How the TEF Canada works, and how to prepare
The TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français) is a French test used for Canadian immigration and citizenship applications. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts it, alongside the TCF Canada, as proof of your French level, and results are converted to Canadian language benchmark levels (NCLC, the French name for CLB).
The test assesses four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Knowing what each section asks you to do lets you practise the right tasks instead of studying French in general. Formats, timings and fees can change, so always confirm the current details on the official TEF Canada website before you book.
The four sections at a glance
Compréhension orale (listening) and compréhension écrite (reading) are multiple-choice: you hear or read everyday documents, such as announcements, messages, conversations, articles and ads, and answer questions about them.
Expression écrite (writing) and expression orale (speaking) are productive: you write texts and hold conversations with an examiner. These two sections are where focused practice usually makes the biggest difference.
Writing: Sections A and B
In Section A, you continue the start of a short news story (a fait divers), keeping its style and adding a coherent ending. In Section B, you write a structured opinion text, such as a letter to a newspaper, defending your point of view with arguments.
For both, plan before you write, organise your ideas in paragraphs, and use connectors to show how they link. Leave a few minutes to reread for agreement and tense errors.
- Selon les témoins, …: According to witnesses, … (useful in a fait divers)
- Je suis convaincu que…: I'm convinced that…
- D'une part…, d'autre part…: On the one hand…, on the other hand…
- En conclusion, …: In conclusion, …
Speaking: Sections A and B
In Section A, you contact someone about an advertisement and ask questions to get the information you need. In Section B, you try to convince someone, often a friend, to take part in something, answering their objections.
For Section A, prepare families of questions: price, dates, place, conditions and what's included. For Section B, prepare reasons and replies to common objections. In both, stay polite, keep the conversation going and adapt to what the examiner says.
- Je vous appelle au sujet de votre annonce.: I'm calling about your advertisement.
- Est-ce que c'est compris dans le prix ?: Is that included in the price?
- Je comprends, mais pense aux avantages…: I understand, but think of the benefits…
Results and Express Entry
Each section gets its own result, converted to an NCLC level. For Express Entry, IRCC looks at your level in each of the four skills, and French results can add points to your profile. Check the IRCC website for how language results are counted and how long they stay valid for your application.
Because every skill is scored separately, a weak section affects your result even if the others are strong. Practise all four, and spend extra time on the one that's hardest for you.
A simple preparation plan
Start by finding your level: take a placement or a mock section to see where you stand in each skill. Then practise the actual task types regularly, under time limits, and review your mistakes.
Keep everyday French going alongside exam practice. Listening to podcasts and news, reading short articles and speaking out loud most days build the base that the exam tasks test.
TEF Canada: common questions
What's the difference between the TEF Canada and the TCF Canada?
Both are French tests accepted by IRCC and both assess the four skills, but they're run by different organisations and the tasks differ. Compare their formats and test dates on the official sites and choose the one that suits you.
Which TEF Canada section is the hardest?
Many learners find the speaking and writing sections hardest, because they require you to produce French under time pressure. Regular practice with the real task types makes the biggest difference there.
Can I practise the TEF Canada online?
Yes. Français Pro offers practice by module, including writing and speaking tasks with feedback, so you can see where you stand before the exam.
How long are TEF Canada results valid?
For immigration, IRCC sets how long language test results stay valid. Check the current rule on the IRCC website before you rely on an older result.