Compare
TEF Canada vs CELPIP: the French route or the English route
| TEF Canada | CELPIP-General | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | French | English |
| Tests | Reading, listening, writing, speaking, all on the same day | Listening, reading, writing, speaking in one sitting |
| Length | About 3 hours of tests (60 + 40 + 60 + 15 minutes) | About 3 hours |
| Speaking | Face to face with an examiner | Computer-delivered |
| Scores | 0–699 per test, with CEFR and NCLC levels | CELPIP levels calibrated to the CLB |
| Results | 1 to 10 business days | 2 to 4 business days |
| For IRCC | Valid 2 years | Valid 2 years |
How French and English work together
- Your stronger language counts as your first official language, for the main language points.
- The other can earn second official language points: up to 6 per ability, with at least CLB/NCLC 5 needed to earn any.
- French bonus: NCLC 7+ in all four French abilities adds 25 points (English CLB 4 or lower) or 50 points (English CLB 5+ in all four).
- NCLC 7 in all four abilities also makes you eligible for French-language proficiency category draws.
Who should take which
If your French is stronger, TEF Canada (or TCF Canada) is your main test. If English is stronger but your French is near NCLC 7, taking both can be worth it for the bonus points. If your French is well below NCLC 5, it won’t earn points yet, and your time may be better spent on the English test while you keep learning. See French for Express Entry.
Score converter
Your TEF Canada scores as NCLC levels
Enter the “Équivalence ancien score” column from your TEF Canada results, not the score out of 699: that’s the one IRCC uses for Express Entry.
From IRCC’s official equivalency table. Your official result is the one on your test report.
Questions people ask
+Can I take both CELPIP and TEF Canada?
Yes. One counts as your first official language and the other as your second, and strong French (NCLC 7+ in all four) adds bonus points.
+Which is faster for results?
CELPIP says scores post within 2 to 4 business days. TEF Canada results are released within 1 to 10 business days.
+Is CELPIP speaking done with a person?
No, CELPIP is fully computer-delivered. TEF Canada speaking is face to face with an examiner.
Sources
- TEF Canada: taking the test (Le français des affaires) · checked October 26, 2026
- TEF Canada: getting your certificate (Le français des affaires) · checked October 26, 2026
- TEF Canada: understanding your results (Le français des affaires) · checked October 26, 2026
- CELPIP-General (Paragon Testing Enterprises, celpip.ca) · checked October 26, 2026
- CELPIP results (celpip.ca) · checked October 26, 2026
- Comprehensive Ranking System criteria (IRCC, canada.ca) · checked October 26, 2026
- Express Entry: category-based selection (IRCC, canada.ca) · checked October 26, 2026
- Express Entry: language test results (IRCC, canada.ca) · checked October 26, 2026
Updated October 26, 2026. Not affiliated with CCI Paris Île-de-France (TEF), France Éducation international (TCF) or IRCC.
Keep going
- French for Express Entry: the levels that countHow French helps in Express Entry: NCLC 7 and NCLC 5 minimums by program, up to 50 extra CRS points, the French-language category, and 2-year validity.
- TEF Canada vs TCF CanadaTEF Canada vs TCF Canada side by side from the official formats: question counts, timing, scoring, retake waits, citizenship tests and results timing.
- A French test plan for Express Entry candidatesA French test plan for Express Entry candidates: pick TEF Canada or TCF Canada, aim for NCLC 7 in all four, time it around 2-year validity and retake waits.
- TEF Canada: the complete guideTEF Canada explained: the four tests, timing, the 0–699 score and NCLC levels, how booking works, results in 1–10 business days, and 2-year validity.