TEF vs TCF Canada: Which French Exam Should You Take?
To claim French points for Canadian Permanent Residency, you need an official French result. IRCC accepts two designated tests for Express Entry: the TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français) and the TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français). Both are equally valid — so the real question is which one suits you.
What they have in common
- Both test the same four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
- Both are accepted by IRCC and map to the same NCLC levels used for CRS points.
- For a strong French bonus you're aiming for NCLC 7 across all four skills (roughly CEFR B1–B2).
- Both are taken in person at approved centres, and results are typically valid for two years.
The main differences
| TEF Canada | TCF Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Reading & Listening | Multiple-choice; a larger number of items | Multiple-choice; fewer items, often felt as more "direct" |
| Writing | 2 tasks (e.g. continue a text; give & justify an opinion) | Guided tasks / short structured pieces |
| Speaking | 2 sections, face-to-face with an examiner | 2–3 short tasks with an examiner |
| Style | More questions, brisk pace | Slightly shorter comprehension sections |
In everyday terms: many candidates find the TCF comprehension sections a touch shorter, while the TEF has more items to work through. Neither is "easier" overall — your result depends far more on your preparation than on which test you pick.
How to choose
- Availability & date: check which test has a seat at a centre near you within your timeline. This is often the deciding factor.
- Format preference: do a practice set of each. Some people prefer the TCF's crisper comprehension; others like the TEF's writing prompts.
- Cost: fees are similar but vary by centre and country — compare before booking.
Whichever you choose, the winning strategy is the same: reach a genuine B1–B2 level, then drill the exact exam format under timed conditions until your four scores are consistently at NCLC 7.
Confirm the current official format, sections and fees on the exam owners' sites: TEF Canada — Le français des affaires and TCF Canada — France Éducation international, plus IRCC (Canada.ca). Exam details can change.