IRCC accepts two French tests for immigration: TEF Canada, run by CCI Paris Île-de-France, and TCF Canada, run by France Éducation international. Both test the same four skills, both results last two years, and IRCC converts both to the same NCLC levels. The differences are in the format and the scoring.
Side by side
| TEF Canada | TCF Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 40 questions, 40 min | 39 questions, 35 min |
| Reading | 40 questions, 60 min | 39 questions, 60 min |
| Writing | 2 tasks, 60 min | 3 tasks, 60 min |
| Speaking | 2 tasks, 15 min | 3 tasks, 12 min |
| Listening, reading score | out of 360, 300 | out of 699 |
| Speaking, writing score | out of 450 | out of 20 |
| Valid for IRCC | 2 years | 2 years |
The score you need for NCLC 7
NCLC 7 is a common target. From IRCC's tables:
| NCLC 7 | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEF Canada | 249-279 | 207-232 | 310-348 | 310-348 |
| TCF Canada | 458-502 | 453-498 | 10-11 | 10-11 |
Your program may need another level; check it on canada.ca. The full TEF table is in the exam format guide.
How the papers differ
- Writing. TEF asks for two longer texts: continue a news article (80+ words), then argue an opinion (200+ words). TCF splits the hour into three tasks.
- Speaking. TEF is two role plays built on an advert: ask questions, then persuade a friend. TCF is three shorter tasks in 12 minutes.
- Scoring. TEF scores speaking and writing out of 450, TCF out of 20, so on TCF each point is a big step.
Which should you take?
Neither is officially easier: both map to the same levels. Choose on three things:
- Dates near you. Sessions fill up. Take whichever you can sit in time.
- The format that suits you. Read the task types above and pick the one you would rather prepare for.
- Practice material. Prepare for the test you book, since the task types differ.
Whichever you choose, wait 20 days between two TEF sittings; check your centre for the TCF.
If you choose TEF Canada
TEF Trainer is TEF Canada practice for all four papers, in your browser.
- Predictions: TEF-style listening and reading predictions, based on recent exams and updated regularly (560 questions).
- The full question bank: 1,925 listening and reading questions in all.
- Every speaking and writing topic (435) with a model answer, in French with English alongside.
- English translations and answer explanations, plus shuffle mode, autoplay and audio speed control.
144 questions and 32 topics are free, with everything switched on. No account, no card.
Start practising free See pricing
Updated November 2026. Exam rules and fees change: check them with your test centre and on canada.ca.