# TEF Canada vs TCF Canada > TEF Canada vs TCF Canada side by side from the official formats: question counts, timing, scoring, retake waits, citizenship tests and results timing. Canonical: https://frenchtestcanada.ca/vs/tef-vs-tcf Last updated: 2026-10-26 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 Canada | TCF Canada | | --- | --- | --- | | Run by | CCI Paris Île-de-France | France Éducation international | | Reading | 40 questions, 60 minutes | 39 items, 60 minutes | | Listening | 40 questions, 40 minutes, no going back | 39 items, 35 minutes | | Writing | 2 sections, 60 minutes (80+ and 200+ words) | 3 tasks, 60 minutes (min and max word count each) | | Speaking | 2 sections, 15 minutes | 3 tasks, 12 minutes | | Scores | 0–699 per test, with CEFR and NCLC | 100–699 (comprehension), /20 (writing, speaking) | | Citizenship | Listening + speaking only | All four tests (no exemptions) | | Wait to retake | 20 days | 30 days | | Results | 1 to 10 business days, digital certificate | Ask your centre | | Validity | 2 years | 2 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](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/tef-canada-test-centres) and [TCF Canada centres](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/tcf-canada-test-centres). 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 ### 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 - [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: understanding your results (Le français des affaires)](https://www.lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/en/candidate/test-evaluation-francais/tef-canada/results/) (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: learn more (Le français des affaires, CCI Paris Île-de-France)](https://www.lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/en/candidate/test-evaluation-francais/tef-canada/presentation/) (checked 2026-10-26) - [TCF Canada: épreuves obligatoires (France Éducation international)](https://www.france-education-international.fr/en/document/presentationtcfcanada-en) (checked 2026-10-26) - [Lettre Diplômes et tests no 4, mars 2022: 39 items en compréhension (France Éducation international)](https://www.france-education-international.fr/sources/lettre-dec-diplomes-tests/2022/Mars/n4-actualite-diplomes-tests.html) (checked 2026-10-26) - [Déroulement d’une passation du TCF (France Éducation international)](https://www.france-education-international.fr/en/node/199?langue=en) (checked 2026-10-26) - [Comprendre mes résultats au TCF (France Éducation international)](https://www.france-education-international.fr/en/node/752?langue=en) (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 - [TEF Canada: the complete guide](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/tef-canada) - [TCF Canada: the complete guide](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/tcf-canada) - [TEF Canada practice test: compréhension écrite](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/tef-canada-practice-test) - [TCF Canada practice test: compréhension écrite](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/tcf-canada-practice-test) - [TEF Canada vs CELPIP: the French route or the English route](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/vs/tef-canada-vs-celpip)