TEF Canada is the French test IRCC accepts for Express Entry and Canadian citizenship. Know the format, know the score you need, then find out where you stand with a free diagnostic built on the real test rules.
The four tests
For an immigration application you take all four tests, on the same day. For citizenship, only listening and speaking are required. Reading, listening and writing are taken on a computer; speaking is face to face with an examiner and is recorded.
- Reading (compréhension écrite), 60 min. 40 multiple-choice questions, 4 options each. You can move freely between questions.
- Listening (compréhension orale), 40 min. 40 multiple-choice questions. Each audio plays once and you cannot go back.
- Writing (expression écrite), 60 min. Section A: continue a news article, 80 words minimum (25 min). Section B: give and justify your opinion, 200 words minimum (35 min).
- Speaking (expression orale), 15 min. Section A: ask for information (5 min). Section B: argue to convince (10 min).
Source: Le français des affaires, the official TEF organiser. Wrong answers and blank answers both score 0 in reading and listening, so always answer.
The score you need
Many Express Entry programmes ask for NCLC 7 in each of the four skills. These are the TEF Canada scores IRCC lists for NCLC 7, for tests taken from 11 December 2023:
| Skill | NCLC 7 |
|---|---|
| Reading | 434–461 |
| Listening | 434–461 |
| Writing | 428–471 |
| Speaking | 456–493 |
Requirements depend on your programme and can change. Always check the official IRCC equivalency table before you book.
How Frencheezy helps you prepare
- Free diagnostic (available now). 10 reading and 10 listening questions under real test rules, one Section A writing task and one Section B speaking task. You get an estimate for each skill and a clear place to start.
- Reading and listening lessons (available now). 12 strategy lessons, one for each kind of question, with 132 practice questions and instant explanations.
- Writing, speaking and full mock tests (coming soon). Section A and B practice for writing and speaking, and complete mock exams timed like the real test.
- Corrections by Jouana (coming soon). Send a writing task or a recorded speaking answer and get detailed feedback based on the TEF criteria.
Frencheezy is an independent preparation service, not affiliated with Le français des affaires, the CCI Paris Île-de-France or IRCC. Practice scores are estimates and do not guarantee an official result or immigration outcome. All practice material is original.