Contents
First, what does not change
The TCF Canada (France Éducation international) and the TEF Canada (CCI Paris Île-de-France) are the only two French tests IRCC accepts for Express Entry, citizenship and most federal programmes. Both convert into CLB/NCLC levels, and that level — not the name of the test — is what an officer reads. Both are valid for 2 years.
The comparison, section by section
| Section | TCF Canada | TEF Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 39 questions · 35 min | 40 questions · 40 min |
| Reading | 39 questions · 60 min | 40 questions · 60 min |
| Writing | 3 tasks · 60 min (60 to 180 words each) | 2 sections · 60 min (continue an article ≥ 80 words; argue ≥ 200 words) |
| Speaking | 3 tasks · 12 min | 2 sections · 15 min (get information; convince) |
| Scoring | Comprehension 100–699; production 0–20 | Per-skill scores converted to CLB by IRCC |
What CLB 7 costs in each test
For the TEF Canada, IRCC asks you to read the "Équivalence ancien score" column of your results, not the score out of 699.
| Skill | TCF Canada | TEF Canada (old-score equivalent) |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 458 / 699 | 249 / 360 |
| Reading | 453 / 699 | 207 / 300 |
| Speaking | 10 / 20 | 310 / 450 |
| Writing | 10 / 20 | 310 / 450 |
Every level from CLB 4 to 10 is in our TCF Canada score chart.
So which one is easier?
Both are calibrated on the same levels, so neither is easier in the abstract. Their formats simply reward different habits. Here is what we see in our own candidates — a tendency, not a law.
TCF Canada
- 39 questions per comprehension section
- Short writing tasks, from 60 words
- Three speaking tasks, one with preparation time
- Suits you if you write accurately but briefly
TEF Canada
- 40 questions per comprehension section
- Two long writing tasks, up to 200 words
- Two speaking sections, including convincing someone
- Suits you if you enjoy developing an argument
The most reliable way to choose
Take a full practice series in each format under exam conditions. If one of them gains you a whole CLB level in your weakest skill, your decision is made for you.
Our series come in both formats
Same quality of content, two official formats. Compare your results, then choose with evidence.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is easier, the TCF or the TEF?
Neither is objectively easier: both are calibrated on the same CLB levels. The TCF uses shorter tasks, which often suits candidates who write briefly; the TEF uses longer tasks, which favours candidates who like to develop an argument.
Does IRCC prefer TCF Canada or TEF Canada?
No. IRCC accepts both equally and only looks at the CLB level you reach in each skill.
Can I mix TCF and TEF results?
No. For one language you must submit results from a single test, taken in one sitting, covering all four skills.
Which test is cheaper?
The two sit in comparable price ranges; the centre matters more than the test. Compare the centres near you for both.
Official sources
About the author
Felix Flaubert
TCF Canada coach — francophone immigration
Guides Felix Academy candidates through francophone immigration: choosing a test, NCLC scores and Express Entry strategy.
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