Milywan Education / Exam guides
Guide · Express Entry French
TCF Canada vs TEF Canada.
Both tests prove your French to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and both convert to the same NCLC levels. Here's how they actually differ, the exact scores you need for NCLC 7, and how to pick the right one for you.
Updated September 2026 · Written by the Milywan Education tutoring team, Montréal
The short answer
IRCC accepts both TCF Canada and TEF Canada for Express Entry, and neither is officially easier. Choose the one whose format suits you and that you can book before your deadline. What matters is reaching NCLC 7 in all four skills.
01 · Format
Side by side.
Both exams test the same four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. The difference is in the number of tasks, the timing and how writing and speaking are scored.
| Section | TCF Canada | TEF Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 39 multiple-choice questions · 35 min | 40 multiple-choice questions · 40 min |
| Reading | 39 multiple-choice questions · 60 min | 40 multiple-choice questions · 60 min |
| Writing | 3 tasks · 60 min | 2 tasks (80+ words, then 200+ words) · 60 min |
| Speaking | 3 tasks with an examiner · about 12 min | 2 tasks (getting information, then persuading) · 15 min |
| Score scale | Listening & reading: 0–699 Writing & speaking: 0–20 | All four sections: 0–699 |
| Run by | France Éducation international | CCI Paris Île-de-France (Le français des affaires) |
| Results valid | 2 years | 2 years |
Fees and exam dates are set by each test centre, so check your centre directly before booking.
02 · Scores
What NCLC 7 looks like.
NCLC 7 in every skill is the minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker Program when French is your first official language. It is also the bar for Express Entry's French-language proficiency draws. These are the minimum scores from IRCC's official equivalency charts:
| Skill | TCF Canada · NCLC 7 | TEF Canada · NCLC 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 458–502 | 434–461 |
| Reading | 453–498 | 434–461 |
| Writing | 10–11 / 20 | 428–471 |
| Speaking | 10–11 / 20 | 456–493 |
TEF Canada ranges apply to tests taken after December 10, 2023. Your NCLC is set skill by skill, so one weak section can hold back your whole profile.
03 · Choosing
Which one is for you?
Neither is easier on paper. These are the questions we ask our students when they're deciding:
TCF Canada might suit you if…
- You'd rather speak in three shorter tasks, starting with a guided interview, than build a long argument.
- You write well in short, structured pieces. TCF writing is three tasks.
- You know your weak spot. Writing and speaking are marked out of 20, and NCLC 7 starts at 10.
TEF Canada might suit you if…
- You're comfortable persuading someone out loud. The second speaking task asks you to convince the examiner.
- You prefer two longer writing tasks to three shorter ones.
- You like one score scale everywhere. Every TEF section is scored out of 699.
The practical tiebreaker
Book whichever test you can take early enough to retake before your deadline. The official TCF Canada candidate manual requires 30 days between sittings, and TEF Canada modules must all be taken on the same day. Seats fill up fast in big cities, so check dates at centres near you first.
Not sure where you stand? The free Milywan Practice TCF test gives you an estimated level in a few minutes.
Prepare with Milywan
Reach NCLC 7, affordably.
Milywan's live small-group classes cover TCF Canada, TEF Canada and DELF preparation, with mock exams and friendly, experienced tutors. Book on a flexible weekly schedule, from $79 CAD a month. That's under $10 a class.
Real results: one Milywan student went from complete beginner to B2 (NCLC 7) in 8 months. Another reached NCLC 7 in 6 months.
Questions · Réponses
TCF vs TEF FAQ.
Are both TCF Canada and TEF Canada accepted for Express Entry?
Yes. IRCC accepts both TCF Canada and TEF Canada as proof of French for Express Entry. Your results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you submit your permanent residence application.
What score do I need for NCLC 7?
On TCF Canada: 458 in listening, 453 in reading, and 10 out of 20 in both writing and speaking. On TEF Canada (tests taken after December 10, 2023): 434 in listening, 434 in reading, 428 in writing and 456 in speaking.
Is the TCF Canada easier than the TEF Canada?
Neither test is officially easier. IRCC converts both to the same NCLC levels. The better test for you is the one whose format suits you and that you can book in time.
Can I use the DELF for Express Entry?
No. For Express Entry, IRCC only accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada as French tests. The DELF is a lifelong diploma that is useful for study, work and personal goals, but it cannot replace TEF Canada or TCF Canada in an Express Entry profile.
How long are TCF Canada and TEF Canada results valid?
For Express Entry, results must be less than 2 years old. Both test certificates are issued as valid for 2 years.
How can I prepare for TCF Canada or TEF Canada affordably?
Start with Milywan's free Practice TCF test to see your level. Milywan's live small-group classes include TCF Canada and TEF Canada preparation and mock exams, from $79 CAD a month (under $10 a class), and your first class is free, no card needed.
Sources
- IRCC: Express Entry language test results
- IRCC: TEF Canada and TCF Canada to NCLC equivalency charts
- IRCC: Express Entry category-based selection
- Le français des affaires: TEF Canada
- France Éducation international: TCF Canada
Immigration rules change. Always confirm current requirements on canada.ca before you book or apply. This guide is general information, not immigration advice.