French Exams
TEF Canada vs TCF Canada: What Is the Difference?
A neutral comparison of the two French tests currently accepted by IRCC for Express Entry, with official-format details.
IRCC currently lists both TEF Canada and TCF Canada among the approved French tests for Express Entry. They are not identical exams, so compare the current official formats before choosing a test.
At a glance
TEF CanadaReading 40 questions / 60 min
Listening 40 questions / 40 min
Writing 2 sections / 60 min
Speaking 2 sections / 15 min
Listening 40 questions / 40 min
Writing 2 sections / 60 min
Speaking 2 sections / 15 min
TCF CanadaListening 39 questions / 35 min
Reading 39 questions / 60 min
Writing 3 tasks / 60 min
Speaking 3 tasks / 12 min
Reading 39 questions / 60 min
Writing 3 tasks / 60 min
Speaking 3 tasks / 12 min
How to choose
Look at the current official task formats, your available preparation materials, your preferred test centre and the requirements of the immigration pathway you are using. The better fit depends on your circumstances; there is no universal “easier” test.
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Explore more lessons, or start with the free NCLC 7 Quick Start if you are preparing for TEF or TCF Canada.
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