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Canada · French test

TCF vs TEF Canada: the differences

IRCC accepts either one for Express Entry and citizenship, and both convert to the same NCLC levels, so TCF vs TEF comes down to format, dates and price. The real differences are in writing and speaking: TCF Canada has three shorter tasks in each, and TEF Canada two longer ones. TEF Canada also has a cheaper two-test version for citizenship. IRCC treats both the same, and CCI doesn’t compare them.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

TCF vs TEF side by side

TCF CanadaTEF Canada
Run byFrance Éducation internationalCCI Paris Île-de-France (Le français des affaires)
Listening39 questions, 35 minutes40 questions, 40 minutes
Reading39 questions, 60 minutes40 questions, 1 hour
Writing3 tasks, 60 minutes2 sections, 1 hour
Speaking3 tasks, about 12 minutes2 role-plays, 15 minutes
Scores0-699 listening and reading, 0-20 writing and speaking0-699 per test; IRCC uses the Équivalence ancien score
On a computer?Depends on the centreYes, except speaking
Citizenship-only versionNot at Alliance Française de Toronto, which sells the full exam onlyYes, listening and speaking
Wait before a retake20 days at Alliance Française de Toronto, Calgary and Victoria; 30 at Centre Yves-Thériault20 days (CCI); 30 or 60 at some centres
Full exam format →Score charts →

Is TEF or TCF easier?

There’s no official answer. IRCC treats both tests the same, CCI doesn’t compare them, and the raw scores on IRCC’s two charts sit on different scales, so the numbers don’t show which is harder.

What you can compare is how each feels to you. In TEF Canada listening, each recording plays once and you can’t go back. The TCF speaking test packs three tasks into about 12 minutes, while TEF Canada gives you two longer role-plays. Try the free samples for both and see which suits you.

Free official samples →

Which one should you take?

  • For citizenship only: TEF Canada’s listening and speaking version costs less than a full test at the centres that list it.
  • For Express Entry: either works. Book whichever has a date near you before your profile deadline.
  • If dates are tight, check both tests at the centres near you.
Fees by centre →Centres by city →

DELF, TEFAQ and TCF Quebec

IRCC’s Express Entry list names only TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French, so DELF and DALF diplomas don’t count there. TEFAQ and TCF Quebec are versions for Quebec’s own immigration process.

TCF Quebec and TEFAQ →
Sources: IRCC · Le français des affaires · Alliance Française de Toronto and 12 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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