If you’re preparing for the TEF Canada exam, one of the most effective ways to feel confident on test day is knowing exactly what’s ahead. Whether you’re applying for Permanent Residency, a study/work permit, or Canadian citizenship, the TEF Canada is a key step for proving your French proficiency.
In this blog post, we’ll cover:
What the TEF Canada exam includes
The structure and tips for each section
What CLB level you need (and what that means)
Access to TEF Canada sample test to help you practice like it’s the real thing
The TEF Canada (Test d’Évaluation de Français) is one of two French language exams accepted by IRCC (the other being TCF Canada). It’s designed to measure your ability to understand and use French in everyday contexts across four skills:
Listening (Compréhension orale)
Reading (Compréhension écrite)
Speaking (Expression orale)
Writing (Expression écrite)
You must take all four sections on the same day, and results are valid for 2 years.
➡️ Not sure whether to take the TEF or TCF? Check out our full comparison guide here: TEF vs TCF: Which French Exam Should You Take for Canadian PR?
40 minutes | 40 multiple-choice questions
Real-life audio scenarios: conversations, announcements, interviews
Accents may vary (Quebec, France, etc.)
One correct answer per question
Tips:
Always answer (no penalty for wrong answers)
Read questions before the audio starts
Don’t panic if you miss one—focus on keywords and move on
60 minutes | 40 questions
Text types include ads, formal letters, press articles, visuals, and more
Each question has four options; only one is correct
Tips:
Read the question options before the passage
Skim for main ideas, then read again for details
Manage your time: don’t get stuck on one question
15 minutes | 2 parts
Task 1: Ask ~10 questions based on an informational ad (formal “vous”)
Task 2: Convince a friend about something (informal “tu”)
Tips:
Practice asking and answering aloud
Focus on clarity, fluency, and tone
Don’t memorize scripts—sound natural and structured
60 minutes | 2 tasks
Task 1: Continue a short news article (80–150 words)
Task 2: Write an argumentative letter (200+ words)
Tips:
Don’t copy the prompt—add new information
Use paragraph structure and linking words
Leave time to review your grammar and spelling
IRCC converts your TEF Canada scores into CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks). The CLB you need depends on your immigration pathway.
📌 You can always refer to the official IRCC chart for the most updated information:
Official Language Testing Conversion Table – Government of Canada
If you’d prefer a walkthrough in video format, you’re in luck!
Aurélie walks you through each section of the TEF Canada exam using the official presentation we use during our live info sessions with prospective students. In this video, she explains:
What each section involves
Tips to manage time and anxiety
What IRCC is really looking for in your answers
Real-life advice from her years of experience preparing students for TEF
👉 Watch the video below to get expert insight into what the TEF exam actually feels like, before you even book it.
It includes 4 sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. All sections are mandatory and must be completed the same day.
Use official practice materials, sample tests, and take mock exams under timed conditions. Listening to French audio and reading a variety of texts daily also helps.
2 years.
Typically within 2 to 4 weeks.
Yes, but there’s a 30-day waiting period between attempts.
Right here below ⬇️
At Learn French in Vancouver, we offer two dedicated programs:
📚 Beginner Track (12 months): Ideal for students starting from scratch who need to build foundational French before diving into exam prep.
🔄 Intermediate Track (6 months): Designed for students at B1+ level who need to sharpen their skills and reach CLB 7+.
Our approach includes personalized feedback, exam simulations, and small-group speaking workshops to help you gain confidence.
For more prep strategies, check out our related blogs:
Want to practice with real TEF Canada sample test materials? We’ve curated three high-quality resources to help you get started:
🟦 Reading Practice (Official sample)
🟪 Listening Practice (Official simulation)
🟩 Speaking Simulation (YouTube video by official partner PrepMyTEF)
Have questions about the TEF exam or our French courses? Join us every Thursday from 6 to 7 PM for a live Q&A session. Get all your questions answered directly by our experienced instructors. Click the button below to sign up and receive the link to join.
