TEF vs TCF Canada: Which Test Should You Take?
Both tests are accepted by IRCC for Express Entry, permanent residence and citizenship. Here’s how they compare, and how to choose the one that suits you.
The TEF Canada and the TCF Canada test the same four skills and are both accepted by IRCC. Neither is officially easier. The main difference is format: the TEF has fewer, longer writing and speaking tasks, while the TCF has more, shorter tasks and a shorter speaking test. Choose the one that plays to your strengths and has a test date that fits your timeline.
TEF Canada vs TCF Canada at a Glance
Swipe the table sideways to compare →
| TEF Canada | TCF Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | Le français des affaires (Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce) | France Éducation international |
| Listening | 40 min · 40 multiple-choice questions | 35 min · 39 multiple-choice questions |
| Reading | 60 min · 40 multiple-choice questions | 60 min · 39 multiple-choice questions |
| Writing | 60 min · 2 sections (80+ words and 200+ words) | 60 min · 3 tasks (60–120, 120–150 and 120–180 words) |
| Speaking | 15 min · 2 sections: get information, then convince | 12 min · 3 tasks: interview, interaction, point of view |
| Score scale | Each test scored out of 699; Express Entry uses the “Équivalence ancien score” column | Listening and reading out of 699; writing and speaking out of 20 |
| NCLC 7 minimum | Listening 249 · Reading 207 · Writing 310 · Speaking 310 | Listening 458 · Reading 453 · Writing 10 · Speaking 10 |
| Accepted by IRCC | Yes: Express Entry, PR and citizenship | Yes: Express Entry, PR and citizenship |
| Results valid for | 2 years | 2 years |
| Test centre in Mississauga | Yes (Alliance Française de Toronto) | Yes (Alliance Française de Toronto) |
Sources: the official TEF Canada guide, France Éducation international, IRCC equivalency charts and the Alliance Française de Toronto, checked October 2026. Formats and score charts can change, so confirm on the official sites before you book.
How to Choose
Think about the format that suits the way you write and speak.
Choose the TEF Canada if…
- You write well when you have room to develop a longer argument
- You’re comfortable with role-plays: asking questions, then persuading someone
- You prefer fewer, longer tasks to many short ones
Choose the TCF Canada if…
- You prefer several short, clearly defined writing tasks
- You’d rather have a shorter speaking test (12 minutes)
- You’re comfortable talking about yourself and giving your opinion quickly
Other things to consider
Test dates: pick the test with a date that leaves time for preparation and still fits your Express Entry or citizenship timeline. Your target: if you need NCLC 7 or higher in every skill, focus on the format where your weakest skill performs best. Still unsure? In a first lesson, Carla assesses your four skills and recommends the test that gives you the best chance.
Ready to go deeper? See the full guides to TEF Canada preparation and TCF Canada preparation.
TEF vs TCF FAQ
Is the TCF easier than the TEF?
Neither test is officially easier, and both are converted to the same NCLC levels. Some candidates find the TCF's shorter writing tasks and 12-minute speaking test easier to manage, while others prefer the TEF's longer tasks, which give more room to develop ideas. The best choice depends on your strengths.
Does IRCC prefer the TEF or the TCF?
No. IRCC accepts both the TEF Canada and the TCF Canada for Express Entry, other permanent residence programs and citizenship. Scores from either test are converted into NCLC levels.
Which test should I take for citizenship?
Both are accepted. For citizenship, applicants aged 18 to 54 need to show at least NCLC 4 in speaking and listening, and only those two skills are tested for that purpose.
Can I take both the TEF and the TCF?
Yes, you can register for both. Most candidates focus on one, because the formats are different and focused preparation is more efficient.
Can Carla prepare me for either test?
Yes. Carla prepares students for both the TEF Canada and the TCF Canada, and can help you decide which one suits you after a first assessment lesson.
Not Sure Which Test to Take?
Book a first lesson with Carla. She’ll assess your level and help you choose the test, and the plan, that gets you to your target NCLC.