TEF vs TCF Canada: which French test should you take?

TEF vs TCF is the first choice every French-track applicant makes, and this guide settles it with what the official pages say: who runs each test, how the sections are built, how the scores convert, and how to pick. Once you have chosen, the TEF Canada score chart and the TCF Canada score chart show the level each score gives, and CLB 7 in French or CLB 5 in French shows what that level is worth.

Are TEF Canada and TCF Canada both accepted for Canadian immigration?

Yes. IRCC lists exactly 2 approved French tests for Express Entry: TEF Canada and TCF Canada [1]. Both are also accepted as proof of language for citizenship [3].

IRCC measures French with the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) and English with the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) [1]. They are the same scale in 2 languages, so NCLC 7 and CLB 7 name the same level. We use both terms below. If you know your level as a letter, A1 to C2, French levels explained shows how that scale relates to NCLC.

Whichever test you take, IRCC reads your result as an NCLC level for each of 4 abilities: speaking, listening, reading and writing [1]. The level is what counts. The test name earns no extra points.

What is the difference between TEF and TCF?

The exams differ in who runs them, how the sections are built and what the score scales look like. The table holds what the official pages state. The official TCF Canada page did not let us in on 12 October 2026, so its format cells read “not available” rather than being filled in from other sites.

Which is easier, TEF or TCF?

Neither is easier as a matter of record. The IRCC and TEF pages publish no pass rates and no comparison of results between the 2 exams [1][7]. Claims that one is easier come from personal experience, which is real but is not data.

What does differ is the experience of sitting each exam. Three things are worth weighing against your own strengths:

• Speaking task style. TEF Canada speaking has 2 tasks. In the first you ask questions to obtain information. In the second you argue to convince the examiner [5]. The TCF Canada speaking tasks are not listed here, so compare them on the exam body’s own page.
• Writing length and timing. TEF Canada sets 2 writing tasks in 60 minutes, with minimums of 80 and 200 words [5]. Compare the TCF Canada writing tasks and word limits on the official page.
• Listening pace. TEF Canada gives 40 questions in 40 minutes [5]. Compare the TCF Canada count and duration on the official page.

The fair test is a full practice paper of each, timed, before you book.

How is each exam scored?

Both are scored per ability, and IRCC turns each score into an NCLC level [1]. The scales look very different, which causes most of the confusion.

For NCLC 7, IRCC asks for these ranges [1]:

A higher number on one exam does not mean a higher level. A TCF Canada listening score of 460 and a TEF Canada listening score of 250 are both NCLC 7 [1].

The TEF score trap

TEF Canada results show 2 sets of numbers, and IRCC wants only 1 of them. The TEF certificate gives each test a score on a scale of 0 to 699 [8]. IRCC says your level is based on the “Équivalence ancien score” column, and tells you to enter only the scores from that column [1]. Of the “Score / 699” column, IRCC says: “Don’t enter these results in your Express Entry profile” [1]. It also warns that an application may be refused if the wrong scores are entered [1].

How long are TEF Canada and TCF Canada results valid?

For Express Entry, results from either test must be less than 2 years old, both when you complete your profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence [1]. IRCC states that it will refuse an application made with expired results [1].

Citizenship works differently. IRCC’s citizenship page asks you to include your results “even if they’re expired” [4].

Which one should you take?

Take the one whose format suits you and whose dates fit your timeline. In practice the choice often comes down to these questions:

1. Which centres near you offer each test, and when? Look up dates on the official sites before anything else. Remember the 2-year validity window [1].
2. Which speaking format do you prefer? TEF Canada asks you to obtain information and then persuade, face to face with an examiner [5][6]. Try a sample of each exam’s speaking tasks aloud.
3. How do you write under time pressure? Compare the writing tasks on each official site and try both.
4. Is this for citizenship only? IRCC needs speaking and listening at CLB 4 or higher for citizenship applicants aged 18 to 54 [3]. For TEF Canada that means 2 sections, not 4 [5].

If you still cannot decide, pick the exam with the earlier date and prepare for that one format properly. Switching between formats costs preparation time.

Common mistakes

• Entering the TEF “Score / 699” figures in an Express Entry profile. IRCC asks for the “Équivalence ancien score” column [1].
• Comparing raw numbers across exams. The scales are different. Compare NCLC levels [1].
• Treating one strong skill as enough. The French bonus points in Express Entry need NCLC 7 or higher in all 4 skills [2].
• Letting results expire. They must be less than 2 years old at profile and at application [1].
• Trusting a blog for exam format, including this one. Formats change. Go by the exam body’s own page before you book.

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