The TEF Canada Exam
TEF Canada is one of two French tests IRCC accepts for immigration. Here is how the four tests work, how your results become NCLC levels, and how to prepare step by step.
In this guide
Exam formats, score tables and immigration requirements can change. This article was last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Always verify current requirements with IRCC and the official test provider before booking or submitting an application.
If you are applying for Canadian permanent residence or citizenship with French, TEF Canada is one of your two options, alongside TCF Canada. It measures your level in the four skills, and IRCC converts each result into an NCLC level. This guide brings everything together: the format, the scoring rules that catch candidates out, and a realistic preparation plan.
What is TEF Canada?
The Test d'évaluation de français (TEF) is run by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry. TEF Canada is the version recognised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for economic immigration and citizenship. You take it in an approved centre, and your results are valid for immigration purposes for two years.
The four tests
| Test | Skill | Duration | What it involves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compréhension orale | Listening | 40 min | 40 multiple-choice questions on recordings: announcements, conversations, interviews |
| Compréhension écrite | Reading | 60 min | 40 multiple-choice questions on documents: notices, articles, opinion texts |
| Expression écrite | Writing | 60 min | Section A: continue a news article (80 words minimum) · Section B: an opinion text (200 words minimum) |
| Expression orale | Speaking | 15 min | Section A: obtain information · Section B: convince a friend |
Durations are those published by the test provider at the time of writing; check your convocation for the details on test day.
How scores become NCLC levels
This is the most important detail in this guide. Your results show more than one score per skill. For Express Entry, IRCC tells applicants to use the « Équivalence ancien score » column, whatever the test date. Entering the « Score / 699 » figures can produce a wrong NCLC level.
| NCLC | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 316–360 | 263–300 | 393–450 | 393–450 |
| 9 | 298–315 | 248–262 | 371–392 | 371–392 |
| 8 | 280–297 | 233–247 | 349–370 | 349–370 |
| 7 | 249–279 | 207–232 | 310–348 | 310–348 |
| 6 | 217–248 | 181–206 | 271–309 | 271–309 |
| 5 | 181–216 | 151–180 | 226–270 | 226–270 |
| 4 | 145–180 | 121–150 | 181–225 | 181–225 |
Source: IRCC, Language test equivalency charts (« Équivalence ancien score » column). Our TEF Canada scores guide explains both columns in detail.
TEF Canada for immigration vs citizenship
For economic immigration, you take the four tests, and they must all be taken on the same day for your results to be recognised. For Canadian citizenship, the provider lists a smaller set of required tests focused on speaking and listening. Check the current requirements with Le français des affaires and IRCC before you register.
What level do you need?
NCLC 7 is the most common target: it is a threshold for several economic programs and for many of the advantages French speakers can receive in Express Entry. Requirements and points depend on your program and can change, so confirm your exact target on canada.ca before you book.
How to prepare each skill
Listening. Train with everyday Canadian and European French: radio, podcasts, short interviews. Practise answering after a single listening, because that is what the test requires.
Reading. Read a short article every day and summarise it in two sentences. Work on speed: 60 minutes goes quickly.
Writing. Master two text types: the news story for Section A (past tenses, journalistic style) and the argumentative text for Section B (position, arguments, concession).
Speaking. Prepare Section A with a question checklist and Section B with persuasive phrases and a method for answering objections.
A 10-week preparation plan
| Weeks | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Diagnose: take a full practice test and identify your weakest skill |
| 3–4 | Grammar foundations: past tenses, subjunctive, connectors |
| 5–6 | Productive skills: one writing task and one speaking task every day |
| 7–8 | Receptive skills: timed listening and reading sets |
| 9 | Two full mock tests in exam conditions |
| 10 | Light review, rest, logistics (ID, centre, timing) |
Common mistakes
- Entering the wrong score column in Express Entry.
- Preparing only the skills you enjoy. Your weakest skill often decides your eligibility.
- Memorising speaking answers. Recited answers rarely fit the exact task; we recommend preparing methods and phrases instead.
- Ignoring time in writing. Plan how many minutes each section gets.
Frequently asked questions
Is TEF Canada accepted for Express Entry?
Yes. IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French.
How long are TEF Canada results valid?
For immigration, results must be less than two years old when you apply.
Which is easier, TEF or TCF Canada?
Neither is objectively easier. See our TEF vs TCF comparison to choose the one that suits you.
Can I retake TEF Canada?
Yes. Check the waiting period and fees with your test centre.