OuiPR / TEF vs TCF Canada
TEF Canada vs TCF Canada: differences, scores and which to choose
IRCC accepts both tests for Express Entry and citizenship, and both results are valid for 2 years. What differs is the format: how much you write, how the speaking test works and how scores are reported.
Quick answer
- Both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are approved by IRCC for Express Entry, other immigration programs and citizenship.
- Neither is "easier" on paper: IRCC sets its own score table for each test, so NCLC 7 means the same French level in both.
- Choose by format and by test dates near you. If you write better in short texts, TCF Canada suits you; if you like developing one long argument, look at TEF Canada.
Format side by side
| 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 in 60 min: 60-120, 120-150 and 120-180 words | 2 tasks in 60 min: continue a news story (80+ words) and defend an opinion (200+ words) |
| Speaking | 3 tasks, 12 min with an examiner (2 min to prepare) | 2 tasks, 15 min: ask for information (5 min) and convince someone (10 min) |
| Writing and speaking scores | out of 20 | out of 699 |
| Run by | France Éducation international | Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France) |
Scores you need: TCF Canada
| NCLC | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 458-502 | 453-498 | 10-11 | 10-11 |
| 8 | 503-522 | 499-523 | 12-13 | 12-13 |
| 9 | 523-548 | 524-548 | 14-15 | 14-15 |
| 10 | 549-699 | 549-699 | 16-20 | 16-20 |
Scores you need: TEF Canada
| NCLC | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 434-461 | 434-461 | 428-471 | 456-493 |
| 8 | 462-502 | 462-502 | 472-511 | 494-517 |
| 9 | 503-545 | 503-545 | 512-557 | 518-555 |
| 10 | 546-699 | 546-699 | 558-699 | 556-699 |
TEF Canada scores are for tests taken after 10 December 2023. Source: IRCC equivalency tables, checked 15 October 2026. Always confirm on canada.ca before you apply.
Which one to choose
- Writing. TCF Canada asks for three shorter texts: a message, a story or article, and a short argument based on two documents. TEF Canada asks for two texts, and the second one needs at least 200 words of argument. If long texts make you lose control of grammar, three short tasks are safer.
- Speaking. TCF Canada is 12 minutes split into three short tasks. In TEF Canada you spend 10 minutes trying to convince the examiner, so you need to keep arguing under pressure.
- Dates and centres. In practice this often decides it: check which test has a free date before your Express Entry or citizenship deadline in your city.
- Fees. Each test centre sets its own price, so compare the two centres near you.
- Practice material. Train on the exact tasks of the test you book. The structure of the writing tasks is different, and practising the wrong format costs points.
Taking TCF Canada? Check your writing
OuiPR is built for TCF Canada writing Tasks 1, 2 and 3. Paste your text and get a score out of 20, your NCLC level and every mistake explained in English, Português, हिंदी or ਪੰਜਾਬੀ. 5 free checks a day, no sign-up.
Check my TCF writing freeQuestions
Is TEF or TCF Canada easier?
Neither is easier overall: IRCC converts each test to NCLC levels with its own table. The formats differ, so one may suit you better. TCF Canada has three shorter writing tasks and a 12-minute speaking test; TEF Canada has two longer writing tasks and a 15-minute speaking test.
Does IRCC accept both tests for Express Entry?
Yes. TEF Canada and TCF Canada are both approved French tests for Express Entry. Your results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply.
What score do I need for NCLC 7?
TCF Canada: 10 out of 20 in writing and speaking, 458 in listening and 453 in reading. TEF Canada (tests after 10 December 2023): 428 in writing, 456 in speaking, 434 in listening and 434 in reading.
Can I use TCF Canada or TEF Canada for citizenship?
Yes. For citizenship you need NCLC 4 in listening and speaking, and both tests are accepted as proof of French.
How long are TEF and TCF Canada results valid?
For IRCC, results are valid for 2 years from the date of the test results.