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TEF Canada vs TCF Canada

IRCC accepts both for Express Entry and citizenship, and both convert to the same NCLC levels. The differences are in the format, the timing and the practical details. Here they are side by side, from each test’s official pages.
TEF CanadaTCF Canada
Run byCCI Paris Île-de-FranceFrance Éducation international
Reading40 questions, 60 minutes39 items, 60 minutes
Listening40 questions, 40 minutes, no going back39 items, 35 minutes
Writing2 sections, 60 minutes (80+ and 200+ words)3 tasks, 60 minutes (min and max word count each)
Speaking2 sections, 15 minutes3 tasks, 12 minutes
Scores0–699 per test, with CEFR and NCLC100–699 (comprehension), /20 (writing, speaking)
CitizenshipListening + speaking onlyAll four tests (no exemptions)
Wait to retake20 days30 days
Results1 to 10 business days, digital certificateAsk your centre
Validity2 years2 years

Where they really differ

  • Writing style. TEF asks for two longer pieces: continue a news story, then argue a point of view. TCF asks for three tasks with strict word ranges; going under or off topic can be rated “A1 not reached”.
  • Speaking. TEF has a role-play feel: ask for information, then convince someone. TCF has three shorter tasks in 12 minutes, with 2 minutes to prepare the second.
  • Citizenship. TEF Canada’s two-test citizenship version is shorter if you only need listening and speaking.
  • Retakes. TEF lets you sit again after 20 days, TCF after 30, which matters with a deadline.
  • Score entry. For TEF Canada, IRCC wants the “Équivalence ancien score” column in your profile.

So which one?

Neither is “easier” on paper: both measure the same CEFR levels and IRCC converts both to NCLC. Pick on practical grounds: which centre near you has a date before your deadline, which writing and speaking format suits you, and whether you need only listening and speaking for citizenship. Look at both lists: TEF Canada centres and TCF Canada centres.

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

+Is TEF or TCF easier?

Neither officially. Both report CEFR levels that IRCC converts to NCLC. The formats differ, so try practice for each and pick the one that suits you and has a date that works.

+Does IRCC prefer TEF Canada or TCF Canada?

No. IRCC lists both as accepted French tests for Express Entry and citizenship.

+Which test is shorter for citizenship?

TEF Canada has a citizenship version with only listening and speaking. TCF Canada has four compulsory tests.

Sources

Updated October 26, 2026. Not affiliated with CCI Paris Île-de-France (TEF), France Éducation international (TCF) or IRCC.

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