The short answer
Both the TEF Canada (Test d'Évaluation de Français, run by the Paris Chamber of Commerce) and the TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français, run by France Éducation international) are officially accepted by IRCC for Express Entry and citizenship applications. Neither gives you more CRS points than the other for the same CLB level — your score is what matters, not the test brand. The real differences are in format, timing, and how retakes work.
Side-by-side comparison
| Criteria | TCF Canada | TEF Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Administered by | France Éducation international (FEI) | Paris Chamber of Commerce (CCI Paris IDF) |
| Total duration | About 2h45 | About 3 hours |
| Reading questions | 39 questions, progressively harder | 50 questions, faster pace |
| Listening format | Questions shown only after each clip plays | Questions shown before the clip plays |
| Writing tasks | 3 shorter tasks | 2 longer tasks |
| Speaking tasks | 3 brief tasks (~12 min) | 2 tasks |
| Retaking a single section | Generally requires a full retest | Some formats allow retaking individual modules |
| CLB scoring | Identical conversion scale for both — a CLB 7 carries the same weight regardless of which test you take. |
Fees vary by test centre and country for both tests — confirm the exact price directly with your chosen centre. Format details can change between sessions; always check the current structure with the official test provider before registering.
TCF Canada might suit you if...
- You prefer a shorter overall test session
- You'd rather have several shorter writing/speaking tasks than fewer long ones
- A test centre near you offers more frequent TCF sessions
TEF Canada might suit you if...
- You prefer seeing listening questions before the audio plays
- You want the option to retake a single weak section rather than the full test
- A TEF-specific centre is more accessible to you
If you decide on the TCF Canada
We specialize in TCF Canada and TCF Québec preparation — our Pack Atlas gives you practice questions built on the patterns and topics that repeatedly come up in real TCF sessions, across all four sections, so you walk in already familiar with what to expect. We don't currently cover TEF preparation, so if TEF turns out to be your best fit, we'd rather tell you honestly now than after you've signed up.
See Sample TCF Canada Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are TEF Canada and TCF Canada both accepted by IRCC?
Yes. Both are officially accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for Express Entry economic immigration and citizenship applications. Your CRS points depend on your CLB score, not on which of the two tests you took — a CLB 7 from either test carries exactly the same weight.
What is the main difference between TEF and TCF?
The biggest practical differences are in timing and structure. The TCF Canada is shorter overall (about 2h45) with 3 shorter writing and speaking tasks. The TEF Canada takes longer (about 3 hours), uses 2 longer writing and speaking tasks, and lets you read listening questions before the audio plays rather than only after.
Can I retake just one section if I do poorly?
This depends on the test: some TEF formats allow retaking individual modules (like listening or speaking) separately, while the TCF Canada generally requires retaking the full test to improve any single section. Confirm the current retake policy with your test centre, as rules can vary.
Which test is easier?
Neither test is objectively easier — both assess the same four skills at the same CLB levels. Your choice often comes down to which format suits your test-taking style (TCF's shorter, faster-paced sections vs. TEF's longer tasks) and which test centre has available seats near you.
Do you offer preparation for the TEF Canada?
No — our platform and Pack Atlas are built specifically for the TCF Canada and TCF Québec formats, with practice questions modeled on the patterns that repeatedly appear in real TCF sessions. If you decide the TCF Canada is the better fit for you, that's exactly what we help you prepare for.
See also: TCF Canada complete guide · free practice test