Guide · Choosing your exam

TCF Canada or TEF Canada: which one should you take?

Updated October 22, 2026 · 7 min read

IRCC accepts both tests for Express Entry and converts both to the same NCLC levels. Neither is "easier" overall: the right choice depends on which format suits you and which test you can book soonest.

Short answerPick the TCF Canada if you prefer three shorter writing and speaking tasks. Pick the TEF Canada if you're comfortable writing a longer argument and persuading someone out loud. If both suit you, book whichever has the earliest date near you. Results from either are valid for two years.

The two formats side by side

Both tests have the same four parts. The differences are in how many questions or tasks each part has, and how long you get.

Part	TCF Canada	TEF Canada
Listening	39 questions · 35 min	40 questions · 40 min
Reading	39 questions · 60 min	40 questions · 60 min
Writing	3 tasks · 60 min	2 sections · 60 min: continue a news article (at least 80 words), then give and defend your opinion (at least 200 words)
Speaking	3 tasks · 12 min	2 sections · 15 min: ask for information (5 min), then argue to convince (10 min)
Scoring	Listening and reading out of 699; writing and speaking out of 20	All four parts out of 699
Results valid	2 years	2 years

Formats from Alliance Française Ottawa (TCF Canada) and Digischool (TEF Canada, updated September 2026). Always check the details with your test centre when you book.

What score do you need for NCLC 7?

NCLC 7 is the level that unlocks the extra French points in Express Entry and the French-language draws. You need it in all four skills, not on average. These are IRCC's minimum scores for NCLC 7:

Skill	TCF Canada	TEF Canada (tests after Dec 10, 2023)
Reading	453 / 699	434 / 699
Listening	458 / 699	434 / 699
Writing	10 / 20	428 / 699
Speaking	10 / 20	456 / 699

Source: IRCC language test equivalency charts. The TEF Canada scale changed in October 2019 and again on December 10, 2023, so IRCC publishes a different table for each period. Use the one that matches your test date, and follow IRCC's instructions on which score to enter in your profile.

The numbers aren't directly comparable between the two tests, since each has its own scale. Don't pick a test because its NCLC 7 score "looks lower".

How to choose

Look at the writing

The TCF splits writing into three tasks that grow in difficulty, from a short practical message up to comparing two points of view. The TEF asks for two longer pieces, and the second needs at least 200 words of argument. If long, structured writing is your weak spot, the TCF's shorter tasks may feel more manageable. If you write fluently once you get going, the TEF gives you room to show it.

Look at the speaking

The TCF speaking test lasts 12 minutes across three tasks: a guided conversation about yourself, a role-play where you ask the questions, and giving your opinion on a topic. The TEF's 15 minutes are two role-plays: first you gather information, then you have 10 minutes to convince the examiner. If you're good at persuading and handling objections, the TEF suits you. If you prefer variety and shorter turns, the TCF does.

Look at the calendar

In practice, availability decides for many people. Test centres in Canada often fill up weeks ahead, so check dates for both tests before committing. If you need to retake a skill, the TEF requires a wait of at least 20 days before you can redo the same part (McGill). Ask your TCF centre about its rules.

Then prepare for the format, not just the language

Your French level is what gets you to NCLC 7, but knowing the format is what stops you losing points to the clock. In the last six to eight weeks, do timed mock exams in the exact format of the test you booked.

Francora prepares you for both. Every chapter ends with practice in the TCF and TEF format, and the mock exams follow the real timing. Your first chapters are free.

Open the app

Sources

Francora is an independent course, not affiliated with France Éducation international, CCI Paris Île-de-France or IRCC. This guide is general information, not immigration advice.