# TEF Canada vs CELPIP: the French route or the English route

> TEF Canada vs CELPIP-General for Express Entry: format, scoring, results timing, and how French can add up to 50 CRS points on top of English.

Canonical: https://frenchtestcanada.ca/vs/tef-canada-vs-celpip
Last updated: 2026-10-26

CELPIP-General is an English test; TEF Canada is a French one. IRCC accepts both. The real question isn’t which test is better, it’s which language is your strongest, and whether a second language can add points.

|  | 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](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/french-for-express-entry).

See the [score converter](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/nclc-converter) to turn a TEF Canada or TCF Canada score into an NCLC level.

> We’re an independent practice site. We’re not affiliated with CCI Paris Île-de-France (TEF Canada), France Éducation international (TCF Canada) or IRCC, and our questions are our own writing, not real exam questions.

## 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)](https://www.lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/en/candidate/test-evaluation-francais/tef-canada/examination/) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [TEF Canada: getting your certificate (Le français des affaires)](https://www.lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/en/candidate/test-evaluation-francais/tef-canada/certificate/) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [TEF Canada: understanding your results (Le français des affaires)](https://www.lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/en/candidate/test-evaluation-francais/tef-canada/results/) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [CELPIP-General (Paragon Testing Enterprises, celpip.ca)](https://www.celpip.ca/celpip-general/) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [CELPIP results (celpip.ca)](https://www.celpip.ca/take-celpip/test-results/) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [Comprehensive Ranking System criteria (IRCC, canada.ca)](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/check-score/crs-criteria.html) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [Express Entry: category-based selection (IRCC, canada.ca)](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/submit-profile/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [Express Entry: language test results (IRCC, canada.ca)](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-requirements/language-testing.html) (checked 2026-10-26)

Not affiliated with CCI Paris Île-de-France (TEF), France Éducation international (TCF) or IRCC.

## Related

- [French for Express Entry: the levels that count](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/french-for-express-entry)
- [TEF Canada vs TCF Canada](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/vs/tef-vs-tcf)
- [A French test plan for Express Entry candidates](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/for/express-entry-candidates)
- [TEF Canada: the complete guide](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/tef-canada)