French certifications
TEF Canada: the other French test for Canada
The CCI Paris Île-de-France test recognised by IRCC for Canadian immigration and citizenship.
At a glance
- Body
- CCI Paris Île-de-France
- Recognised by
- IRCC (Canadian federal immigration)
- Duration
- About 2 h 55, 4 compulsory papers
- Result
- Score out of 699 per paper, converted to an NCLC level
- Validity
- 2 years
What is it?
The TEF (Test d'évaluation de français) is designed by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Le français des affaires). Its TEF Canada version is recognised by IRCC, just like the TCF Canada.
Like the TCF Canada, it assesses all 4 skills, all compulsory, and each result is converted into an NCLC level.
The papers
Reading
Multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes.
Listening
Multiple-choice questions, 40 minutes.
Writing
2 topics, 60 minutes: write the continuation of an article, then an argued text (a letter defending a point of view).
Speaking
2 sections, 15 minutes: obtain information over the phone (5 minutes), then convince a friend (10 minutes).
Who requires it?
- Permanent residence candidates through Express Entry, with the same NCLC thresholds as for the TCF Canada.
- Applicants for Canadian citizenship (listening and speaking).
- For Quebec, the TEFAQ (or TEF Québec) is required: check with Quebec's immigration ministry.
Where to take it?
The TEF Canada can only be taken at a centre approved by the CCI Paris Île-de-France. The official list of centres, by country, is published on lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr.
In Algeria, there are few centres and places go quickly: check the current list and book early.
Score and CEFR level
Since December 2023, each TEF Canada paper is scored out of 699.
| Score out of 699 | CEFR level |
|---|---|
| 600–699 | C2 |
| 500–599 | C1 |
| 400–499 | B2 |
| 300–399 | B1 |
| 200–299 | A2 |
| 100–199 | A1 |
Score, CEFR and NCLC / CLB
NCLC (in French) and CLB (in English) are the same Canadian scale. IRCC converts each paper separately; the CEFR column is indicative, derived from the listening and reading scores.
IRCC table for the TEF Canada taken after 10 December 2023 (confirm it on canada.ca when you apply):
| NCLC / CLB | CRS points, 1st language (single / with spouse) | CRS points, 2nd language | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | CEFR (indicative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 34 / 32 | 6 | 546–699 | 546–699 | 558–699 | 556–699 | C1–C2 |
| 9 | 31 / 29 | 6 | 503–545 | 503–545 | 512–557 | 518–555 | C1 |
| 8 | 23 / 22 | 3 | 462–502 | 462–502 | 472–511 | 494–517 | B2 |
| 7 | 17 / 16 | 3 | 434–461 | 434–461 | 428–471 | 456–493 | B2 |
| 6 | 9 / 8 | 1 | 393–433 | 393–433 | 379–427 | 422–455 | B1–B2 |
| 5 | 6 / 6 | 1 | 352–392 | 352–392 | 330–378 | 387–421 | B1 |
| 4 | 6 / 6 | 0 | 306–351 | 306–351 | 268–329 | 328–386 | B1 |
Careful with your Express Entry profile
Your TEF certificate also shows an “équivalence ancien score” (former-score equivalent). That is the figure IRCC asks you to enter in your Express Entry profile, not the score out of 699. Equivalence with NCLC levels:
| NCLC / CLB | CRS points, 1st language (single / with spouse) | CRS points, 2nd language | Listening (/360) | Reading (/300) | Writing (/450) | Speaking (/450) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 34 / 32 | 6 | 316–360 | 263–300 | 393–450 | 393–450 |
| 9 | 31 / 29 | 6 | 298–315 | 248–262 | 371–392 | 371–392 |
| 8 | 23 / 22 | 3 | 280–297 | 233–247 | 349–370 | 349–370 |
| 7 | 17 / 16 | 3 | 249–279 | 207–232 | 310–348 | 310–348 |
| 6 | 9 / 8 | 1 | 217–248 | 181–206 | 271–309 | 271–309 |
| 5 | 6 / 6 | 1 | 181–216 | 151–180 | 226–270 | 226–270 |
| 4 | 6 / 6 | 0 | 145–180 | 121–150 | 181–225 | 181–225 |
What score should I aim for?
Express Entry: at least NCLC 7 in all 4 skills, i.e. at least 434 in reading and listening, 428 in writing and 456 in speaking (scores out of 699).
Citizenship: NCLC 4 in listening and speaking.
Calculate your Express Entry points
Enter your French scores and, if you have them, your English scores: the calculator gives your CLB / NCLC level per skill and your language points, French bonus included.
Only language points are calculated here. The full CRS score adds age, education, experience and the “skill transferability” combinations. Official IRCC grid dated 2026-11-03.
Our preparation
- Know each exam format: TCF SO, TCF Canada, TEF, DELF, DALF
- Apply a method for each paper: comprehension, written and spoken expression
- Practise on sample papers
- Work under exam conditions to manage time and stress
FAQ
TEF Canada or TCF Canada: which is easier?
Neither is “easier”: IRCC treats them the same way. The paper formats differ; a mock test of each helps you choose.
What is the difference between TEF Canada and TEFAQ?
The TEF Canada is for federal immigration (IRCC). The TEFAQ is for immigration procedures in Quebec.
How long are the results valid?
2 years.
Information checked in November 2026. Formats, dates and fees can change: always confirm with the official body before registering.
GEEK School is a school registered with the commercial register that helps you prepare for international certifications. It does not issue certifications or diplomas, only a certificate of level or attendance bearing the school's stamp, useful to showcase your level.