TEF Canada or TCF Canada: which should you take?
Figures last checked against their sources on 3 October 2026.
Either one. Both are accepted by the Government of Canada for Express Entry, and both lead to the same CLB levels. Neither is officially the easier exam. They differ in format, so the better choice is the one whose format suits you and that has a seat near you soon.
| TEF Canada | TCF Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | CCI Paris Île-de-France, through Le français des affaires | France Éducation international |
| Listening | 40 questions in 40 minutes | 39 questions in 35 minutes |
| Reading | 40 questions in 60 minutes | 39 questions in 60 minutes |
| Writing | 2 tasks in 60 minutes | 3 tasks in 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 2 tasks in 15 minutes | 3 tasks in 12 minutes, 2 of them for preparation |
| Total test time | 2 hours 55 minutes | 2 hours 47 minutes |
| How it is taken | Reading, listening and writing on a computer. Speaking face to face with an examiner. | On paper or on a computer, depending on the centre. Speaking face to face with an examiner. |
| Scores | Each ability out of 699 | Reading and listening out of 699. Writing and speaking out of 20. |
| Results | Within 1 to 10 business days of the test | Within 15 working days of the centre’s papers reaching France Éducation international |
| Valid for | Two years | Two years |
| Wait before a retake | 20 days | 20 days |
On both exams, all four parts are compulsory for an immigration application. TEF Canada also says all of its tests must be taken on the same day for the certificate to be recognised.
Is one easier than the other?
Not officially. The government maps both exams onto the same CLB scale, and a CLB 7 from one counts the same as a CLB 7 from the other. What people call easier is usually a format that suits them better.
The differences that tend to matter:
- Writing. TEF Canada has two tasks in the hour. TCF Canada has three in the same hour, so each one is shorter.
- Speaking. TEF Canada has two tasks over 15 minutes. TCF Canada has three over 12 minutes, with 2 of those minutes for preparation.
- Listening. On TEF Canada each recording is played once and you cannot go back to an earlier question. TCF Canada has one fewer question and is five minutes shorter.
- Paper or screen. TEF Canada’s reading, listening and writing are on a computer. TCF Canada is on paper in some centres and on a computer in others.
What are the TEF Canada writing and speaking tasks?
Le français des affaires publishes the tasks and their timings.
| Section | Time | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Writing, section A | 25 minutes | Write the continuation of an article, in at least 80 words |
| Writing, section B | 35 minutes | Express and justify a point of view, in at least 200 words |
| Speaking, section A | 5 minutes | Obtain information |
| Speaking, section B | 10 minutes | Present an argument to convince |
The speaking test is recorded, so that it can be marked twice.
So which should you take?
This part is our advice from teaching both, not an official rule.
- Start with dates and centres. Check which exam has a centre you can reach and a date that fits your application. A seat next month is worth more than a format you slightly prefer.
- Then think about format. If you would rather develop two longer answers, look at TEF Canada. If you would rather handle three shorter ones, look at TCF Canada.
- If you have already been preparing for one, stay with it. The French is the same. The task types are not, and switching late costs you the practice you have done.
Can I take the exam again?
Yes, as many times as you like, on either exam. Both ask you to wait 20 days between two attempts. Results from both are valid for two years.
What score do I need?
The score for each CLB level is different on the two exams, and TEF Canada has two sets of figures. They are all in our score chart for TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
Sources
- Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France). TEF Canada: Take the test
- Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France). TEF Canada: Get your certificate
- France Éducation international. TCF Canada
- Government of Canada. Express Entry: Language test results
Immigration rules and score tables change. Check canada.ca before you apply, and tell us if you spot a figure here that is out of date.
Preparing for one of these exams?
We help you prepare for the TEF and TCF exams, with mock tests and written feedback on your speaking and writing.
