation International |
| Accepted for Express Entry | Yes | Yes |
| Listening | 40 questions, multiple choice, 40 minutes | 35 minutes |
| Reading | 40 questions, multiple choice, 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Writing | 60 minutes, two sections: continue a news article (80+ words) and argue a point of view (200+ words) | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 15 minutes with an examiner, two sections: get information (5 min) and convince (10 min) | 12 minutes |
| Scores | Listening out of 360, reading out of 300, speaking and writing out of 450 | Listening and reading out of 699, speaking and writing out of 20 |
| NCLC 7 starts at | Speaking 310, listening 249, reading 207, writing 310 | Speaking 10, listening 458, reading 453, writing 10 |
| Results valid for Express Entry | 2 years | 2 years |
| Delivery | In approved test centres; check the format and dates with your centre | On paper or on computer, depending on the centre; results in about 15 working days |
The differences that matter
Writing and speaking are scored differently
TEF Canada scores writing and speaking out of 450; TCF Canada scores them out of 20. On the TCF, one point in writing or speaking covers a much wider range, so each point counts for more.
The tasks are different
TEF Canada writing asks you to continue a news article and to argue a point of view; its speaking test has two role plays with an examiner (getting information, then convincing). Practise the exact tasks of the test you book.
Dates and seats decide for many people
Both tests run in many centres in Canada and abroad, but sessions fill up. Check the next dates near you for both tests before you choose.
So which one should you take?
There is no official “easier” test: both measure the same NCLC levels for IRCC. Pick the one with a date that fits your Express Entry plan, then prepare for that format specifically.
If you choose TEF Canada, our free tools are built for it: the score calculator shows what you need in each skill, and the writing grader estimates your NCLC level on real Section A and B tasks.
Calculate your TEF Canada NCLC levelsFrequently asked questions
Does IRCC prefer TEF Canada or TCF Canada?
No. IRCC accepts both for Express Entry and converts both into NCLC levels with its own equivalency tables. The same NCLC level earns the same CRS points.
Is the TCF Canada easier than the TEF Canada?
Neither is officially easier. They test the same skills with different tasks and scales. Many candidates choose based on available dates and on which task formats suit them.
What TCF Canada score do I need for NCLC 7?
According to IRCC: 10/20 in speaking and writing, 458 in listening and 453 in reading.
How long are TEF Canada and TCF Canada results valid?
Both results are valid for 2 years. IRCC requires them to be less than 2 years old when you create your Express Entry profile and when you apply for permanent residence.
Sources
Official IRCC pages, checked on October 8, 2026. IRCC last updated them on June 22, 2026:
Exam formats, from the organisations that run each test:
- TEF Canada: test details, Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France)
- TCF Canada: test overview (PDF), France Éducation International
We are not IRCC and this is not legal advice. IRCC can change its rules at any time: always confirm on IRCC’s website before you submit your profile.