Guide · TEF Canada format

TEF Canada format explained, part by part

Updated October 30, 2026 · 6 min read

The TEF Canada has four parts: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Each one is scored on its own, and IRCC converts each score to an NCLC level separately. Knowing exactly what each part asks of you, and how long you get, is the easiest way to stop losing points to the clock.

The four parts at a glance

Sources: Le français des affaires, 2026 TEF centre handbook, its official writing and speaking samples, and Digischool (September 2026).

Listening

You answer 40 questions in 40 minutes, on a computer. The recordings are everyday French: announcements, conversations, radio. Since the December 2023 update, the audio leans more on real-life situations and francophone news, including a radio broadcast.

One rule matters a lot: in listening, you can't go back to a previous activity. Once you move on, that question is closed.

Reading

Reading is also 40 questions, but you get 60 minutes, and you can move through the questions at your own pace. The 2023 update removed some older question types, such as putting passages in order, and added more short practical texts.

In both listening and reading, a right answer earns a point and a wrong or blank answer earns nothing. There is no penalty for guessing.

Writing

You have one hour, split into two timed sections. It is done on computer, with paper used only in exceptional cases.

Section A: continue a news story (25 minutes)

You get the start of a short news item, a fait divers, and you write what happens next. You need at least 80 words, in several paragraphs.

Section B: give your opinion (35 minutes)

You read a statement taken from a newspaper and write to the paper saying whether you agree, with reasons. You need at least 200 words and at least three developed arguments. Le français des affaires notes that a formal letterhead earns no extra points, so a simple opening line saves time.

Two trained graders mark each script on a standard grid. They look at how well you handle the task and organise your ideas, and at the range and accuracy of your vocabulary, grammar and spelling.

Speaking

Speaking lasts 15 minutes, face to face with an examiner, and is recorded so it can be marked by more than one grader. The handbook doesn't mention any separate preparation time.

Section A: obtain information (5 minutes)

You read an everyday ad, for a job, a service, housing or an activity, and "phone" to find out more. The examiner plays the person you called. The instructions ask for about ten questions, in a polite, formal conversation.

Section B: convince (10 minutes)

You present a document, such as an ad, to the examiner, who now plays a friend, and try to persuade them to take part. The tone is informal. Expect the examiner to push back, so you need to develop your arguments and answer objections.

How scoring works

Each part gets its own score from 0 to 699, which also places you on the European CEFR scale (A1 to C2). IRCC then converts each part to an NCLC level. To meet a requirement such as NCLC 7, every part has to reach that level on its own.

The conversion has changed over time. The TEF Canada scale changed in October 2019 and again on December 10, 2023, so IRCC publishes a separate table for each period. Here is the NCLC 7 row for tests taken after December 10, 2023:

Source: IRCC language test equivalency charts, checked October 30, 2026.

There is an important detail for Express Entry. Your statement of results shows a "Score / 699" column and an "Équivalence ancien score" column. IRCC says Express Entry profiles must use only the "Équivalence ancien score" column, whatever your test date, and that entering the /699 scores may give a wrong NCLC level. IRCC also notes a temporary scoring change for tests taken between December 11, 2023 and May 6, 2024, which was later reverted. Check IRCC's language test page for the current instructions. To see what a given score means in NCLC terms, try the free converter on our tools page.

Did anything change in 2025 or 2026?

The last format change for TEF Canada was the December 2023 update to listening and reading: fewer questions, the same time, and more authentic content. Writing and speaking were not changed. The 2026 centre handbook and recent guides describe the same format, and we found no announced format change for 2025 or 2026. Formats can change, so confirm with your test centre when you book.

Practical tips

• Answer every multiple-choice question, since a blank scores the same as a wrong answer.
• In listening, commit to an answer before moving on, because you can't go back.
• In writing, practise hitting 80 and 200 words inside 25 and 35 minutes. Leave a few minutes to reread for agreement and verb endings.
• For speaking section A, prepare a mental list of question types: price, schedule, place, conditions. For section B, practise answering objections, not just listing reasons.
• Bring a valid passport or photo ID with your signature, plus your notice to attend. A photo is taken on the day.

Results and retakes

Results are usually available on the candidate portal about two to three weeks after the session, and the certificate is sent by email. TEF results are valid for two years. For Express Entry, IRCC says they must be less than two years old both when you create your profile and when you apply for permanent residence. If you want to retake a part, you must wait at least 20 days before taking the same part again.

Still deciding between tests? Our TCF Canada vs TEF Canada guide compares the two side by side. For why NCLC 7 matters, see CRS points for French at NCLC 7.

Sources

• Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France): 2026 TEF test centre handbook
• Le français des affaires: TEF written expression sample
• Le français des affaires: TEF oral expression sample
• Le français des affaires: Prepare for the TEF oral expression test
• Le français des affaires: Section B of the TEF written expression
• Le français des affaires: TEF changes (2023)
• IRCC: Language test equivalency charts
• IRCC: Express Entry language test results (modified October 16, 2026)
• Digischool: Le TEF, format et épreuves (September 2026)

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