TEF Canada vs TCF Canada 2026: Which French Test Should You Take?

If you're planning Canada PR through Express Entry and want to claim the powerful French-language CRS bonus, you need to take one of two officially accepted French tests: TEF Canada or TCF Canada. But which one should you choose? The question "TEF vs TCF which is easier" is one of the most common queries from Indian students preparing for Canada immigration in 2026. This comprehensive guide compares both tests side by side — format, scoring, fees, difficulty, and availability in India — so you can make the right decision. At EEC, with 27+ years of experience and 50,000+ students placed globally, we prepare students for both TEF and TCF through our French A1 Online Live course starting at just ₹7,500.

What Are TEF Canada and TCF Canada?

TEF Canada (Test d'Évaluation de Français pour le Canada) and TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français pour le Canada) are the only two French language tests accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for all immigration pathways — including Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and Canadian citizenship applications. No other French test is accepted. If you want to prove French proficiency for Canada immigration, you must take TEF Canada or TCF Canada.

TEF Canada is developed and administered by the CCI Paris Île-de-France (Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry), one of France's most established professional institutions. TCF Canada is developed by France Éducation International (formerly known as CIEP — Centre International d'Études Pédagogiques), a public institution under the French Ministry of Education. Both tests evaluate the same four language skills — Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing — and both produce scores that convert to NCLC (Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens), Canada's French-language equivalent of CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks used for English).

For Canada Express Entry, your TEF or TCF scores are converted to NCLC levels. IRCC uses these NCLC levels to calculate your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points. The higher your NCLC level, the more CRS points you receive — both as second official language points and through the bilingual bonus. You can use EEC's free CRS calculator to see exactly how French scores would impact your profile.

TEF vs TCF — Side-by-Side Comparison

When deciding between TEF and TCF, the most important factor is understanding how the two tests differ in format, question types, and scoring. While both test the same four skills and carry the same validity, the experience of taking each test is quite different. Here is a detailed breakdown that addresses the core question: TEF vs TCF which is easier for Indian test-takers?

TEF Canada — Complete Format Breakdown

TEF Canada evaluates all four language skills through structured, task-based assessments. Here is the complete format breakdown for each section:

Compréhension Orale (Listening) — 40 minutes

The TEF listening section presents audio recordings of conversations, announcements, and discussions in everyday and professional French. You answer multiple-choice questions and some fill-in-the-blank tasks based on what you hear. Scoring ranges from 0 to 360. The recordings are played once, and the difficulty progresses from simple dialogues to more complex monologues. Indian students who are accustomed to IELTS listening will find the format somewhat familiar, though entirely in French.

Compréhension Écrite (Reading) — 60 minutes

The reading section includes passages of increasing complexity — from short notices and advertisements to longer opinion pieces and academic texts. You answer multiple-choice and matching-type questions. Scoring: 0 to 300. Unlike TCF, TEF reading includes some task-based matching exercises in addition to standard MCQs, which can feel more varied.

Expression Orale (Speaking) — 15 minutes

The speaking section is a face-to-face interview with a trained examiner. You complete two tasks: a role-play scenario (e.g., negotiating a situation, making a complaint) and a structured discussion on a given topic. Scoring: 0 to 450. The examiner evaluates pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary range, grammar accuracy, and your ability to develop arguments. If you've prepared for CELPIP speaking or IELTS speaking, the interview format will feel natural — just in French.

Expression Écrite (Writing) — 60 minutes

The writing section requires you to produce two texts: one formal text (such as a letter or email) and one argumentative essay or opinion piece. Scoring: 0 to 450. You are evaluated on task completion, coherence, vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy. Planning your response is crucial — the argumentative piece in particular rewards structured thinking over length.

TCF Canada — Complete Format Breakdown

TCF Canada uses a more standardised, MCQ-heavy format for receptive skills and structured interviews and writing tasks for productive skills. Many students find the TCF format slightly more predictable.

Compréhension Orale (Listening) — 35 minutes

TCF listening presents 39 multiple-choice questions based on audio recordings — dialogues, announcements, and extended monologues. All questions are MCQ with four answer options. Scoring: 0 to 699. The questions progress in difficulty from Level 1 (A1) to Level 6 (C2). This means the early questions are very simple, and even beginners can score on them — which can be encouraging for test-takers at lower levels.

Compréhension Écrite (Reading) — 60 minutes

The reading section contains 39 MCQ questions based on written texts of increasing complexity. Scoring: 0 to 699. Texts range from simple signs, notices, and advertisements to newspaper articles, opinion pieces, and academic extracts. Like the listening section, difficulty scales progressively — you're not expected to answer every question correctly unless you're at C1-C2 level.

Expression Orale (Speaking) — 12 minutes

TCF speaking is a face-to-face interview with an examiner, structured into three tasks: a guided conversation (personal questions), an interactive task (role-play), and an expression of opinion on a complex topic. Scoring: 0 to 20 (converted to NCLC). The progressive structure means you start with easier personal questions and build up to more demanding argumentation — a format many Indian students find approachable.

Expression Écrite (Writing) — 60 minutes

TCF writing requires three tasks of increasing complexity: a short message or note (60-120 words), a personal letter or article (120-150 words), and an argumentative essay (200-300 words). Scoring: 0 to 20 (converted to NCLC). Having three distinct tasks at different difficulty levels means you can score well on the easier tasks even if you struggle with the hardest one.

Score to NCLC Conversion Tables

Your TEF or TCF raw scores are converted to NCLC (Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens) levels, which IRCC uses to calculate CRS points. NCLC is the French equivalent of CLB — it follows the same 1-12 scale. For Express Entry, you need at least NCLC 5 in all four skills to start claiming second official language CRS points. At NCLC 7+, you unlock the maximum bilingual bonus. Here are the official TEF-to-NCLC conversion ranges:

For TCF Canada, the conversion uses the TCF 0-699 scale for listening and reading, and the 0-20 scale for speaking and writing. The key takeaway is that IRCC treats both conversions identically — an NCLC 7 from TEF carries exactly the same weight as an NCLC 7 from TCF. To understand how these NCLC levels translate to CRS points and how they interact with your English score, read our detailed guide on French for Canada CRS bonus points in 2026.

“NCLC 7 in all four skills is the magic number. It unlocks the maximum bilingual CRS bonus — up to 50 combined points that can transform a borderline profile into a competitive one.”

— EEC Expert, Education Consultant

Which Is Easier? TEF vs TCF for Indian Students

The most honest answer to "TEF vs TCF which is easier" is: it depends on your learning style. However, based on feedback from thousands of French learners across India, here are the general patterns:

TCF May Be Easier If You...

Prefer MCQ formats: TCF listening and reading are entirely multiple-choice. If you perform well on elimination-based answering (ruling out wrong options), TCF plays to your strength. Are at a lower French level: TCF's progressive difficulty means even A2-B1 students can score meaningfully on the early questions. Want a quicker retake option: With a 30-day retake window, TCF lets you attempt again sooner. Are used to standardised test formats like those in PTE or competitive exams.

TEF May Be Easier If You...

Prefer structured, task-based assessments: TEF's format rewards practical language use — writing a formal letter, engaging in a role-play. If you learn French through real-world application, TEF may feel more natural. Are at a higher French level (B2+): TEF's scoring system can differentiate high-level candidates more effectively. Have strong writing skills: TEF writing has only 2 tasks (vs. TCF's 3), allowing you to spend more time on each piece.

Where to Take TEF/TCF in India

Both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are administered at Alliance Française centres and select authorised test centres across India. Test availability varies by city and month — you should check with individual centres for upcoming test dates. Here are the major cities where you can typically take TEF and TCF in India:

Registration for both tests is done online through the respective test body's website. For TEF Canada, you register through the CCI Paris portal. For TCF Canada, registration is via France Éducation International. Test dates are typically offered 4-6 times per year at major Alliance Française centres, though availability can be limited — so register early, especially if you're targeting a specific Express Entry draw cycle. EEC students receive guidance on test registration and scheduling as part of our French course programme.

Preparation Strategy: French A1 at EEC → TEF/TCF

The honest truth: you cannot go from zero French to NCLC 7 in a few weeks. A realistic preparation journey looks like this:

Phase 1: French A1 at EEC (2-3 months)

Start with the French A1 course at EEC (₹7,500, Online Live). This builds your foundation — basic grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and everyday communication. You'll cover 60-100 hours of guided instruction with expert trainers in small batch sizes. Our curriculum is specifically designed with the Canada immigration pathway in mind, so every hour of study is targeted.

Phase 2: A2-B1 Self-Study + Practice (3-4 months)

After completing A1, continue to A2 and B1 through a combination of guided courses and self-study. Use resources like TV5Monde, RFI Savoirs, and French podcasts to build listening fluency. Practice reading with Le Monde, France 24, and graded readers. At this stage, start working with TEF/TCF sample papers to identify your stronger test. Refer to our complete TEF preparation roadmap from A1 for a detailed month-by-month plan.

Phase 3: Test-Specific Preparation (2-3 months)

Once you reach B1 level, dedicate 2-3 months to test-specific preparation — timed practice tests, writing drills, speaking mock interviews, and score analysis. This is where you refine your strategy for either TEF or TCF. For a deeper understanding of the complete journey, read our guide on French A1 for Indian students.

Total timeline: 8-12 months from zero French to NCLC 7. This is realistic and achievable. Students who rush often score NCLC 4-5, which still earns some CRS points but misses the lucrative bilingual bonus. Students who invest 10-12 months typically hit NCLC 7+ and unlock the full 50-point CRS advantage. Use the CRS calculator to see the exact impact on your profile, and explore all study abroad destinations where French proficiency gives you an edge — including France and Belgium.

The smartest strategy is to start French A1 alongside your English test preparation (IELTS, PTE, or CELPIP). By the time your English scores and ECA are ready, your French could be at B1+ — perfectly timed for TEF/TCF. If you're targeting Quebec immigration specifically, see our guide on French for Quebec immigration (PEQ & QSWP).

Frequently Asked Questions