TEF Vs TCF

TEF Vs TCF | Differences, Format, Syllabus Process & More

If you want to go to France abroad to study then knowing the difference between TEF and TCF is significant. To check the fluency of the students applying to Canadian universities TEF and TCF exams are conducted. For this reason, Canada has officially two languages English and French. To know about the exam result, you will need to consult with your centre and institution about what they require. IELTS and TOEFL are common around the globe. Though, some universities require TCF and TEF exam results to evaluate French language skills. There are not many differences, but from the time limit, format, and numerous questions asked. Here we discuss the importance of TEF and TCF tests and their difference.

TEF Or TCF- Which French Language Test can I acquire?

You can choose any of the two tests mentioned if you want to apply for Canadian citizenship. Both exams TCF (Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada) and TEF (Test d’Evaluation du Français) are verfied and accepted in Canada. There are different exam formats and marking rules for TCF and TEF if you are planning to go to Quebec.

Here we suggest you consult your centre or institution about the exam as some universities prefer either TCF or TEF or both.

Difference between TEF and TCF

Both TEF and TCF exams check French proficiency, Both tests have several other uses as well. Both tests have been broken down so you can easily understand them.

Ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés Culturelles du Québec (MICC) has approved and accepted the TEF Exam as an official language competency exam for applications for permanent residency (MICC). There are two variants of the test:

Paper-based exam
Computer-based exam

The IRCC accepts the TCF Exam, commonly known as TEF, as official documentation of French language ability for Permanent Residency (PR). Additionally, you must pass TCFQ if you intend to immigrate to Quebec, which is a requirement for TCF.

TCF and TEF Format

TCF Format

Compulsory Test
Sub-section	No. of questions	Duration
Listening	29	25 minutes
Proficiency in Language Structures	18	15 minutes
Reading	29	45 minutes
Total	76	85 minutes

TEF Format

Compulsory Test
Sub-section	Subjects/Questions	Duration
Listening	2 Subjects	15 minutes
Speaking	60 Questions	40 minutes
Reading	50 Questions	60 minutes
Writing	2 Topics	60 minutes
Vocabulary and Syntax	40 Questions	40 minutes

TEF Exam Syllabus

A candidate’s ability to speak French and other communication skills are checked by the speaking module test. Section A of the test includes collecting information, while Section B involves speaking with someone.

The writing module evaluates a student’s capacity for written format. section A will ask you to write articles. While section B will require you to express yourself in writing.

Candidates must listen to and understand French audio clips in the listening module. Multiple-choice questions will be used to ask questions.

A candidate’s reading, evaluating, and reading comprehension will be tested in the reading module. MCQ formats are used for the questions. Vocabulary and syntax test a candidate’s proficiency with proper grammar and punctuation. There are multiple-choice questions on the paper.

TCF Exam Syllabus

MCQs are asked based on a video recording in the listening exam. The aspirant’s capacity to evaluate and understand common words and phrases is tested in this part.

Grammar and vocabulary tests are used to evaluate a candidate’s command of language structures. The questions will cover everything from spotting lexical errors to selecting the appropriate terminology.

A student is judged on his or her ability to read conversations or articles during the reading phase.

Speaking exam is optional, the examiner will conduct a 15-minute one-on-one interview. Beginning at the A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, questions will progress to the C2 level (CEFR). To assess your speaking abilities, the examiner will ask you to discuss any experience, location, or person.

You’ll have to finish three exercises for this test. You must compose a brief message with a maximum of 120 words for the first challenge. The second assignment is for a brief letter or a note with at least 150 words. The third activity requires the candidate to write two essays with an average length of 180 words each.

Both examinations might be equally challenging or simple to pass. Find example papers, then try to answer both of them. Choose the test that suits you best according to your interests.

Validity Of TEF And TCF Exam Results

The validity of both exams is valid for upto 2 years. After two years of completion, you need to reapply for an exam.

TEF Test Scores & CLB

Here is the table in which all the sections of TEF tests with a range of scores are listed against CLB Level.

CLB Level	TEF Reading	TEF Writing	TEF Listening	TEF Speaking
10	263-277	393-415	316-333	393-415
9	248-262	371-392	298-315	371-392
8	233-247	349-370	280-297	349-370
7	207-232	310-348	249-279	310-348
6	181-206	271-309	217-248	271-309
5	151-180	226-270	181-216	226-270
4	121-150	181-225	145-180	181-225

TCF Test Scores & CLB

Here is a table that enlists the sections of Test de Connaissance du français pour le Canada against CLB level :

CLB Level	TCF Reading	TCF Writing	TCF Listening	TCF Speaking
10 and above	549-699	16-20	549-699	16-20
9	524-548	14-15	523-548	14-15
8	499-523	12-13	503-522	12-13
7	453-498	10-11	458-502	10-11
6	406-452	7-9	398-457	7-9
5	406-452	6	369-307	6
4	342-374	4-5	331-368	4-5

Frequently Asked Questions

Which one is better: TEF or TCF?

TEF vs. TCF- TEF and TCF both have equal importance and serve different purposes. Both the exam evaluates your French level and also immigration purposes.

Is TCF Canada accepted for Quebec?

Ans. Both TCF Canada and TCF Quebec are different from each other. If your aim is to migrate to Quebec then TCF Quebec is suggested as it is approved by the authorities of Quebec.

How long does it take to get TCF and TEF Canada results?

For TCF and TEF Canada results it might take four to six weeks. The results are usually sent to the testing center which then contacts the candidates to update them on results availability.

What are the fees for the TEF and TCF Canada exams?

The registration fee for TEF and TCF Canada varies as per the country and the test center. In India, it is INR 12,000 to 25,000 and depends on the number of papers one undertakes. The fee is non-refundable after a successful registration.

How many times can I take the TEF and TCF examinations?

The examination can be taken as many times as possible without any restriction but one needs to make sure that there is a gap of two months between two consecutive exams.