TEF Canada and TCF Canada Guide: Format, NCLC Scores and Practice
Short answer
TEF Canada and TCF Canada are the two French tests IRCC accepts for Express Entry. Both have four mandatory parts (listening, reading, writing, speaking). IRCC converts each result to an NCLC level, and NCLC 7 in all four skills unlocks French bonus points in the CRS: 25 points, or 50 if you also reach CLB 5 in English.
Last updated October 26, 2026. Facts checked against the official sources listed at the bottom of this page. If an official page says something different, the official page is right.
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This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. ViralScopeHub is an independent site, not affiliated with any government, immigration authority or test provider. Rules, fees and score tables change, so always confirm every detail on the official site: IRCC: Express Entry language test results. We are not responsible for decisions made using this page. Practice questions are original and unofficial. See our disclaimer.
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French skills are one of the cheapest ways to raise a CRS score because they count twice: once as your first or second official language, and again in the additional points. This guide compares the two accepted French tests, shows how scores become NCLC levels, and gives you original practice questions in French with answers explained in English.
TEF Canada and TCF Canada side by side
| TEF Canada | TCF Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | About 40 minutes, multiple choice | 35 minutes, 39 multiple-choice questions |
| Reading | About 60 minutes, multiple choice | 60 minutes, 39 multiple-choice questions |
| Writing | 60 minutes, 2 tasks: continue a news item, then argue a view | 60 minutes: 3 tasks |
| Speaking | About 15 minutes, 2 tasks: ask for information, then convince | About 12 minutes, 3 tasks with an examiner |
All four parts are compulsory for immigration and should be taken within the same test session. Formats can change, so confirm on the official pages for TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
Scoring and NCLC levels
IRCC converts each skill to an NCLC level (the French version of CLB). For TEF Canada use the “équivalence ancien score” column on your result, not the “Score / 699” column, which IRCC says is not compatible with Express Entry yet.
| NCLC | TEF speaking | TEF listening | TEF reading | TEF writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 and above | 371+ | 298+ | 248+ | 371+ |
| 8 | 349–370 | 280–297 | 233–247 | 349–370 |
| 7 | 310–348 | 249–279 | 207–232 | 310–348 |
| NCLC | TCF speaking | TCF listening | TCF reading | TCF writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 and above | 14+ | 523+ | 524+ | 14+ |
| 8 | 12–13 | 503–522 | 499–523 | 12–13 |
| 7 | 10–11 | 458–502 | 453–498 | 10–11 |
Use the CLB converter for every level, including NCLC 4 to 6 and 10. Source: IRCC language test results page.
Why French is worth the effort in the CRS
- As a first language (without a partner): CLB or NCLC 9 gives 31 points per skill.
- As a second language: up to 6 points per skill, 24 in total without a partner.
- French bonus: NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills gives 25 additional points if your English is CLB 4 or lower (or untested), and 50 if you also have CLB 5 or higher in all four English skills.
Try different combinations in the CRS calculator. Official criteria: IRCC CRS criteria.
TEF or TCF?
Both are accepted and the NCLC conversions are broadly similar, so the better choice is the one you feel comfortable with. TEF has a longer speaking task where you must convince someone; TCF has a shorter, more guided speaking test and multiple-choice only in listening and reading. Check which centres near you offer each test and how soon you can get a seat. Results are valid for two years.
Tips by skill
- Listening (compréhension orale): questions get harder as you go. Do not stay stuck on one; answer every question because there is no penalty for a wrong answer.
- Reading (compréhension écrite): read the question and options first, then scan the text for the matching idea, not the matching word.
- Writing (expression écrite): use linking words (d’abord, ensuite, cependant, en conclusion) and keep sentences short and correct.
- Speaking (expression orale): speak in full sentences, give reasons and keep going if you make a mistake.
A 4-week study plan
- Week 1: take an official sample test; note which skill is lowest.
- Week 2: 40 minutes a day of French audio (news, podcasts) plus a short dictation.
- Week 3: write one text a day on a set prompt; record two speaking answers a day.
- Week 4: two timed mock tests; review mistakes; rest the day before.
Free original practice questions
These questions were written for ViralScopeHub. They are not from the real test and not from any official question bank. Tap a question to see the answer and why.
Lisez le texte.
« La bibliothèque municipale sera fermée le lundi 4 mars pour travaux. Elle rouvrira le mardi 5 mars à 10 h. Les livres peuvent être rendus dans la boîte devant l’entrée. »
Q1. Quand la bibliothèque rouvre-t-elle ?
- Lundi 4 mars
- Mardi 5 mars à 10 h
- Mardi 5 mars à 14 h
- Mercredi 6 mars
Answer: B. Le texte dit : elle rouvrira le mardi 5 mars à 10 h.
Q2. Où peut-on rendre les livres pendant la fermeture ?
- Au bureau de poste
- À la mairie
- Dans la boîte devant l’entrée
- On ne peut pas les rendre
Answer: C. « Les livres peuvent être rendus dans la boîte devant l’entrée. »
Lisez le texte.
« Depuis son arrivée au Québec, Samira suit un cours de français le soir. Elle travaille le jour dans une pharmacie, mais elle espère trouver un emploi mieux payé après son diplôme. »
Q3. Que fait Samira le soir ?
- Elle travaille à la pharmacie
- Elle suit un cours de français
- Elle cherche un logement
- Elle voyage
Answer: B. Elle suit un cours de français le soir ; elle travaille le jour.
Q4. Pourquoi Samira étudie-t-elle ?
- Pour changer de ville
- Pour obtenir un emploi mieux payé
- Pour rendre visite à sa famille
- Pour ouvrir une pharmacie
Answer: B. Elle espère trouver un emploi mieux payé après son diplôme.
Q5. Choisissez la phrase correcte :
- Je suis arrivé au Canada il y a trois ans.
- Je suis arrivé au Canada depuis trois ans.
- Je arrive au Canada il y a trois ans.
- J’ai arrivé au Canada il y a trois ans.
Answer: A. « Il y a » + durée indique un moment passé. « Arriver » se conjugue avec être.
Expression écrite (TEF, partie 1 – faits divers)
Un article se termine par : « Hier soir, une panne d’électricité a plongé tout le quartier dans le noir pendant deux heures. » Continuez l’article en 80 mots environ : que s’est-il passé ensuite, comment les habitants ont-ils réagi ?
How to approach it: Gardez le temps du récit (passé composé et imparfait), ajoutez au moins un témoignage et une conséquence. Ne répétez pas la première phrase.
Expression écrite (TEF, partie 2 – argumenter)
Un ami pense qu’il vaut mieux télétravailler que travailler au bureau. Écrivez-lui une lettre d’environ 150 mots pour donner votre avis avec deux arguments et un exemple.
How to approach it: Introduction avec votre position, deux arguments avec connecteurs (d’abord, de plus), un exemple personnel, conclusion polie.
Expression orale (section A – obtenir des renseignements)
Vous voulez vous inscrire à un cours de natation pour votre enfant. Téléphonez au centre sportif et posez au moins cinq questions (horaires, prix, âge, niveau, inscription).
How to approach it: Salutation polie, formulez les questions avec « est-ce que » ou « pourriez-vous », remerciez à la fin.
Expression orale (section B – convaincre)
Votre ami veut abandonner ses cours de français. Essayez de le convaincre de continuer. (Environ 5 minutes.)
How to approach it: Écoutez ses objections imaginaires, répondez avec des raisons précises (travail, immigration, confiance), utilisez des exemples.
Q6. NCLC 7 in all four French skills and CLB 5 or higher in all four English skills gives how many French bonus CRS points?
- 0
- 15
- 25
- 50
Answer: D. IRCC gives 50 additional points in that case, and 25 if English is CLB 4 or lower or untested.
Frequently asked questions
Which French tests does IRCC accept for Express Entry?
TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
Which TEF score column do I enter?
The “équivalence ancien score” column, not “Score / 699”.
How many bonus points does French give in the CRS?
25 points with NCLC 7 in all four skills and weak or no English, or 50 points with NCLC 7 and CLB 5 or higher in English.
How long are TEF and TCF results valid for IRCC?
Two years when you complete your profile and when you apply.
Can I take only some parts of TEF or TCF Canada?
For immigration, all four parts are compulsory.
Sources
- IRCC: Express Entry language test results
- IRCC: CRS criteria
- TEF Canada: presentation
- France Éducation international: TCF Canada
Last checked against these official pages on October 26, 2026.
