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 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, but 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.
Other than 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, then other than TEFAQ and TCF pour Québec, DELF, DALF, TEC, TCF, and TCF Canada are also permitted.
Let us find out more detail about these four French language examinations that 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 such 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 guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).
It is a proof of language ability by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for Canadian citizenship applications and permanent residence.
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
- Written expression (Writing): 60 minutes — 2 topics
- Oral comprehension (Listening): 40 minutes — 60 questions
- Oral expression (Speaking): 15 minutes — 2 subjects
As part of an application for Canadian citizenship, speaking and listening parts are obligatory.
You can get a maximum of 50 more points and valid for two years from the date of the test result.
2. TEF Quebec
Are you interested in immigrating to Québec, Canada under 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 speaking and listening sections.
3. TCF Canada
The Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) is another French language placement test for non-native speakers of French.
Of five different variants, TCF Canada matches the criteria of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Like TEF Canada, they also accept TCF Canada results for seeking economic immigration or acquiring Canadian citizenship.
The CIEP (Centre international d’études pédagogiques) has designed the exam and accredited by the French Ministry of Education.
TCF Canada test format
TCF Canada exam comprises a multiple-choice test with 76 items that incorporate listening, reading comprehension, and questions concerning the command of grammatical structures and vocabulary.
If you’re taking a computer test, then there will be 15 more MCQs in addition to 76. But these supplementary questions don’t enter the calculation of the final score.
It also has four mandatory sections, including listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
- Listening comprehension (39 items — 35 minutes)
- Reading comprehension (39 items — 60 minutes)
- 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 maximum points in these two components.
- Listening comprehension (29 questions) — Duration: 40 minutes.
- Oral expression (speaking) (3 questions) — Duration: 15 minutes.
You can also earn two extra points by taking optional written (3 Tasks) and reading (29 MCQ) segments.
The most common FAQs for TCF and TEF Canada
These are some of the most frequently asked questions related to these four exams.
Are you planning to start learning French?
Do you have any questions regarding TCF and TEF Canada test for me? Let me know in the comment section below!
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?
I’m not sure, but my guess is, it works like IELTS. You can retake as many times as you want, and you can use the best score 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.