Are you planning to immigrate to Canada or seeking permanent residency (PR)? One of the best ways to boost your chances is by demonstrating proficiency in one of the country’s official languages—English or French. For those wanting to highlight their French language skills, two commonly accepted exams are the TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) and TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français). While both exams are approved by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), they differ in structure, format, purpose, and flexibility.
Whether you’re applying through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or the Atlantic Immigration Program, choosing the right exam can make a big difference in your immigration journey.
Quick Overview of TCF and TEF
TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français)
The TCF is managed by France Éducation International and is designed to evaluate general French language proficiency for various purposes, including academic, professional, and immigration needs. Here’s what you should know about the TCF:
- Computer-Based: TCF Canada is available in a computer-based format, which makes it accessible to candidates in various locations.
- No Prerequisites: Candidates aged 16 and older can take the test with no prior requirements.
- Retake Policy: You can retake the TCF multiple times, but there must be at least a 30-day gap between attempts.
- Proficiency Scale: The TCF assesses language proficiency across six levels, ranging from A1 to C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
TCF Test Sections:
- Listening: 39 multiple-choice questions (35 minutes)
- Reading: 39 multiple-choice questions (60 minutes)
- Writing: 3 exercises (60 minutes)
- Speaking: One-on-one verbal interview (12 minutes)
Cost: The TCF Canada exam costs around CAD $390.
Results: An electronic certificate is issued within two weeks of taking the test.
TEF Canada (Test d’Évaluation de Français)
The TEF is administered by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris (CCIP) and is more versatile in terms of its applications. It can be used for immigration to both Canada and Quebec (TEF Québec) and is recognized in France and other French-speaking countries.
TEF Test Sections:
- Listening: Multiple-choice questions (40 minutes)
- Reading: Multiple-choice questions (60 minutes)
- Writing: Structured exercises (60 minutes)
- Speaking: Oral interview with an examiner (15 minutes)
Cost: The TEF Canada exam costs between CAD $300 to $400.
Results: Like the TCF, TEF results are converted into NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) levels, corresponding to A1 to C2 on the CEFR scale.
NCLC Levels for TCF and TEF
The NCLC scale is used by Canadian immigration to evaluate your proficiency in French. Below is a breakdown of the NCLC levels for speaking, listening, reading, and writing as they relate to the TEF and TCF:
| NCLC Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 263-300 | 393-450 | 316-360 | 393-450 |
| 9 | 248-262 | 371-392 | 298-315 | 371-392 |
| 8 | 233-247 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 349-370 |
| 7 | 207-232 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 310-348 |
| 6 | 181-206 | 271-309 | 217-248 | 271-309 |
| 5 | 151-180 | 226-270 | 181-216 | 226-270 |
| 4 | 121-150 | 181-225 | 145-180 | 181-225 |
How to Choose Between TCF and TEF?
Both exams are widely accepted for Canadian immigration, but they have key differences that could help you decide which one is better suited to your situation.
| Aspect | TCF Canada | TEF Canada |
| Managing Organization | France Éducation International | Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris (CCIP) |
| Purpose | General assessment of French proficiency | Evaluation of French for immigration, business, etc. |
| Accepted For | Canada (TCF Canada), France, and other French-speaking countries | Canada (TEF Canada), Quebec (TEF Québec), France, and others |
| Test Sections | 4 sections: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing | 4 sections: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing |
| Flexibility | All sections must be completed in one sitting | Sections can be taken separately and retaken individually |
| Scoring | Raw scores converted to NCLC (A1 to C2 of CEFR) | Raw scores converted to NCLC (A1 to C2 of CEFR) |
| Test Duration | Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes | Approximately 3 hours 10 minutes |
| Cost (CAD) | $390 | $300-$400 |
| Test Availability | Fewer locations worldwide | More widely available worldwide |
| Recommended For | Those preferring a shorter, adaptive test | Those seeking flexibility in retaking sections or applying to Quebec |
Final Thoughts: Which Test is Right for You?
When deciding between the TCF Canada and TEF Canada, consider your personal needs:
- Choose TCF Canada if you prefer a more straightforward, adaptive test that evaluates your overall French proficiency in a single sitting.
- Choose TEF Canada if you want more flexibility in retaking individual sections or if you plan to use your scores for Quebec immigration or other professional purposes.
Both exams are valid for Canadian immigration purposes, but understanding the differences will help you choose the one that aligns better with your goals and needs.
By demonstrating your French proficiency through either the TCF or TEF, you’ll open up more immigration opportunities and improve your chances of succeeding in your Canadian journey.