Difference between TEF and TCF French Exam

If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada and need to prove your French proficiency, you’re likely choosing between TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Both are approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and serve similar purposes—but they’re not the same.

In this article, we’ll break down the TEF vs TCF debate, highlighting the differences in test structure, difficulty, scoring, purpose, and more—so you can make the best decision for your immigration or study goals in Canada.

What Are TEF and TCF?

The Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) and the Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) are two standardized French language tests recognized worldwide. For Canada, specific versions of these tests—TEF Canada and TCF Canada—are accepted as proof of French proficiency by IRCC.

Why Are These Exams Important for Canadian Immigration?

If you’re applying for:

Express Entry
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canadian Citizenship

then TEF Canada or TCF Canada can significantly boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, especially under the additional points for French section. In fact, a high score in either test can add up to 50 extra CRS points.

TEF vs TCF Canada: Key Differences

Let’s break down the main differences between TEF and TCF Canada in terms of:

Feature	TEF Canada	TCF Canada
Administered by	CCI Paris Île-de-France	France Éducation International
Recognition	Immigration, citizenship, and academic purposes	Immigration, citizenship, and academic purposes
Test Type	Combination of multiple choice + open-ended questions	Primarily multiple choice
Speaking	2 open-ended tasks (15 mins)	3 structured tasks (12 mins)
Writing	2 tasks (60 mins)	3 tasks (60 mins)
Listening	40 questions – 40 mins	39 questions – 35 mins
Reading	40 questions – 60 mins	39 questions – 60 mins
Validity	2 years	2 years

Test Format Comparison

Listening Section

TEF: 40 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes
TCF: 39 multiple-choice questions in 35 minutes
✅ Both test your understanding of conversations, announcements, and spoken interactions.

Reading Section

TEF: 40 questions in 60 minutes
TCF: 39 questions in 60 minutes
✅ Both evaluate your ability to understand texts like advertisements, news, and academic articles.

Speaking Section

TEF: 2 open-ended tasks with an examiner (15 mins total)
TCF: 3 structured oral tasks (12 mins total)
✅ TEF demands more structured, spontaneous speaking. TCF offers more guided questions.

Writing Section

TEF: 2 writing tasks (60 mins)
TCF: 3 writing tasks (60 mins)
✅ TEF focuses on elaborated responses. TCF assesses broader writing formats—emails, notes, and formal letters.

Scoring: TEF vs TCF

Both tests use the CEFR scale (A1 to C2), but scoring is reported differently.

TEF Canada: You get individual scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
TCF Canada: You get individual scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Advantages:

TEF is better if you want to highlight strengths in specific skills.
TCF might feel easier to manage for those who prefer a simplified score.

Which One Is Easier TEF or TCF Canada?

The answer depends on your personal strengths:

You may find TEF easier if:	You may find TCF easier if:
You’re confident in open-ended writing & speaking	You prefer multiple-choice questions
You want detailed scores for each skill	You want a holistic score
You’re strong in spontaneous speaking	You want more structured tasks

There’s no one-size-fits-all. TCF is considered more beginner-friendly, while TEF may reward advanced speakers more clearly.

TEF vs TCF for Immigration to Canada

Both exams are accepted by IRCC. But here’s how to choose:

Check program requirements: Some immigration streams or provinces specifically prefer TEF.
Evaluate availability: Depending on your location, one test may be more accessible than the other.

Review your skill set: If you’re confident in spontaneous production, TEF is ideal. If you’re better with multiple-choice, go for TCF.

How to Register for TEF or TCF Canada?

Choose the Right Test Version: Make sure you register for TEF Canada or TCF Canada, not the general versions.
Check Dates & Fees: Availability may vary by country and center.
Register Early: Seats fill quickly—especially in major Canadian cities.

Prepare Well: Use sample papers, mock tests, and official prep guides. Consider joining preparation groups or online courses.

Summary: TEF vs TCF – What Should You Choose?

Criteria	Best Choice
Immigration to Canada	Either (Both accepted by IRCC)
Detailed score breakdown	TEF
Simple test format	TCF
Better for spontaneous speakers/writers	TEF
Prefer multiple-choice structure	TCF
French citizenship	Either, depending on version
University admission in France/Canada	Depends on institution

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose TEF or TCF, your goal is the same—demonstrating your ability to function in French for Canadian immigration or academic purposes.

Both tests are valuable, but your choice should align with:

Your personal comfort with open-ended tasks
Your target immigration program
Your test-taking strengths

Take time to prepare, choose the test that plays to your strengths, and book your exam at a certified center. Either path can open doors to your Canadian dream.

FAQs

Is TEF easier than TCF?
➡ It depends. If you prefer open-ended tasks and want section-specific scores, TEF may suit you. TCF is more structured and fully multiple-choice.
Which is more accepted: TEF or TCF?
➡ Both are equally accepted by IRCC for Canadian immigration.
Can I use TEF or TCF for Canadian citizenship?
➡ Yes. TEF Canada and TCF Canada are both accepted for citizenship and immigration.
How long are TEF and TCF scores valid?
➡ Both are valid for two years from the test date.