TCF Canada vs TEF Canada: which French test should you take?

Both TCF Canada and TEF Canada are accepted by IRCC for Express Entry and permanent residence, both are valid for two years, and both map to the same CLB / NCLC levels - so neither gives you an immigration advantage. The real differences are test format, the scoring scale, and which sections feel easier. Most candidates can take either; pick the format that suits how you test.

Updated for 2026 · sourced from France Éducation international (TCF) and Le français des affaires (TEF).

Quick verdict

Lean TCF Canada if you want a paper option, prefer shorter writing and speaking tasks, or you're already studying with TCF materials.
Lean TEF Canada if you're comfortable testing on a computer, like seeing the listening questions before the audio plays, and don't mind longer writing and speaking sections.

TCF Canada vs TEF Canada - side by side

	TCF Canada	TEF Canada
IRCC / Express Entry	Accepted - all programs + PR	Accepted - all programs + PR
Per-skill score scale	Listening & Reading 0–699; Speaking & Writing 0–20	Certificate 0–699; IRCC uses the “old score” scale (Reading 0–300, Listening 0–360, Writing & Speaking 0–450)
CLB 7 minimum	Listening 458, Reading 453, Speaking 10, Writing 10	Reading 207, Listening 249, Writing 310, Speaking 310 (old/IRCC scale)
Listening	39 questions, 35 min	~40 questions, ~40 min
Reading	39 questions, 60 min	~40 questions, 60 min
Writing	3 tasks, 60 min	2 tasks, 60 min
Speaking	3 tasks, ~12 min - face-to-face	2 tasks, ~15 min
Total time	~2 h 45 min	~3 h
Format	Paper or computer (speaking always face-to-face)	Computer-based
Cost (CAD)	~$300–390 (varies by centre)	~$300–450 (varies by centre)
Validity	2 years	2 years

Why you can't compare the scores directly

This is where most guides go wrong. TCF and TEF use different per-skill scales, so a raw score on one says nothing about the other - they only line up once each is converted to a CLB / NCLC level. A TEF reading score of 230 and a TCF reading score of 460 are both roughly CLB 7, despite looking nothing alike.

Which one is easier?

Neither, by design - both are calibrated to the same CLB scale, so the level you reach reflects your French, not the test. What differs is how each section feels:

Listening: TEF lets you read the questions before and during the audio; TCF does not, so its listening can feel harder.
Reading: broadly similar; TCF pairs many questions with their own short passage.
Writing & speaking: TCF uses more, shorter tasks; TEF uses fewer, longer ones (including a longer persuasive piece).

Frequently asked questions

Is TCF Canada or TEF Canada accepted for Express Entry?

Both. IRCC accepts TCF Canada and TEF Canada equally for all Express Entry programs and permanent residence, and both map to the same CLB / NCLC levels.

Is TCF Canada easier than TEF Canada?

Neither is objectively easier - both are calibrated to the same CLB scale. The feel differs by skill: TEF shows listening questions before the audio (often felt as easier), while TEF writing and speaking tasks are longer; TCF listening can feel harder but its writing and speaking tasks are shorter.

Can I compare a TCF score to a TEF score?

No. The two tests use different per-skill scales, so a raw score on one tells you nothing about the other. They are only comparable once each is converted to a CLB / NCLC level.

Which French test should I take for Express Entry?

Either works. Choose TCF Canada if you want a paper option or shorter writing/speaking tasks; choose TEF Canada if you prefer a computer-based test and seeing listening questions before the audio.

Does TEF Canada use a score out of 699?

Your TEF certificate shows scores out of 699, but IRCC does not accept those. For Express Entry you must enter the scores from the “Old score equivalence” column on your certificate.

What TEF Canada score do I need for CLB 7?

On the IRCC “old score” scale, CLB 7 is Reading 207, Listening 249, Writing 310, and Speaking 310. You must reach CLB 7 in every skill the draw requires.

How long are TCF Canada and TEF Canada results valid?

Both are valid for two years from the test date for Express Entry.

By French TCF editorial team · Data source: IRCC + official test providers · Last verified 19 June 2026

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