TEF Canada Speaking
Fifteen minutes, two very different sections: first you ask, then you persuade. Here is how the TEF Canada speaking test works and how to prepare for each part.
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.
The TEF Canada speaking test lasts about fifteen minutes and is made up of two role-plays with an examiner. In Section A, you call about an advertisement to obtain information. In Section B, you try to convince a friend to take part in something while they raise objections. The two sections test different skills, so they need different preparation.
The test at a glance
| Section | Duration | Situation | Register | Key skill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | About 5 min | Call an advertiser to obtain information | Usually vous | Asking varied questions |
| B | About 10 min | Convince a friend who has doubts | Usually tu | Persuading and answering objections |
Section A: obtaining information
You read a short advertisement, such as a course, a flat or a trip, and call the advertiser, played by the examiner. Aim for around ten relevant questions on what is not stated in the ad: prices, times, conditions, discounts, registration, cancellation. React to each answer before moving on, and close the call politely (full Section A guide).
« Bonjour, madame. Je vous appelle au sujet de votre annonce. Pourriez-vous me dire si le matériel est compris dans le prix ? »
Section B: convincing a friend
You present a document to a friend and try to persuade them to join you. The examiner hesitates and objects. The method that works: present the offer in your own words, give arguments from different angles (health, social, professional, financial, personal), and answer each objection with Accept, Answer, Advance: acknowledge it, respond to it, then add a new argument (full Section B guide).
« Je te comprends, tu as beaucoup de travail. Mais justement, ce n'est que deux heures le samedi, et ça te ferait du bien de penser à autre chose ! »
How the speaking test is scored
IRCC converts your speaking result into an NCLC level. For Express Entry, use the « Équivalence ancien score » column of your results: NCLC 7 = 310–348, NCLC 8 = 349–370, NCLC 9 = 371–392, NCLC 10+ = 393–450. Check the current table on canada.ca.
What NCLC 7 sounds like
- You keep the conversation going with only short hesitations.
- You ask and answer questions with appropriate politeness.
- You develop arguments with reasons and examples.
- You use connectors (d'abord, en plus, par contre, c'est pourquoi).
- You make errors, but they rarely block understanding.
Six habits that raise your score
- Use the right register from the first sentence, and keep it.
- Vary your question forms in Section A: intonation, est-ce que, inversion, indirect questions.
- React before each new question: d'accord, parfait, c'est très intéressant.
- In Section B, link arguments to your friend's situation.
- Never ignore an objection.
- Use the conditional to persuade: ça te ferait du bien, ce serait l'occasion de…
Common mistakes
- Asking for information already in the ad.
- Reading the Section B document aloud instead of presenting it.
- Repeating the same argument in Section B.
- Giving up when the examiner stays unconvinced. That is part of the task.
- Long silences. Use fillers such as alors… or disons que… to think.
A four-week practice plan
| Week | Focus | Daily practice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Section A | One advertisement a day; ten varied questions aloud |
| 2 | Section B | One document a day; list arguments from five angles |
| 3 | Objections | A partner raises objections; practise Accept, Answer, Advance |
| 4 | Full tests | Three timed mock tests; record and review |
Frequently asked questions
How long is the TEF Canada speaking test?
About 15 minutes: Section A lasts about 5 minutes and Section B about 10 minutes.
Is the examiner a real person?
Yes, the speaking test is a role-play with an examiner.
Do I have to convince the examiner?
No. You are assessed on how well you argue and interact, not on whether you win.
What score is NCLC 7 in speaking?
310 to 348 in the « Équivalence ancien score » column.