TEF Canada vs. TCF Canada: The Complete Guide

If you're applying for Canadian immigration, you need to prove your French proficiency. That means taking either the TEF Canada (Test d'Évaluation de Français) or the TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français).

Both are accepted by IRCC. Both can get you to NCLC 7. But they are not the same.

This guide will help you choose the exam that fits your personality—so you can score higher, faster.

Quick Comparison Table

The Speaking Section: Where Most People Win or Lose

TEF Speaking (15 minutes)

You get 2 role-play scenarios:

1. Formal interaction (e.g., calling about a job posting)
2. Informal interaction (e.g., convincing a friend to do something)

The scenarios are predictable. You can prepare templates (which we provide in our TEF/TCF Pack).

Best for: People who like structure. If you want to rehearse scripts and reduce surprises, TEF speaking is easier to game.

TCF Speaking (15 minutes)

You get 3 tasks with increasing difficulty:

1. Interview (simple questions about yourself)
2. Interaction (role-play, similar to TEF)
3. Monologue (express an opinion on an abstract topic for 2 minutes)

The third task is the killer. You're given a random prompt like "Should children be taught philosophy in school?" and you have to speak for 2 minutes with no preparation.

Best for: Creative, spontaneous speakers. If you can think on your feet and enjoy debating, TCF rewards improvisation.

The Writing Section: Structure vs. Creativity

TEF Writing (45 minutes)

1. Report a problem (formal letter or email, ~80 words)
2. Argumentation (essay defending a position, ~200 words)

The prompts are practical and immigration-relevant: housing complaints, job applications, civic issues.

Best for: People who want clear templates. The Fait Divers and Argumentation structures are well-documented.

TCF Writing (60 minutes)

1. Task 1: Short message (~60 words)
2. Task 2: Article or formal letter (~120 words)
3. Task 3: Essay comparing viewpoints (~180+ words)

The third task asks you to synthesize two opposing opinions and give your own perspective.

Best for: Writers who enjoy nuance. If you can smoothly say "On one hand... on the other hand..." you'll thrive.

The Listening & Reading Sections

Both exams test similar skills, but the format differs.

TEF Listening

• 40 questions in 40 minutes
• Audio plays twice for most clips
• Includes phone messages, announcements, dialogues

TCF Listening

• 29 questions in 35 minutes
• Audio plays once
• Faster pace, requires sharper focus

Verdict: TEF is slightly easier because you hear things twice.

TEF Reading

• 50 questions in 60 minutes
• Includes classified ads, emails, articles
• Heavy on scanning and speed reading

TCF Reading

• 29 questions in 45 minutes
• More varied text types
• Fewer questions but trickier traps

Verdict: TCF reading feels "harder" but has fewer questions to manage.

Which Exam Should You Take?

Choose TEF if:

• ✅ You prefer structure and predictability
• ✅ You want to memorize scripts and templates
• ✅ You want faster results (2 weeks vs. 4 weeks)
• ✅ Listening is your weak point (double playback helps)

Choose TCF if:

• ✅ You're a confident improviser
• ✅ You enjoy creative writing and debate
• ✅ You don't want the pressure of 50 reading questions
• ✅ You're already comfortable with French media (podcasts, news)

The "Combo Strategy" (Advanced)

Some candidates take both exams in the same month. Why?

IRCC only cares about your highest score per skill. If you bomb Speaking on TEF but nail it on TCF, you can submit the better result for each section.

This costs $700+ but can save you from a retake (and further preparation costs) if one exam goes badly.

Conclusion: It's About Style, Not Difficulty

Neither exam is objectively "easier." The right choice depends on how your brain works.

• Introverts and planners → TEF
• Extroverts and debaters → TCF

Pick one. Commit. And start training today.

Ready to start? Take our Free Assessment to see where you stand.