Exam comparison
TEF or TCF Canada: which French test should you take?
IRCC accepts both TEF Canada and TCF Canada for Express Entry and treats an NCLC 7 from either test identically — neither earns you more CRS points, and neither is officially easier. Both certificates are valid for 2 years. The real differences are mechanical: TEF runs ~2 h 55 min against TCF's ~2 h 47 min, TEF writing is 2 longer tasks scored 0–450 while TCF writing is 3 shorter tasks scored 0–20, and TEF speaking is 15 minutes on 2 topics against TCF's 12 minutes on 3. Choose on test-centre availability and which writing and speaking format suits you.
- Accepted by IRCC
- Both
- Point difference
- None
- Validity
- 2 years each
- Target
- NCLC 7+
Does IRCC prefer TEF or TCF Canada?
No. Both are designated French proficiency tests for Canadian permanent residence, and both report results that IRCC converts to the same NCLC scale, which runs 1 to 12. An NCLC 7 obtained on TCF Canada is worth exactly what an NCLC 7 obtained on TEF Canada is worth: the same CRS points, the same eligibility for French-language category draws.
There is no "easier" test
People look for the softer option and there isn’t one. The score thresholds are calibrated to the same NCLC levels, so a gap in your French shows up on either paper. What differs is the shape of the tasks — and that is worth choosing deliberately.
What the choice does affect: when you can sit the test, how your writing and speaking are structured, and which format you can rehearse most confidently under time pressure.
How do TEF Canada and TCF Canada compare?
Both tests assess the same four skills and both are sat in a single session. The sections differ in length, question count and scoring scale.
| TEF Canada | TCF Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Total duration | ~2 h 55 min | ~2 h 47 min |
| Reading | 60 min · 40 questions · 0–300 | 60 min · 39 questions · 0–699 |
| Listening | 40 min · 40 questions · 0–360 | 35 min · 39 questions · 0–699 |
| Writing | 60 min · 2 tasks · 0–450 | 60 min · 3 tasks · 0–20 |
| Speaking | 15 min · 2 topics · 0–450 | 12 min · 3 tasks · 0–20 |
| Delivery | Oral is face to face with an assessor | Computer-based or paper, by centre |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Accepted for Express Entry | Yes | Yes |
The scales are the most common source of confusion. TEF uses a different range for every section. TCF uses 0–699 for the two comprehension sections and 0–20 for the two production sections. Raw numbers from the two tests are not comparable with each other at all — only the NCLC level each converts to is.
What score do you need on each test for NCLC 7?
NCLC 7 is the threshold that unlocks the French bonus, and it must be reached in all four skills at once on whichever test you sit. One section below the line pays nothing — the bonus is not prorated.
| Skill | TEF Canada | TCF Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 207–232 (of 0–300) | 453+ (of 0–699) |
| Listening | 249–279 (of 0–360) | 458+ (of 0–699) |
| Writing | 310–348 (of 0–450) | 10+ (of 0–20) |
| Speaking | 310–348 (of 0–450) | 10+ (of 0–20) |
TCF listening and reading do not share a threshold
Both run on the 0–699 scale, so people assume one cut-off covers both. Listening needs 458, reading needs 453. Planning to the wrong number by five points is a real way to miss NCLC 7.
In CEFR terms NCLC 7 sits at roughly a solid B2 on either test — the ceiling of the VOCALE curriculum, which runs A1 through B2.
How should you choose between them?
Because the two results are worth the same, the decision comes down to logistics and task format. In practice most candidates decide on the first point below and never need the rest.
- 1
Start with test-centre availability
Check session dates for both tests near you before anything else. A sitting you can actually book two months earlier beats a marginally more comfortable format, and for most candidates this settles the question on its own.
- 2
Compare the writing formats
TEF asks for 2 longer pieces — Task A of 80+ words and Task B of 200+ words, scored 0–450. TCF asks for 3 shorter tasks scored 0–20. If sustained argumentative writing is your strength, TEF rewards it; if you would rather not stake the whole section on two pieces, TCF spreads the risk across three.
- 3
Compare the speaking formats
TEF is 15 minutes across 2 topics, face to face with an assessor. TCF is 12 minutes across 3 tasks. Fewer and longer turns against more and shorter ones — a real difference if one of those makes you freeze.
- 4
Confirm the delivery format at your centre
TCF is offered both computer-based and on paper depending on the centre. Ask when you book if typing or handwriting changes how you perform, because the centre decides this, not you.
- 5
Then rehearse only that format
Pick one test and drill it under real timing. Splitting practice across both formats is the actual mistake — it costs you pacing on the test you end up sitting, and pacing is where most of the late score gain lives.
Do not sit both to see which goes better
Two sittings cost twice the fee and split your preparation. Choose the format, then spend the time on the four skills instead.
How does VOCALE prepare you for either test?
Preparation for both TEF Canada and TCF Canada is included in every VOCALE program at no extra cost. Your tutor shapes the exam technique around whichever test you choose once you have chosen it. All classes are 100% live, Monday to Friday, one hour each, 20 to 22 classes per month.
| Program | Price | Format | Typical A1 → B2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Classes | 200 CAD / month | 20–22 classes/month · groups of 4–5 | 10–12 months |
| Intensive 1-on-1 | 300 CAD / month | 20–22 classes/month · dedicated private tutor | 6–8 months |
| Free trial class | 0 CAD | One live class, no credit card required | — |
Full section-by-section detail is on the TEF Canada guide and the TCF Canada guide. For how the score turns into CRS points, see French for Canadian immigration.
All prices in Canadian Dollars. No hidden fees, cancel anytime.
Frequently asked questions
Is TCF Canada easier than TEF Canada?
Neither is officially easier, and IRCC treats an NCLC 7 from either test identically. The thresholds on both are calibrated to the same NCLC levels. What differs is task shape: TCF writing is three shorter tasks scored 0 to 20, TEF writing is two longer tasks scored 0 to 450.
Does TEF or TCF give more CRS points?
Neither. CRS points come from the NCLC level you reach, not from which test produced it. NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills is worth 50 additional points with CLB 5 or higher in English, or 25 points with CLB 4 or lower in English or no English test.
Can you take both TEF and TCF Canada?
Nothing stops you, but it is rarely worth it. You pay two fees and split your preparation across two different task formats, which costs you pacing on whichever test you finally submit. Choosing one format and rehearsing it under timed conditions is the better use of the same money and time.
Which test is available sooner near me?
That depends entirely on your local test centres, and it is the most practical deciding factor. Check the session calendar for both tests before you commit to a format, because an earlier sitting usually matters more than a marginal format preference.
How long are TEF and TCF Canada results valid?
Two years from the date of issue, for both. IRCC requires your scores to be less than two years old both when you create your Express Entry profile and when you submit your permanent residence application.
Do DELF and DALF work instead of TEF or TCF?
No. Only TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted by IRCC for Canadian immigration. DELF and DALF are lifetime diplomas used for study, work and permanent proof of level, but they cannot be submitted for Express Entry.
Does VOCALE charge extra to prepare for a specific test?
No. Preparation for TEF Canada, TCF Canada, DELF and DALF is included in every program at no additional cost, in both Group Classes at 200 CAD per month and Intensive 1-on-1 at 300 CAD per month.
Pick a test, then prepare for it properly
One free live class places you at your real CEFR level and maps the route to NCLC 7 on whichever test you choose. No credit card required.
Group Classes 200 CAD/month · Intensive 1-on-1 300 CAD/month · Cancel anytime