TCF vs TEF for Express Entry: Which One Is Better?

When it comes to immigrating to Canada, Express Entry is one of the main ways skilled workers can apply for permanent residency. The system uses a points model that looks at your age, education, work experience, and language skills. If you speak French, showing strong proficiency can give you extra points and raise your overall CRS score.

To prove your French level, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts two major tests: the TCF Canada and the TEF Canada. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between the two so you can figure out which one fits your Express Entry plans better.

Comparing TEF Canada and TCF Canada For Express Entry

Both the TCF Canada and TEF Canada are approved by IRCC and stay valid for two years after the test date. 

They measure the same four skills (listening, reading, speaking, and writing), but the way each test is structured, scored, and experienced can feel quite different. 

In this section, we’ll take a look at each test and help you decide which exam aligns better with your strengths and goals.

What Is TEF Canada 

The TEF Canada, run by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP), is designed specifically for people applying for Canadian immigration or citizenship. 

It follows a fixed format and takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, with each section focused on practical language use in everyday and professional situations.

TEF Structure: The test includes multiple‑choice questions for listening and reading, while speaking and writing are open‑ended. In the speaking section, you take part in role‑plays and short discussions, and the writing tasks usually involve composing an email or a short essay.

TEF Scoring: Each skill is scored from 0 to 699, and these scores are matched to NCLC levels. For example, reaching NCLC 7 in speaking requires a score between 310 and 348. The detailed scoring system is helpful if you want to track your progress over time.

TEF Fees: The test usually costs between CAD 400 and 500, depending on the test center. It’s offered in many locations around the world, and results are typically available within 4 to 6 weeks.

TEF Pros: The TEF Canada has a few clear advantages: results tend to come faster than some other tests, and the tasks focus heavily on real‑life communication. 

TEF Cons: On the other hand, the long test duration can feel tiring, and the fixed format may not suit people who prefer a more flexible or adaptive testing style.

What Is TCF Canada 

The TCF Canada, offered by France Éducation International (FEI), is another IRCC‑approved option for proving your French level when applying for immigration. 

The test takes about 3 hours and 2 minutes to complete and includes an adaptive component in some sections, meaning the difficulty adjusts based on how you respond. This can make the experience feel a bit more tailored to each test‑taker.

TCF Structure: Like the TEF, the TCF evaluates all four language skills. Listening and reading are multiple‑choice, while speaking and writing involve interactive, open‑ended tasks. The adaptive format in certain parts often feels more flexible and less rigid than a fully fixed test.

TCF Scoring: Scoring works differently depending on the skill: speaking and writing are graded on a 0–20 scale, while listening and reading use a 0–699 scale. For example, reaching NCLC 7 in speaking requires a score between 10 and 11. Compared to the TEF, the scoring can feel a little less detailed.

TCF Fees: The cost is similar to the TEF, usually between CAD 400 and 500, and the test is available at approved centers around the world. Results typically arrive within 4 to 8 weeks.

TCF Pros: The TCF Canada has a few advantages: it’s slightly shorter, and the adaptive format can make the test feel less stressful. 

TCF Cons: On the downside, results may take a bit longer to arrive, and the scoring system doesn’t offer as much detail for tracking your progress over time.

TEF Vs. TCF: Which Test Is Better For Express Entry and Why? 

Both tests ultimately serve the same goal in Express Entry: proving your French level so you can earn CRS points. The differences between them, however, can influence which one feels like a better fit for you. First, take a look at their differences:

Many test‑takers say the TCF feels a bit easier because of its adaptive format, which adjusts to your responses. The TEF, on the other hand, has a fixed structure that some people prefer because it offers clearer benchmarks and a more predictable format. In terms of immigration, IRCC treats both tests exactly the same.

Your long‑term plans can also play a role. If you’re thinking about applying for citizenship later, the TEF’s oral components line up well with those requirements. The TCF, meanwhile, is often chosen by people who also need a test for academic or professional purposes.

Overall: TEF Canada is generally seen as the better option for Express Entry. It’s more widely taken and recognized among immigrants, with higher registration numbers overall. 

Many test‑takers also find the speaking and writing sections easier because there are fewer tasks, and the open‑ended format works well for fluent speakers. 

The CLB conversion is the same as the TCF, but the TEF often gives people more room to optimize their CRS points. It’s also widely available around the world. In the end, the best choice still depends on your strengths and the test centers accessible to you.

Conclusion

Choosing between the TCF and TEF for Express Entry really comes down to what works best for you, your learning style, the test centers available in your area, and the format you’re most comfortable with. 

Both exams are solid ways to prove your French level and can add up to 50 CRS points if French is your first official language (or 30 if it’s your second). In the end, the right exam for immigration is simply the one you prepare well for. But overall, most users prefer the TEF Canada for Express Entry. 

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