Are you looking for immigration to Canada or Quebec but unsure how to get additional permanent residency points? The splendid news is you can earn extra scores by taking TCF, TEF Canada, TEFaQ, or TCF Quebec French tests.
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Importance of TEF and TCF
Many learn French because it is spoken in so many countries.
Others are motivated by careers in French, cultural characteristics, or to support academic subjects. Of all the benefits, one incredible perk is Canada PR.
Canada has earned a reputation as an attractive destination for immigrants to start a life. The nation also offers a simple path to citizenship.
Recently, Canada announced to welcome of over 1.2 million permanent residents according to the immigration level plan for 2020-2023.
Being a formally bilingual country, Canada has two official languages: French and English. Nearly 98% population speaks English, French, or both.
Suppose you wish to settle in Canada as a permanent resident. In that case, you need to apply for one of the immigration plans like the Express Entry Program (EEP), Quebec Skilled worker Program (QSWP), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and others.
While the eligibility and requirements differ, language tests are essential in most situations.
You can earn up to 50 extra points for having higher French language abilities, i.e., CLB 7 in TEF or TCF, provided you choose French as a second language.
Besides CELPIP and IELTS English tests, Canada accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
If you intend to move to Quebec’s province, you have two more choices — TEF Quebec and TCF for Quebec.
Types of TEF and TCF exams valid for Canada
Although there are ten distinct variants of TEF and TCF, however, for Canada, only two are allowed. If your target is Québec, other than TEFaQ and TCF pour Québec, DELF, DALF, TEC, TCF, and TCF Canada are also permitted.
Let us find out more details about these four French language examinations you might need to take.
1. TEF Canada
Started in 1998 by the CCI Paris Île-de-France, the Test d’Evaluation de Français (TEF) is a general international benchmark exam. It assesses your overall proficiency in French. This is for both non-native French speakers and the Francophone population.
TEF Canada test is one option that measures the candidate’s French knowledge through a 7-level scale (from 0+ level beginners skills to level 6 — advanced). It adheres to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) guidelines.
It is proof of language ability by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for Canadian citizenship applications and permanent residence. One needs a minimum of level 7 (level B2 of the CEFR) to get additional bonus points.
The Canadian government also accepts it for various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), start-up visa programs, and applying as a self-employed worker.
TEF Canada exam structure
The test comprises four modules: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
The e-TEF is an online version where you can take the reading, writing, and listening modules on a computer at the designated test center. However, the number of e-TEF candidates is limited because of infrastructure capability.
- Written comprehension (Reading): 60 minutes — 50 questions (300 points)
- Written expression (Writing): 60 minutes — 2 topics (450 points)
- Oral comprehension (Listening): 40 minutes — 60 questions (360 points)
- Oral expression (Speaking): 15 minutes per candidate — 2 subjects (450 points)
As part of an application for Canadian citizenship, speaking and listening parts are obligatory.
For Canadian citizenship, a candidate must take the below 2 sections (55 minutes):
- Oral Expression (Speaking): (15 minutes per candidate) – 2 topics – 450 points
- Oral Comprehension (Listening): (40 minutes) – 60 questions – 360 points
You can get a maximum of 50 more points valid for two years from the date of the test result.
2. TEF Quebec
Are you interested in immigrating to Québec, Canada, under the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW), Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), or one of many programs for business people?
Then in that scenario, you can consider Test d’évaluation du Français adapté pour le Québec (TEFAQ) to boost your overall score.
It is specially developed to check your listening and speaking skills.
Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Diversity, and Inclusion (MIDI) recognizes TEFAQ as part of an official immigration application.
TEFaQ exam structure
The TEF Quebec (TEFaQ) comprises four sections. TEFaQ is primarily for oral communication, and thus, reading and writing parts are discretionary.
Two compulsory tests (55 minutes)
- Oral comprehension (Listening): 40 minutes — 60 questions
- Oral expression (Speaking): 15 minutes — 2 topics
Two optional tests (120 minutes)
- Written comprehension (Reading): 60 minutes — 50 questions
- Written expression (Written): 60 minutes — 2 topics
Total test duration: 2 hr. 55 mins, and they sent the results to you electronically.
The two necessary modules, i.e., compréhension oral and expression oral, can fetch you a maximum of 14 points. The elective reading and written papers allow you to increase a further two points.
To sum up, you can gain 16 in the perfect scenario. The candidate’s spouse can get a maximum of 6 points for the speaking and listening sections.
Once the authority, i.e., Le “Français des Affaires” receives and corrects your exam, they will email you in 2-4 weeks. This will include a link to access your result and scores in a safe digital format.
3. TCF Canada
The Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) is another French language placement test for non-native speakers of French. The minimum age is 16 years.
Of five different variants, TCF Canada matches the criteria of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They accept both TEF Canada and TCF Canada results for seeking economic immigration or acquiring Canadian citizenship.
The CIEP (Centre international d’études pédagogiques) has designed the exam and is accredited by the French Ministry of Education.
IRCC has accredited TCF CANADA. Also, the Ministry of Inclusion, Francization, and Immigration (MIFI) will accept it as part of an immigration application in the province of Québec from May 1, 2022.
TCF Canada test format
TCF Canada exam comprises 78 items that incorporate listening and reading comprehension. All are multiple-choice questions, and candidates must pick one correct answer from 4 options.
It also has four mandatory sections: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
- Listening comprehension — (39 items — 35 minutes) — All MCQs
- Reading comprehension (39 items — 60 minutes) — All MCQs
- Written expression (60 minutes — 3 Tasks)
- Oral expression (12 minutes — 3 Tasks)
4. TCF for Quebec
TCF for Quebec is a French proficiency test approved by Quebec’s Ministry for Immigration, Diversity, and Inclusion (MIDI) standards.
After gaining the score, you can include the certification in the application. It is only valid for your immigration application.
The “TCF for Quebec” comprises two compulsory and two optional exams. It evaluates proficiency in the standard French language, in writing, listening, reading, and speaking.
TCF for Quebec exam structure
TCFQ has only two compulsory modules — speaking and listening.
As a principal applicant, you can gain 14 out of 16 points by getting the maximum points in these two components.
- Listening comprehension (29 questions) — Duration: 25 minutes.
- Oral expression (speaking) (3 questions) — Duration: 12 minutes, including 2 minutes of preparation.
In the listening test, all questions would be MCQs with 4 choices and 1 correct answer. On the other hand, in speaking. it is an individual face-to-face test with an examiner.
You can earn two extra points by taking optional written (3 Tasks – 60 minutes) and reading (29 MCQs – 45 minutes) segments.
There are no limits on how many times you give TCF Québec. However, you must wait 30 days between two of these tests regardless of the results involved.
The most common FAQs for TCF and TEF Canada
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about these four exams.
Are you planning to start learning French?
Do you have any questions regarding TCF and TEF Canada tests for me? Let me know in the comment section below!
Hello
How many correct answers do I need in TCF canada (Listening and Reading) to achieve a CLB7? It is very hard to know as in some preparatory exams I am achieving 60% and in some 85% correct (of the 39 questions)
Also I assume I would need the equivalent score in each component to achieve a CLB7 which in turn will give me 50 additional points for express entry as the second language correct?
That is difficult to estimate as the score and difficult for each question varies. Not equivalent score, but at least B2 in all 4 categroies to get CLB7. And then as a result, you can get an extra 50 points.
That is difficult to estimate as the score and difficult for each question varies. Not an equivalent score, but at least B2 in all 4 categroies to get CLB7. And then as a result, you can get an extra 50 points.
Dear Vikash,
Thanks for this lovely article.
I have serious doubts as I have to sit for either a TEF (Canada) or TCF (Canada) and need clarification. So, kindly help. I read this on this [hidden].
“I did TEF Canada and then TCF Canada. In general, I found that TEF was much more difficult for reading and writing whereas TCF Canada can be difficult for those who are weak in listening. In my TEF exam, I got a B1 in writing C1 in speaking, C1 in listening, and an inferior B2 in reading. This implied that since I got an inferior B2 and B1, I would not get additional 50 points for FSW.
Then I looked at the methodology of TCF, and I found that it is a tiny bit similar to DELF. In fact, it is organized by the same company that conducts DELF examinations. Therefore, if you’re someone who learned French the traditional way (doing DELF and then preparing for your immigration exams), you will find that TCF Canada might be a little bit more suited to you since there is a lot of focus on the methodology. Also, one very important thing: TCF Canada does not have a B2 inferior. This means that if you get a B2 in TCF Canada, let’s say, for example, by scoring 10/20, you will still get your 50 points. Whereas in TEF, there is a B2 inferior (0 points) and then B2 superior (50 points).”
Could you please clarify what inferior B2 means here?
Regards
No idea about inferior B2, maybe B1, but not sure. This is just a personal experience that varies from person to person. From the difficulty level, both are similar, and variation is more to do with questions in a particular test and not the overall test pattern. That is why some may have different experiences based on how they performed in the exam.
Hello, I want to ask if I have a C1 advance score in IELTS, and I want to add French as my second language in my immigration application. Would I still need to be DELF B2 while attempting TEF Canada? I am not aiming for 50 or above score points. I am aiming for 25 and more probably. so can I attempt TEF Canada with B1 level French?
If you pick French as 2nd language, you need DELF B2 or above to get CLB7. Whether you need 10, 25, or 50 points, you still need B2 or above.
Hi Vikash, thanks for this wonderful article. May I ask if the French exams are in standard French or in Canadian French?
Standard French.
I have a friend who wishes to apply for the francophone program. He did the CECR exam and got a score of C1 in all categories. Is this exam accepted in Canadian Immigration under the francophone program? And if not, can TEF do an equivalency without him having to take the exam again?
I guess no, as they only accept one of the TEF or TCF exam variants.
How many questions need to be correct in the listening and reading part of TCF Canada to get 331 or 369 and 342 or 375 marks respectively? Do the marks vary for different questions with difficulty levels. My target is A2 or B1 level. How many questions need to be correct for me? Thanking in advance for your reply.
Difficult to say as that requires some serious calculation, and not all questions carry equal marks.
Dear Sir,
1. On some sites it is written TCF Canada listening part 60 minutes 45 questions and somewhere 35 minutes 39 questions. Which one is correct?
2. Somewhere it is written there are compulsory part ‘questions concerning the command of grammatical structures and vocabulary. The score of this part goes to listening or reading? How much time is allocated for this part and how many questions are there?
Thanking in advance
Jamal
1) As per official information, it is 39 questions and 35 minutes, and that’s what is mentioned in this article.
2) There was some typo mistake. It was meant for TCF and not TCF Canada. For TCF Canada, all 4 (speaking, reading, listening, and writing) are mandatory. Duration and number of questions are mentioned in this article.
Hello,
Thanks for the good content you have prepared.
1. Do you qualify for Quebec if you have a B1 for the TCF/TEF Canada exam?
2. Mean to ask whether TEFAQ/TCFAQ is something specific for Quebec for those who want to skip those 2 points of writing & reading tests and just wish to apply for the Quebec program?
1. No 2. Yes, TEFAQ/TCFAQ is only meant for Quebec province and not accepted for the rest of Canada.
Hello Vikash,
Your Blog is really helpful. I wanted to ask if there is a negative marking in the TEF Canada exam.
Thanks in advance.
Rashmita
Thanks for your appreciation. There is no negative marking.
Sir, I have a question about the TEF Canada listening exam. How many times will audio play during the exam? one time or two times. Some exercise shows that audio will play two times. but IELTS listening, their audio will play single time. Let me know this.
I am waiting for a reply from you.
Thanks
I guess twice, but not sure about the current one.
Hi Vikash
Regarding Quebec immigration and TEFAQ, If I score B2 in listening and B1 in speaking, do I still get points for listening, and can I retake speaking alone?
THANKS
I guess no. You have to take all the test modules again.
Hello, is TCF the same as TCF Canada because I sometimes read that for Quebec they need TCF. Is it different than TCF Canada or is it the same? And is TCF Canada test accepted for Quebec immigration?
No, TCF and TCF Canada are two different exams. For Québec, TCF Canada is accepted along with TCF for Quebec.
Hello,
Can I put the TCF Canada as a primary test in the EE application or is it mandatory to put the IELTS first?
Thanks.
If your native language is not French and your English is better than French, then put English. The point system varies depending on your 1st and 2nd language.
Good day. If I get 50 correct answers in listening comprehension of TEF Canada. What will be my score? Thank you.
There are 60 questions and 360 points for listening comprehension. So, 50 correct means 300. If you get a similar score in the other 3 sections, you can easily get CLB7.
How many correct answers in the Listening module of TCF Canada do I need to achieve a CLB 7?
Difficult to say as every question may or may not have the same score. You need a minimum of 458 out of a maximum of 699 to get CLB7 in the listening section.
Hello,
I want to ask, about listening and reading exams in TEF Canada exam. The MCQs are of all the levels in the exam, so do they carry different marks or all questions or they carry the same marks? Thanks!!
There is only one level exam in TEF/TCF, and marks differ depending on the question/segment.
Good day sir. I have B1 in DELF text but I just realised that it cannot be used to apply for the New Brunswick Canada Immigration Program. Should I enroll for TEF or TCF to qualify next time? Can TCF/TEF be used for Québec?
True. You need TEF Canada or TCF, and the same is applicable for Québec province.
If I retake TEF Canada exam will my previous attempt score cancelled?
Yes, it will be canceled as your passport number is associated with it. You can retake as many times as you want, but only the latest TEF score is admitted and considered for the Canada application.
Hi!
I wish to immigrate to Quebec, and I live in Hong Kong, which is not a centre for TEFAQ. So if I give TCF Canada, then will it be considered valid for immigration to Quebec?
Thank you in advance.
Yes.
Thank you 😊
Will one be apportioned any mark If one does not reach CLB7 in TEF?
Not much. You might get between 0 to 4 for CLB6, depending on the test.
Hello,
can I take only the reading and listening tests for additional Canadian immigration points, I already took English language test?
No. The number of compulsory tests are fixed, and one has to take all and score the required level to get extra points.
Hello sir!
Are these points according to the latest criteria for Canadian immigration? Thanks for your reply.
Divya
Yes, all points are as per the latest information.
Hello Sir,
I’m planning to take TEF Canada. Do I have to take a pen and paper test or e-TEF?
You can choose whatever options are available, but these days most TEF Canada tests are e-TEF. In this mode, listening, reading, and writing are conducted on the computer at the respective testing center, whereas speaking is face-to-face.