If you’re planning to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada, proving your proficiency in French can increase your chances, especially if you’re going through the Express Entry system, applying via Quebec or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or Canadian citizenship applications.
Two official French language proficiency tests are accepted by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for this purpose:
Both exams are valid, recognized by the Canadian government, and widely available. But they do have some important differences in structure, scoring, and student experience.
At Learn French in Vancouver, we help students prepare for both exams. Some of our students prefer the structure of the TEF, while others say the TCF feels more approachable. In this guide, we’ll help you understand TEF vs TCF and the key differences so you can choose the one that suits you best.
The TEF Canada is an international exam created by the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris (CCI Paris). It measures your French language skills in:
TEF uses a numeric scoring system (0–699), which maps to CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) levels. It is accepted by:
The TCF Canada exam was developed by France Éducation International, a part of the French Ministry of National Education. Like TEF, it evaluates the four core language skills and is also accepted by IRCC for immigration purposes.
Unlike the general or academic versions of TCF, TCF Canada is tailored for immigration and uses a combination of numeric and band scores converted into CLB levels.
When it comes to deciding TEF vs TCF Canada, there are some differences that you should know. Although both the TEF and TCF exams are globally accepted tests of French proficiency, they can serve different functions.
Moreover, there are also key differences regarding the exam structure, scoring format, and test duration. For example, while TEF test has a more structured format with clearly defined sections, TCF Canada consists of multiple choice questions.
Both exams are challenging in their own way, and the answer often depends on your personal strengths and preferences:
Both exams require solid preparation in all four skills, and both can be taken even if you’re starting as a beginner.
For most immigration pathways, IRCC converts your exam scores into CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) levels. These benchmarks determine how many points you’ll receive under Express Entry or other programs.
Here are some of the most common CLB targets:
Below are official score conversion tables for TEF Canada and TCF Canada based on IRCC guidelines. These show how your exam results align with CLB levels.
📌 You can always refer to the official IRCC chart for the most updated information:
Official Language Testing Conversion Table – Government of Canada
Both involve audio recordings with increasing difficulty that assess candidates’ ability to comprehend spoken French in different contexts.
Focus on comprehension of short texts, ads, articles, and formal writing.
Tasks may include image description, giving your opinion, or role-playing a real-life scenario to measure communication skills. The speaking section of both exams is conducted one-on-one.
Tasks include writing an email, justifying a point of view, or drafting a formal letter.
Whether you choose TEF or TCF, success comes down to consistent, targeted preparation. Here are some tips:
At Learn French in Vancouver, we offer two preparation tracks to support your success—whether you’re just starting or already have a solid foundation in French.
Join our 12-month program.
Designed for absolute beginners, this comprehensive course builds your French foundations in the first 6 months, followed by 6 months of TEF/TCF-focused exam preparation. You’ll go from zero to test-ready with step-by-step guidance, native French instructors, and personalized support.
Join our 6-month TEF/TCF preparation course for intermediate learners.
Perfect if you’re already comfortable in French but want to focus on achieving the CLB levels required for PR. This program focuses on refining the four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking), improving exam strategies, and building confidence under test conditions.
Some students find the TCF more approachable due to its shorter listening and reading sections, and because it doesn’t test grammar. That said, “easier” is subjective—others prefer the TEF‘s clearer scoring system, especially if they’re working toward a specific CLB level.
Both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted by IRCC for Canadian PR. The best test depends on your personal strengths, test center availability, and comfort with the exam format. At Learn French in Vancouver, we help students prepare for both.
The TEF (or TCF) can be challenging, especially for beginners, but with consistent preparation, many students reach CLB 7 within 12 months. The key is to focus on all four French skills and simulate real exam conditions in your prep.
Both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are valid for Express Entry, Quebec immigration, and most Provincial Nominee Programs. Be sure to register for the Canada-specific version of the test.
Yes. As long as you take the TCF Canada version, it is fully accepted by IRCC for Express Entry and other immigration pathways.
It depends on the immigration program, but generally, you should aim for:
✅ Both TEF and TCF are valid, IRCC-approved exams for Canadian immigration.
💬 TCF may feel easier to some students because of its format.
📊 TEF Canada Exam offers more detailed scoring, which can be useful for tracking progress.
📚 The most important factor is preparing well for the exam that suits you best.
If you’re not sure which test is right for you, speak with one of our teachers, review the test formats, and consider your strengths. Whichever path you choose, solid preparation is key.
Have questions about the TEF/TCF exams 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.
