TEF Canada Exam Prep
Test d'Evaluation de Francais pour le Canada
A TEF Canada exam hub for understanding the format, practicing each section, checking the score band needed, and connecting booking decisions to a realistic prep plan.
TCF TEF Prep editorial team · Updated May 2026
Quick answer
The TEF Canada (Test d'evaluation de francais pour le Canada) is administered by Le francais des affaires, the language-certification arm of the Paris Ile-de-France Chamber of Commerce, and is accepted by IRCC for Express Entry, permanent residence, and Canadian citizenship. It has four sections (listening, reading, writing, speaking), and your results are valid for two years.
TEF at a glance
CCIP / Paris Chamber pathway
~2h55
overall duration
4+
main sections
10,000+
question volume
TEF Canada exam format
What each section tests, how long it runs, and how it is scored.
| Section | Questions or tasks | Time | Scoring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (compréhension orale) | 40 questions | 40 minutes | Machine-scored, scale to 360 |
| Reading (compréhension écrite) | 40 questions | 60 minutes | Machine-scored, scale to 300 |
| Writing (expression écrite) | 2 tasks | 60 minutes | Examiner-rated, scale to 450 |
| Speaking (expression orale) | 2 tasks | about 15 minutes | Examiner-rated, scale to 450 |
What changed for 2026
- In the listening section, the short street-interview (micro-trottoir) questions now give three answer choices instead of four.
- Some listening segments may now be played twice.
- The section still has 40 questions, and the score scales and two-year validity are unchanged.
Practice sections
Open the section you need next.
Listening
Compréhension oraleTimed audio work with multi-level questions, practice pacing, and a clearer sense of what your listening score means.
Reading
Compréhension écritePassage-based reading comprehension with score feedback tied back to CEFR and CLB outcomes.
Writing
Expression écritePractice structured written tasks in the same calm system used by the rest of the study flow.
Speaking
Expression oraleLive conversation with an AI examiner — per-task CEFR level, CLB estimate, and rubric feedback. Minimum 2 credits per session.
Dictation
Supplemental trainingTrain ear-to-text accuracy and spelling discipline with short native audio passages. Not an official TEF section.
CLB score targets
Keep the score target visible while you practice.
| CLB | CEFR | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | C1 | 316-360 | 263-300 | 393-450 | 393-450 |
| CLB 9 | C1 | 298-315 | 248-262 | 371-392 | 371-392 |
| CLB 8 | B2 | 280-297 | 233-247 | 349-370 | 349-370 |
| CLB 7 | B2 | 249-279 | 207-232 | 310-348 | 310-348 |
| CLB 6 | B1 | 217-248 | 181-206 | 271-309 | 271-309 |
| CLB 5 | B1 | 181-216 | 151-180 | 226-270 | 226-270 |
| CLB 4 | A2 | 145-180 | 121-150 | 181-225 | 181-225 |
Immigration counts each skill on its own. You need to reach your target band, for example CLB 7, in all four skills, not on average.
Registration and fees
Where to book, what it costs, and what to bring.
Test centres
TEF Canada is taken in person at accredited centres, including Alliance Francaise locations across Canada and abroad.
Fees
The full four-module TEF Canada is CAD $390 at most Alliance Francaise centres in Canada, with a non-refundable $100 cancellation fee; a two-module version for citizenship is about CAD $195. Fees differ by country, so confirm the exact price with your centre.
ID and booking
Bring government ID whose name exactly matches your registration. Seats can fill up, so book well ahead of your immigration deadline.
TEF Canada and Express Entry
French results matter for Express Entry because language points are a large share of your CRS score.
Reaching CLB 7 in all four skills unlocks the French-language points, and moving from CLB 7 toward CLB 9 raises the points per skill, which can decide an Express Entry round.
Learn first
Use the evergreen guide, cost, booking, mock exam, and score pages before you lock a date or a study plan.
TEF Canada guide
Format, timing, retake logic, and whether TEF is the right exam for you.
Is TEF Canada hard?
See which sections usually hurt scores and who actually fits TEF best.
TEF Canada cost
Budget the real registration, travel, and retake costs before you book.
How long to prepare
Estimate a realistic study window before you lock your test date.
Exam centres in India
Where to take the TCF or TEF Canada in India: city list, booking notes, and what to expect.
Free TEF practice
Try the TEF format for free before you decide how much prep you need.
French placement test
Check your current CEFR and CLB range before deciding whether TEF is the right exam for you.
TEF mock exam strategy
Use full-length simulations at the right moment instead of wasting mocks too early.
Booking guide
Confirm the exam choice, center, ID rules, and date logic before you pay for a seat.
CLB conversion
Map the score band you need and see which skill is still blocking the target.
TEF retake guide
Plan a second attempt: cooldown, what to change, and realistic score gains.
TEF exam-day guide
What to expect on test day, from ID rules to section pacing.
Listening section page
Format, level span, and score relevance for compréhension orale.
Reading section page
Format, level span, and score relevance for compréhension écrite.
Speaking section page
Task structure and scoring for expression orale.
Writing section page
Task structure and scoring for expression écrite.
Recommended study order
Follow this sequence for structured preparation.
Frequently asked questions
Is TEF Canada accepted by IRCC?
Yes. TEF Canada is accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for Express Entry, permanent residence, and Canadian citizenship.
How is TEF Canada scored?
Listening and reading are machine-scored (listening to 360, reading to 300). Writing and speaking are rated by trained examiners to 450 each. Each section maps to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB or NCLC) level.
What TEF Canada score do I need for CLB 7?
CLB 7 is roughly 249 to 279 in listening, 207 to 232 in reading, and 310 to 348 in writing and speaking. You must reach the level in all four skills, not on average.
How long are TEF Canada results valid?
Results are valid for two years from the test date, and they must still be valid when you submit your immigration or citizenship application.
How long do TEF Canada results take?
Le francais des affaires issues the official certificate by email, usually within 1 to 15 days of your exam.
How much does TEF Canada cost?
The full four-module TEF Canada is CAD $390 at most Alliance Francaise centres in Canada, with a non-refundable $100 cancellation fee. A two-module version for citizenship is about CAD $195. Prices differ by country, so confirm with your centre.
What changed in TEF Canada for 2026?
In the listening section, the short street-interview (micro-trottoir) questions now give three answer choices instead of four, and some segments may be played twice. The section still has 40 questions and the score scales are unchanged.
Is TEF Canada harder than TCF Canada?
Neither is officially harder. They use different formats and question styles, so the better fit depends on your strengths. Many candidates try practice questions for both before they choose.
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