Comparison
TCF Canada vs TEF Canada — which should you take?
Both tests are accepted by IRCC and convert to the same NCLC levels. The right choice comes down to format: how each exam tests speaking, writing, and timing.
Side-by-side comparison
| TCF Canada | TEF Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted by IRCC | Yes — Express Entry, PR, citizenship | Yes — equally accepted |
| Administered by | France Éducation international | CCI Paris Île-de-France |
| Reading & Listening | 39 questions each, multiple choice, difficulty rising A1 → C2 | 40 questions each, multiple choice |
| Speaking style | 3 tâches with an examiner: guided interview, interaction (you ask questions), point of view (~12 min) | 2 face-to-face role-plays (phone call + persuasion) with an examiner |
| Writing tasks | 3 tâches: short message (60–120 w) + article (~120–150 w) + two-document synthesis (120–180 w) in 60 min | 2 tasks: fait divers (~80 words) + argumentative (~200 words) |
| Scoring | R & L on 0–699 · W & S on 0–20 → NCLC per skill | R /300 · L /360 · W /450 · S /450 → NCLC per skill |
| Results validity (IRCC) | 2 years | 2 years |
Format details evolve — always confirm current specifications with the official test bodies before booking.
Which one fits you?
- Choose TCF Canada if… you like short, clearly structured tasks. The three speaking tâches and three writing formats follow patterns you can master with focused practice — which makes preparation very efficient.
- Choose TEF Canada if… you prefer longer role-play speaking and two longer writing tasks, or your local test centre offers better TEF dates. (Preparing for TEF? Our sister site tefcanadapractice.com covers the TEF format the same way.)
- Either way… your preparation is 80% identical: French comprehension speed, listening stamina, structured writing, and confident speaking. Mock-test practice transfers heavily between the two.
Chose TCF Canada? Start free
Take the first mock test in every module free — reading, listening, writing, and speaking — with model answers and an estimated NCLC level.
Frequently asked questions
Is TCF Canada easier than TEF Canada?
Neither is officially easier — IRCC accepts both equally and both map to the same NCLC levels. The real difference is format fit: TCF's speaking is interview- and opinion-driven with one interactive tâche, while TEF is built around two longer role-plays. Choose the format that plays to your strengths.
Do both tests give the same CRS points?
Yes. Your NCLC level determines your points, not which test produced it. NCLC 7 from TCF Canada is worth exactly the same as NCLC 7 from TEF Canada.
Which test should I choose for speaking?
If you're comfortable talking about yourself, giving structured opinions, and asking well-formed questions from a scenario, TCF Canada's three short tâches are very learnable — the structure repeats every session. If you prefer long improvised role-plays (persuading someone, handling objections), TEF may feel more natural.
Can I prepare for TCF Canada online?
Yes — that's exactly what this platform does: timed 39-question mock tests, writing prompts for all three tâches, and speaking topics in the official TCF format, with model answers and estimated NCLC levels. The first test of each module is free.