Is the TEF Canada easier than the TCF Canada?

Neither is reliably easier — they test the same French at the same CLB levels, just with different formats. The TCF uses level-based speaking and writing tasks; the TEF uses its own two-part speaking and writing. Pick based on availability and which format suits you, and prepare for that one specifically.

TEF Canada · Exam guide

TEF Canada: format, sections & scoring

Q: What sections does the TEF Canada have?

For IRCC, the TEF Canada has four tests: Compréhension de l'oral (listening), Compréhension de l'écrit (reading), Expression orale (speaking) and Expression écrite (writing). Listening and reading are multiple-choice; speaking and writing are produced and rated by examiners.

Q: How is the TEF Canada scored for Express Entry?

Each result converts to an NCLC level through the official IRCC chart. Core CRS language points are awarded by ability; separate all-four thresholds apply to the additional French-language points and some program requirements.

A plain-English guide to the TEF Canada — the four sections IRCC uses, how each is timed, how scores convert to NCLC/CLB for Express Entry, and a free way to prepare for it. No signup.

What the TEF Canada is

The TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français) is one of the French exams IRCC accepts for Express Entry and other specified pathways — alongside the TCF Canada. It measures four abilities, and IRCC maps each result to the NCLC French-language scale.

The four IRCC sections

For immigration you take four tests. Listening and reading are multiple-choice; speaking and writing are produced and rated by examiners. Timings are approximate — confirm the current official format before booking:

TEF Canada test sections and current durations
Section	Skill	Format
Compréhension de l'oral	Listening	40 min · multiple choice
Compréhension de l'écrit	Reading	60 min · multiple choice
Expression orale	Speaking	15 min · two sections
Expression écrite	Writing	60 min · two sections

Speaking and writing — the two-part tasks

Expression orale has two parts: first you ask questions to obtain information from a scenario (an advert, a service), then you present and defend an opinion to persuade someone. Expression écrite also has two: a shorter text where you complete or continue a piece of news, and a longer one where you give and justify an opinion in roughly 200 words.

Notice the overlap with the TCF: both reward question-forming, opinion structure, and connectors. Prep for one transfers heavily to the other.

How TEF scores become CRS points

Each skill converts to an NCLC level through the official IRCC chart. Core language CRS points are awarded by ability. Separate all-four thresholds apply to the additional French-language bonus and to some program eligibility rules, so confirm the rule for your pathway and train all four skills.

Free practice path

Prepare for the TEF Canada free

The course trains listening, reading, question-asking, opinion speaking, and writing through models and self-review. Its full-duration simulation follows TCF Canada, not TEF Canada, and does not invent official band estimates.

Open the free course→

Frequently asked questions

What sections does the TEF Canada have?

Four for IRCC: Compréhension de l'oral (listening), Compréhension de l'écrit (reading), Expression orale (speaking) and Expression écrite (writing).

How is it scored?

Each skill converts to an NCLC level via the official IRCC chart. Core CRS points are calculated by ability, while the French-language bonus and some eligibility rules require thresholds across all four skills.

Is the TEF easier than the TCF?

Not reliably — same French, same levels, different formats. Pick on availability and fit, then prepare for that exact format.

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