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TEF Canada: Format, Scoring and How to Prepare
TEF Canada is a French test run by Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France). It has four modules: listening, reading, writing and speaking. IRCC accepts it for Express Entry and converts each module score to an NCLC level. Results must be less than 2 years old.
- Organiser
- Le français des affaires, CCI Paris Île-de-France
- Modules
- Listening, reading, writing, speaking
- Used for
- Express Entry and other IRCC programs
- Results
- Converted to NCLC, one level per skill
- Validity
- Less than 2 years old for Express Entry
What is TEF Canada?
TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français pour le Canada) is a French test designed for Canadian immigration and citizenship. It is developed by Le français des affaires, the French-language assessment arm of the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Paris Île-de-France).
IRCC accepts TEF Canada for Express Entry. The other accepted French test is TCF Canada. For the bigger picture, read our guide to French for Canada PR.
What is the TEF Canada format?
For immigration, you take all four modules. Each one is scored separately.
- Compréhension orale (listening): you hear recordings, from short announcements to longer conversations and interviews, and answer questions.
- Compréhension écrite (reading): you read texts such as notices, emails and articles, and answer questions on meaning and detail.
- Expression écrite (writing): you write in response to set tasks, for example continuing a short news story and writing a reasoned opinion.
- Expression orale (speaking): a face-to-face exchange with an examiner. Typically you ask questions to get information and then try to persuade the examiner.
Listening and reading test understanding under time. Writing and speaking are marked by trained examiners against set criteria. Timings and task counts are set by the organiser, so check the official TEF Canada page for the current format before you book.
How is TEF Canada scored, and how does it relate to NCLC?
Each module gets its own score. IRCC then converts each score to an NCLC level using its official equivalency chart.
So a TEF Canada result is really four NCLC levels, one per skill. For the additional French CRS points, IRCC looks for NCLC 7 or higher in all four. A high reading score cannot make up for a low speaking score.
We do not reprint the conversion table here, because IRCC can update it. Use the official chart linked below. To understand what each level means in practice, see NCLC 7, 9 and 10 explained.
How long are TEF Canada results valid?
For Express Entry, your TEF Canada result must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you submit your application. If your result will expire before you apply, plan a retake early.
How do you prepare for TEF Canada?
Build general French to around B1 first, then train for the test's tasks. Most lost marks come from speaking and writing, so give them the most practice.
- Know your level. A trainer's check tells you how far you are from NCLC 7 in each skill.
- Listen daily. French radio, podcasts and news train your ear for real speed and accents.
- Write to the task. Practise the news-story and opinion styles, and get each piece marked.
- Rehearse the speaking tasks. Practise asking questions naturally and arguing a point with an examiner.
- Take timed mocks. Work under the real time limits so nothing surprises you on test day.
Still deciding on the test? Read how TEF Canada compares with TCF Canada.
What mistakes cost marks in TEF Canada?
- Reading the question too fast. Many wrong answers are traps built on a word you recognised.
- Memorised speaking answers. Examiners notice. They want a natural exchange, not a speech.
- Weak structure in writing. An opinion without clear arguments and examples scores low even with good grammar.
- Uneven preparation. Since the CRS bonus needs NCLC 7 in every skill, one weak module can undo the rest.
How PrepEve prepares you for TEF Canada
We prepare you for TEF Canada in live online classes. First we build your French, then we train you on the test.
- Task-by-task practice for all four modules, under real timing.
- Speaking rehearsals with a trainer, so the examiner exchange feels familiar.
- Marked writing against the criteria examiners use.
- Morning, evening and weekend batches, with every class recorded.
PrepEve has taught French to 6,000+ students. Fees depend on your level and batch: ask us on WhatsApp, or see our French coaching.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs TEF Canada?
Is TEF Canada accepted for Express Entry?
What are the four TEF Canada modules?
What TEF Canada score do I need for NCLC 7?
How long is a TEF Canada result valid for Express Entry?
Is TEF Canada easier than TCF Canada?
PrepEve provides language coaching, not immigration advice. For your own case, rely on IRCC or a licensed professional.
Get a plan for your TEF Canada score
Book a free French class. A trainer checks your level in each skill and tells you what to fix first.