French exams for Canada · CLB 6

TEF vs TCF Canada: which French exam should you take?

Q: Is TEF or TCF easier for Canada?

Neither exam is officially easier — both are accepted by IRCC and both map to the same CLB levels. Candidates often find the TCF Canada multiple-choice format more predictable, while the TEF Canada can feel faster paced. The right choice usually comes down to test-centre availability and which format suits your strengths.

Q: Do TEF and TCF give the same CLB score?

Yes. IRCC publishes an equivalency chart that maps both TEF Canada and TCF Canada raw scores to the same Canadian Language Benchmarks, so CLB 6 is CLB 6 regardless of which exam you take.

Q: Which exam is accepted for Express Entry?

Both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted for Express Entry and most economic immigration programs. Your French points are calculated from the CLB level, not the exam name.

Both exams are accepted by IRCC and both map to the same Canadian Language Benchmarks. Here's how they actually differ — format, scoring, difficulty and cost — so you can choose with confidence.

The short answer

For immigration, it does not matter which exam you take — both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted, and both convert to the same CLB level via the official IRCC equivalency chart. CLB 6 is CLB 6 either way. The decision comes down to format preference, test-centre availability, and price.

Side by side

	TCF Canada	TEF Canada
Provider	France Éducation international	CCI Paris Île-de-France
Listening	Multiple choice	Multiple choice
Reading	Multiple choice	Multiple choice
Speaking	Recorded interview · 3 tasks	Interview · 2 tasks
Writing	3 tasks	2 tasks
Accepted by IRCC	Yes	Yes

Exam structures are periodically updated — confirm the current task counts and timing on the official provider site before you book.

CLB 6 thresholds on each exam

Skill	TCF Canada	TEF Canada
Listening	400–457	248–262
Reading	400–457	207–232
Speaking	Level 10–11	310–348
Writing	Level 10–11	271–309

You need CLB 6 in each skill separately. Always verify against the current IRCC chart.

How to choose

Pick on availability first. Book whichever exam has a seat at a centre near you within your timeline.
Try both formats in practice. Some people prefer the TCF's predictable MCQ rhythm; others like the TEF's flow. A few practice sessions will tell you.
The prep is 90% the same. Whichever you pick, you train the same four skills to the same CLB 6 ceiling — so start studying now and decide the exam later.

Works for both exams

Prep for CLB 6 — TEF or TCF

The same free course prepares you for both exams: listening, reading, speaking and writing to the CLB 6 ceiling, with native Canadian French audio and a full mock test. No signup.

Open the free course→

Frequently asked questions

Is TEF or TCF easier for Canada?

Neither is officially easier — both map to the same CLB levels. The TCF's multiple-choice format feels more predictable to many; the TEF can feel faster. Choose on availability and which format suits you.

Do TEF and TCF give the same CLB score?

Yes. IRCC's equivalency chart maps both exams to the same Canadian Language Benchmarks, so CLB 6 is CLB 6 either way.

Which exam is accepted for Express Entry?

Both. French points are calculated from your CLB level, not the exam name.

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