TEF Canada vs. TCF Canada

If you’re planning to prove your French proficiency for Canadian immigration or citizenship, both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are officially accepted by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Here’s a deep dive into both tests to help you choose the most suitable option.

Overview

Feature	TEF Canada	TCF Canada
Full Name	Test d’Évaluation de Français	Test de Connaissance du Français
Administered by	CCIP – Paris Chamber of Commerce	France Éducation International
Recognition	IRCC, Quebec, French-speaking countries	IRCC, Quebec, French-speaking countries
Purpose	Immigration and Citizenship	Immigration and Citizenship
Design Focus	Business/academic scenarios	General knowledge and comprehension

Test Format

All four modules are mandatory for immigration purposes. Each module tests your ability to operate in real-life and formal French-language environments.

Section	TEF Canada	TCF Canada
Listening	~40 mins – 60 questions	~25 mins – 39 questions
Reading	~60 mins – 50 questions	~45 mins – 39 questions
Writing	60 mins – 2 structured tasks	60 mins – 3 tasks of increasing complexity
Speaking	15 mins – 2 tasks (recorded)	12 mins – 3 tasks (face-to-face)

Delivery Method

Feature	TEF Canada	TCF Canada
Mode	Computer or Paper-based	Computer or Paper-based
Speaking Style	Recorded (into a mic)	Face-to-face with examiner
Availability	Global (India: major cities)	Global (India: major cities)
Score Validity	2 years	2 years

TEF Canada:

Listening: Dialogue-based MCQs involving professional and everyday topics
Reading: Work documents, advertisements, news reports, letters
Writing: Task 1 – formal/informal letter; Task 2 – argumentative essay
Speaking: Task 1 – opinion-based roleplay; Task 2 – formal conversation with set topic

TCF Canada:

Listening: Audio clips on everyday topics and scenarios, followed by comprehension MCQs
Reading: Text types include signs, advertisements, articles, and academic paragraphs
2Writing: Task 1 – structured email/message; Task 2 – short essay; Task 3 – structured argument
Speaking: Task 1 – introduce yourself; Task 2 – answer questions; Task 3 – defend your opinion

Scoring & CLB Equivalents

Both tests use a 0–699 score range for each section. These are converted to CLB levels (Canadian Language Benchmarks) for immigration evaluation.

CLB Level	TEF Listening	TCF Listening	TEF Reading	TCF Reading	TEF Writing	TCF Writing	TEF Speaking	TCF Speaking
CLB 10	316-360	523-699	316–360	524–699	393–450	549–699	393–450	549–699
CLB 9	298–315	503–522	298–315	503–523	371–392	524–548	371–392	524–548
CLB 8	270–297	458–502	270–297	458–502	349–370	499–523	349–370	499–523
CLB 7	248–269	398–457	248–269	453–457	310–348	467–498	310–348	467–498

Immigration Relevance

Both tests meet the French language proof requirements for PR and citizenship purposes.

Program or Use Case	TEF Canada	TCF Canada
Express Entry (up to 50 bonus CRS pts)	✅	✅
Francophone Streams	✅	✅
Quebec Immigration Programs	✅	✅
PNPs (e.g., Ontario, NB, Manitoba)	✅	✅
Canadian Citizenship (if French)	✅	✅

Key Differences Explained

Criteria	TEF Canada	TCF Canada
Speaking Interaction	Recorded into microphone (no human feedback)	Live with examiner – more natural
Writing Structure	More formal business-style writing	Gradual progression from informal to formal
Listening Challenge	More clips and questions	Fewer questions, more manageable
Availability	More centers offer TEF	Slightly fewer TCF centers
Preferred by	Business applicants, test centers with TEF	Candidates preferring live interaction

TEF often feels more technical, while TCF tends to follow a more personal, face-to-face pattern.

Pros and Cons

TEF Canada – Pros:

TEF Canada – Cons

TCF Canada – Pros

TCF Canada – Cons:

Which Test Should You Choose?

Choose TEF Canada If:

Choose TCF Canada If:

Final Conclusion

Both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are fully accepted by IRCC for Express Entry, PNP, and citizenship. The choice depends on your personal comfort, preparation level, and center availability. Each test offers valid pathways to increase your CRS score and enhance your Canadian immigration profile.

🧭 If you’re a French speaker or have studied French, picking either test can make a significant difference in your chances of getting PR or applying through special Francophone streams.