TEF Canada: Complete Guide & Practice Tests
Everything you need to know about the Test d'évaluation de français Canada — format, scoring, CLB conversion, and how to prepare effectively.
What is TEF Canada?
The Test d'évaluation de français Canada (TEF Canada) is an official French-language proficiency exam administered by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie Paris Île-de-France (CCI Paris IDF). Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts TEF Canada results for:
- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), including French-speaking streams
- Canadian citizenship applications
- Permanent residence under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (TEF Québec variant)
Exam format & timing
TEF Canada evaluates four skills. You can take all four or any subset — but for most immigration purposes, all four are required.
| Section | Questions | Time | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (Compréhension orale) | 60 | 40 min | Multiple choice |
| Reading (Compréhension écrite) | 50 | 60 min | Multiple choice |
| Writing (Expression écrite) | 2 tasks | 60 min | Short message + argumentative text |
| Speaking (Expression orale) | 2 tasks | ~15 min | Information exchange + persuasion |
Scoring & CLB conversion
Each section is scored on its own scale. IRCC converts raw TEF scores into Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). Here are the current conversion thresholds:
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | 316–360 | 263–300 | 393–450 | 393–450 |
| CLB 9 | 298–315 | 248–262 | 371–392 | 371–392 |
| CLB 8 | 280–297 | 233–247 | 349–370 | 349–370 |
| CLB 7 | 249–279 | 207–232 | 310–348 | 310–348 |
| CLB 6 | 217–248 | 181–206 | 271–309 | 271–309 |
| CLB 5 | 181–216 | 151–180 | 226–270 | 226–270 |
| CLB 4 | 145–180 | 121–150 | 181–225 | 181–225 |
Section-by-section breakdown
Listening — 60 questions in 40 minutes
Short audio clips (news, conversations, announcements, voicemails) with one multiple-choice question each. Audio plays only once; no replays. Difficulty ramps through the section.
Top tip: Read the options before the audio starts — you'll catch key words faster.
Reading — 50 questions in 60 minutes
Mixed text types: emails, articles, forum posts, advertisements. Questions test literal comprehension, inference, and vocabulary in context.
Top tip: Skim the question before reading the passage. Mark unfamiliar words but don't let them stall your pace.
Writing — 2 tasks in 60 minutes
Task 1 (Section A): rewrite a news story as a short message (~80 words). Tests text-restitution and register control.
Task 2 (Section B): write an argumentative text (~200 words) supporting or opposing a position. Tests structure, connectors, and lexical range.
Speaking — 2 tasks in ~15 minutes
Task 1: obtain information from an examiner playing a role (5 min). Task 2: persuade the examiner to change position (10 min). Both are scored on fluency, pronunciation, grammar, and pragmatic appropriateness.
4-week study plan
- Week 1 — Diagnostic. Take one full mock test under exam conditions. Note which section is weakest.
- Week 2 — Listening + Reading. 30 minutes of focused practice daily. Review every wrong answer.
- Week 3 — Writing + Speaking. One writing task per day, two speaking prompts. Self-record speaking responses and critique transcription.
- Week 4 — Timed mocks. Two full timed exams. On the last 3 days, light review only — no cramming.
Ready to start?
Take a free TEF Canada mock test — same format, AI-evaluated writing & speaking.
Start Free Mock TestFrequently asked questions
How long is the TEF Canada exam?
About 2 hours 55 minutes total across all four sections. You can schedule them together or split across days depending on test centre policy.
What TEF score do I need for Express Entry?
CLB 7 on all four skills is the minimum to claim French points (249 listening, 207 reading, 310 writing, 310 speaking). CLB 9 gives the highest CRS boost.
How much does the TEF Canada cost?
CAD $300–$400 at most centres. Check your local accredited test centre — prices vary by country and by whether you take all four sections together.
How long are TEF Canada results valid?
2 years from the test date for IRCC applications.
Should I take TEF or TCF Canada?
Both are accepted by IRCC and convert to the same CLB levels. Read our detailed comparison for help choosing.