TEF vs TCF Canada: which French exam should you take?
Both are official, both are accepted by IRCC, and both map to the same CLB levels. The real differences are format, cost, and how they feel on test day.
The short answer
Head-to-head comparison
| TEF Canada | TCF Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Administrator | CCI Paris Île-de-France | France Éducation International |
| Total duration | ~2h55 | ~3h |
| Listening | 60 Q / 40 min | 39 Q / 35 min |
| Reading | 50 Q / 60 min | 39 Q / 60 min |
| Writing | 2 tasks / 60 min | 3 tasks / 60 min |
| Speaking | 2 tasks / ~15 min | 3 tasks / 12 min |
| Scoring scale | Per-section (e.g., 0–360 listening, 0–450 writing) | CO/CE 0–699; EE/EO 0–20 |
| Cost | CAD $300–400 | CAD $310–400 |
| Result validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Accepted by IRCC | Yes (all streams) | Yes (all streams) |
When each one wins
TEF Canada is better if…
- You prefer fewer, longer writing tasks (just 2)
- You want the fewest speaking prompts (2)
- Your nearest centre offers TEF more often
- You've already done TEF-style practice materials
TCF Canada is better if…
- You like shorter, more varied speaking tasks (3 short ones)
- You prefer clean 0–20 scoring for writing/speaking
- Your centre has earlier availability for TCF
- You're also applying via Quebec's Arrima (TCF is common there)
Difficulty: is one actually harder?
Both exams target the same CEFR scale, and IRCC's conversion tables are calibrated so a strong TEF candidate and a strong TCF candidate land at the same CLB. That said:
- TCF listening has a steeper difficulty ramp — the final 8–10 questions are what separate CLB 8 from CLB 10.
- TEF writing is more demanding per task: Section B requires a structured argumentative text of ~200 words in 40 minutes.
- TCF writing rewards short, focused responses (each task under 200 words) and explicit task-type awareness (message → article → argument).
- TEF speaking uses role-play more heavily (information-seeking in task 1, persuasion in task 2).
- TCF speaking is faster-paced (3 tasks in 12 minutes) and tests range as much as depth.
Cost and availability
Fees are roughly equivalent (CAD $300–$400). The bigger factor is centre availability in your region. In many countries, TCF Canada sessions fill up faster because France Éducation International has a wider test-centre network. In Canada itself, most Alliance Française centres offer both; Collège Boréal (Toronto) and Alliance Française Toronto tend to have more TEF dates.
Which one should you take? Decision tree
- Check availability at your 2 closest centres. If only one offers tests in your target window, pick that.
- Look at your weak skill. If writing stamina is your issue, TCF's 3 shorter tasks may be kinder. If fast-pivoting speaking is your issue, TEF's 2 longer tasks may be kinder.
- If all else is equal, take a practice mock of each and pick the one you scored higher on.
Still not sure?
Take a free mock of both — same format, AI-scored — and let your numbers pick the exam.
Start Free Mock TestFrequently asked questions
Does IRCC prefer TEF or TCF Canada?
No. IRCC accepts both equally. Your score is converted to CLB before CRS is calculated, so it doesn't matter which exam you took.
Which exam is easier?
Neither, on average. Candidates usually score within 1 CLB level of each other on both exams. Whichever exam format fits your stamina and style will feel easier.
Can I take both?
Yes. Some candidates take one, see where they lost points, then take the other. IRCC lets you submit either result — just use the stronger one.
Can I switch from TEF to TCF (or vice versa) after I register?
No — registration is per-exam. You'd need to cancel (partial refund depending on centre policy) and re-register.