TCF Canada or TEF Canada? Both lead to NCLC. Compare the formats, pros and cons, and pick the exam that suits your strengths.
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Exam format · NCLC
Quick answer
IRCC accepts TCF Canada and TEF Canada equally for economic immigration and citizenship, and both turn each skill into an NCLC level, so neither is worth more than the other. The difference is the format, above all in writing and speaking: TCF Canada has three shorter tasks in each, TEF Canada two longer ones. Choose by your strengths, and by the sessions you can book in time.
Section 1
Listening comprehension
39 questions
35 min
Section 2
Reading comprehension
39 questions
60 min
Section 3
Written expression
3 tasks
60 min
Section 4
Oral expression
3 tasks
12 min
Section 1
Listening comprehension
40 questions
40 min
Section 2
Reading comprehension
40 questions
60 min
Section 3
Written expression
2 tasks
60 min
Section 4
Oral expression
2 tasks
15 min
| Section | TCF Canada | TEF Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Listening comprehension | 39 · 35 min | 40 · 40 min |
| Reading comprehension | 39 · 60 min | 40 · 60 min |
| Written expression | 3 · 60 min | 2 · 60 min |
| Oral expression | 3 · 12 min | 2 · 15 min |
Considerations, not verdicts: what one candidate finds harder, another finds easier.
In its favour
To weigh
In its favour
To weigh
Both exams report on the same NCLC scale, which is what Express Entry reads, but each converts its own scores with its own bands. Here is the range that gives NCLC 7 in each skill.
| TCF Canada | TEF Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 458–502 / 699 | 434–461 / 699 |
| Reading | 453–498 / 699 | 434–461 / 699 |
| Writing | 10–11 / 20 | 428–471 / 699 |
| Speaking | 10–11 / 20 | 456–493 / 699 |
One point below a range is NCLC 6. Your level is set by your weakest skill.
Four questions to answer before you book.
The French bonus in Express Entry needs NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills, and a strong skill does not make up for a weak one. Pick the format that gives your weakest skill the better chance.
If you write concisely and change register easily, the three TCF Canada tasks may suit you. If you need space to build an argument, the two TEF Canada sections, at least 80 and 200 words, may suit you better.
Both tests have a task where you ask the examiner the questions. TEF Canada then asks you to persuade someone who raises objections; TCF Canada asks you to talk about yourself and defend a point of view on a question of society. Record one task of each and see which you can sustain.
Dates and fees are set by each approved centre, and in large cities sessions can fill weeks ahead. Check which test your nearest centre offers before your deadline, and book the Canada version: TCF Canada, not the general TCF or TCF Québec; TEF Canada, not the TEF or TEFAQ. Results from either are valid for two years, and a retake means waiting 30 days.
Neither is easier for everyone. Both test the same four skills and convert to the same NCLC levels, so the bar is the same; what differs is the format. TCF Canada speaking has two tasks you answer without preparation, while TEF Canada asks for at least 200 words in its argued text. Try a timed task of each and choose the format where your weakest skill does better.
For Express Entry, IRCC accepts both for French and reads each as NCLC levels. The same level in a skill earns the same points whichever test you took, so the better test is the one where you reach the higher level.
No. Each exam has its own scales and bands, so the same number does not mean the same level: compare your scores with the table above, skill by skill.
TCF Canada takes about 167 minutes over its four sections, and TEF Canada about 175 minutes. The at-a-glance table shows how the time splits between sections.
Nothing stops you from sitting both. Before you rely on two sets of results, check on the IRCC site which results your program lets you enter.
Not sure yet? Try one writing and one speaking task in each format before you book. French in Pocket covers both exams, each with its own sections, timing and scale.
TEF Canada listening and reading practice tests are not available yet.