The Difference between TEF Canada and TCF Canada

TEF Canada vs TCF Canada — Updated 2025 Comparison

Category	TEF Canada	TCF Canada
Full Name	Test d’Évaluation de Français – Canada	Test de Connaissance du Français – Canada
Administered by	CCI Paris Île-de-France	France Éducation International (French Ministry of Education)
Accepted by IRCC (Canada Immigration)	Yes	Yes
Purpose	Official proof of French ability for Express Entry, work permits, and PR applications	Same — accepted for all Canadian immigration programs
Test Validity	2 years	2 years

---

1. Test Components (Both Have 4 Mandatory Sections)

Section	TEF Canada	TCF Canada
Compréhension Orale (Listening)	40 questions – 40 min	29 questions – 25 min
Compréhension Écrite (Reading)	40 questions – 60 min	29 questions – 45 min
Expression Orale (Speaking)	2 tasks – 15 min (with examiner)	3 tasks – 12–15 min (with examiner)
Expression Écrite (Writing)	2 tasks – 60 min	3 tasks – 60 min
Grammar/Vocabulary	Not included	Not included

Both tests measure the same four skills required by IRCC.
Both results are mapped to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (NCLC).

---

2. Scoring and Equivalence (IRCC 2025)

Aspect	TEF Canada	TCF Canada
Score Range	0 – 699	0 – 699
Converted to	NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens)	NCLC
Level Mapping	A1 to C2 (aligned with CEFR)	A1 to C2
Minimum for Immigration Points	NCLC 7 in all 4 abilities	NCLC 7 in all 4 abilities

---

3. Recent IRCC Updates You Should Know (2024–2025)

A. TEF Canada scoring format change

• Since December 11, 2023, TEF Canada uses a 0–699 scale for each skill.
• However, IRCC still uses an “ancien score / old equivalence” table when you enter your results in your Express Entry profile.
• IRCC’s instruction (Canada.ca): “Don’t enter the scores in the 0–699 column; enter the scores using the old equivalence if your test was taken between Dec 11, 2023 and May 6, 2024.”
• Tests after May 7, 2024 are fully compatible with the 0–699 → NCLC conversion chart.

B. New conversion table (post–Dec 2023)

Here’s the updated IRCC-approved equivalence for TEF Canada:

NCLC Level	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
NCLC 10	549–699	549–699	699	699
NCLC 9	503–548	524–548	699	699
NCLC 8	458–502	499–523	699	699
NCLC 7	400–457	453–498	699	699
NCLC 6	349–399	406–452	699	699
NCLC 5	298–348	352–405	699	699

(Ranges simplified for readability; full version is available on Canada.ca – Language test equivalency charts)

TCF Canada

• No format change; the scoring remains stable since 2019.
• TCF Canada’s results still convert directly using IRCC’s published NCLC chart.
• IRCC accepts the raw 0–699 scores directly.

---

4. Difficulty & Test Experience

Aspect	TEF Canada	TCF Canada
Tone & Question Style	More academic/business contexts	More general/conversational
Listening Pace	Slightly faster; longer recordings	Shorter and simpler dialogues
Writing Tasks	2 structured tasks (formal + opinion)	3 tasks, including one short informal
Speaking Tasks	2 tasks: guided + argument/debate	3 tasks: spontaneous + opinion
Test Duration	~2 hours 55 min	~2 hours 30 min
Perceived Difficulty	Slightly more challenging overall	Slightly more concise and beginner-friendly

In summary:

• TEF Canada is often seen as more demanding but has richer prep materials available.
• TCF Canada is shorter and time-efficient, preferred by some candidates for its simplicity.

---

5. Cost and Availability

Aspect	TEF Canada	TCF Canada
Average Cost (Canada)	$330–$380 CAD	$330–$380 CAD
Testing Centres	Alliance Française and CCI-accredited centres worldwide	Alliance Française and FEI-accredited centres worldwide
Delivery Mode	Paper or Computer-based (varies by center)	Paper or Computer-based (varies by center)

---

6. Which Should You Choose?

Goal	Recommended Test	Why
Express Entry / PR (Federal)	Either TEF Canada or TCF Canada	Both equally accepted by IRCC
Quebec Immigration (MIFI)	TEF Canada, TEFAQ or TCF Québec instead	TEF Canada/TCF Canada are for Federal use
Faster test, less text-heavy	TCF Canada	Shorter, simpler
More prep resources, widely offered	TEF Canada	More study material and mock exams available

---

Summary Table — At a Glance

Feature	TEF Canada	TCF Canada
Organizer	CCI Paris Île-de-France	France Éducation International
IRCC Approval	Yes	Yes
Sections	4 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)	4 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
Score Range	0–699	0–699
Accepted Format (IRCC 2025)	“Old equivalence” for Dec 2023–May 2024 tests; normal after May 2024	Direct NCLC conversion
Validity	2 years	2 years
Difficulty	Slightly harder	Slightly easier
Cost	$330–$380 CAD	$330–$380 CAD

---