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

I come across several students who wish to pursue their higher education in Canada but are often caught in a dilemma of TEF vs TCF to show their French proficiency. 

TEF and TCF exams are conducted to check the French proficiency of students applying to Canadian universities. The reason for this is that Canada has two official languages-English and French. If you want to immigrate to Canada, you’ll have to be proficient in English or French.

Though both tests have wide applicability and are accepted by top Canadian universities, their test patterns and syllabus differ. Let’s discuss the significance of the two tests and the differences between TEF and TCF.

TEF or TCF- Which French Language Test Should I Opt For

Both TCF (Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada) and TEF (Test d’Evaluation du Français), exam results are verified and accepted in Canada. They are valid options for proving your French proficiency.

If you’re planning to go to Quebec, there’s a different exam format and marking rules for TCF and TEF.  We will suggest you consult your center or institution about the exam they require, as some universities prefer either of the two. The test you should opt for will depend on your goals and comfort with test patterns.

Purpose and Recognition of TEF or TCF 

In the comparison of TEF vs TCF, it is important to discuss the benefits offered by these tests to study abroad aspirants. Some of these are: 

TEF Canada: Who Should Take It?

For immigration and citizenship application procedures, the Federal Government of Canada requests proof of the applicants’ linguistic knowledge of French. If you're one of those persons who is looking for either of these, the TEF exam is for you. These scores are also accepted across Canada. 

TCF Canada: Who Should Take It?

TCF Canada is not only accepted by immigration authorities in Canada but is also immensely popular amongst employers who are seeking candidates with French proficiency. This score can be handy to have on your CV. 

Difference Between TEF and TCF 

Even though both exams check French proficiency, both exams serve a few different purposes as well. We have broken down both exams for you to easily understand.

TEF Exam is recognized as an official language proficiency test to apply for permanent residency as approved and accepted by the Ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés Culturelles du Québec (MICC). The test is available in two different versions-

1. Paper-based exam

2. Computer-based exam

The TCF exam is not based on a program of lessons but on the candidate’s French language skills and general ability to use French. This language level depends on individual practice and may be improved by studying French in lessons or with specific books.

The TCF Exam is the same as the TEF, which is an official proof of French language proficiency and is recognized by IRCC for Permanent Residency (PR). TCF is also mandatory if you’re planning to immigrate to Quebec; for this, you’ll have to clear TCFQ.

In comparison, there are more questions in the TEF exam but fewer subjects to discuss and write about during the oral and written comprehension, versus the TCF Canada.

Read More: Get Canada PR from India

TCF and TEF Format

There are no significant differences, apart from the format, time limit, and questions asked between the two tests. Here we have compared the test format for TEF vs TCF: 

TCF Format

Sub-section	Subjects/Questions	Duration
Listening	39 MCQs	35 Minutes
Reading	39 MCQs	60 Minutes
Writing	3 exercises	60 Minutes
Verbal	3 exercises (one-on-one)	12 Minutes
Total	78 Questions + 6 exercises	167 Minutes

TEF Format

For Canadian immigration application:

Section	Questions/Topics	Duration
Oral comprehension	40	40 Minutes
Written comprehension	40	60 Minutes
Oral expression	2 topics	15 Minutes
Written expression	2 topics	60 Minutes

For Canadian citizenship application:

Section	Questions/Topics	Duration
Oral comprehension	40	40 Minutes
Oral expression	2 topics	15 Minutes

TEF Exam Syllabus

The TEF exam is divided into four sections. The speaking module checks your communication skills and ability to speak French.

The writing module assesses your ability to express a point of view in a written format. 

In the listening module, candidates will have to listen to and comprehend French audio clips. Questions will be asked in multiple-choice format.

The reading module will test a candidate’s ability to read, evaluate, and understand written materials. The questions are asked in MCQ formats.

Read More: Job opportunities after MS in Canada

TCF Exam Syllabus

In the listening exam, MCQs are asked based on a video recording. The section tests your ability to evaluate and comprehend common words and expressions.

Your proficiency in language structures, grammar, and vocabulary is tested. The questions will range from identifying the lexical errors to choosing the correct language.

In the reading portion, your skills are evaluated on your ability to read conversations or articles.
Your written skills are evaluated in an exam room test consisting of 3 exercises for which a total of 60 minutes are allocated.

The test ends with an individual one-on-one session with an examiner. Here your verbal skills are evaluated based on 3 exercises.

Validity of TEF and TCF Exam Results

The exam result for both exams is valid for up to two years. After two years, you’ll have to reapply for an exam. 

How to Register for the TEF and TCF Exam?

TEF and TCF exams both have hundreds of accredited test centers around the world. Tests are conducted throughout the year. You can apply for the exam by contacting your exam centre after discussing the requirements of the institution you are applying to or according to your professional or personal reasons. 

Evaluate both exams and match your cause with them accordingly.

Read More: Statement of Purpose(SOP) for Canada 

What is the Exam Process?

The exam process is quite simple. However, there are regulations to appear in exams. For TEF and TCF there are the same rules and regulations that you need to follow. To help you with process that you need to follow, read ahead-

For the exam, check in with your supervisor at the exam centre. Bring your exam notification email copy and your government-approved identification card, for example- Aadhar card, passport, pan card, or voter id card. Remember that bringing an ID card is mandatory, failure to produce the identification card means you will not be allowed to appear in the exam under any given circumstances.

After document verification, you’ll be led to your assigned seat to appear for the exam. Keep your id card on the table at all times for further checking, this will save your time.  

No extra material apart from a pen and identity card is allowed to be kept during the exam. Failure to do this, you’ll be asked to leave the room. 

If you’re late and the exam has already started, you won’t be allowed to enter under any circumstances. 

Candidates that are found indulging in misconduct, fraud and disturbance will be barred from appearing in exams for a fixed time period as fixed by CCI Paris for TEF and CIEP for TCF. 

What Happens After The Test? 

After you have taken the TCF test, the results are sent to the testing center where the exam was conducted within 15 working days. The test center then contacts the candidate when the results are ready to be picked up.

The TEF results are sent to your email within 2-4 weeks from the date of receipt of the session materials.

Only one original copy of your certificate is issued to the candidate. Therefore, it is better to keep an extra certified copy of the certificate.

How to Check Results Post TCF and TEF exams?

For the TEF exam result, you’ll get your exam results from the testing center via email within 2-4 weeks. The testing center sends exam results to each candidate so you don't have to worry about the same.

Whereas for TCF exams, your results are delivered to the test center within 15 working days from the date on which France Éducation International receives the papers.

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	546-572	546-572	558-576	556-591
9	503-545	503-545	512-557	518-555
8	462-502	462-502	472-511	494-517
7	434-461	434-461	428-471	456-493
6	393-433	393-433	379-427	422-455
5	352-392	352-392	330-378	357-421
4	306-351	306-351	268-329	328-356

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

Where in India Can You Take Exams Offline?

If you want to take TEF and TCF exams in India, there are various test centers throughout the country for the same in major cities. 

TEF Canada Exam Center

If you want to take the TEF exam in Canada, there are numerous test centers available in India. Some of these include:

• Lucknow
• Bhopal
• Ahmedabad 
• Calcutta
• Pune
• Chennai 

TCF Canada Exam Center

You can take the TCF test across numerous test centers located throughout India. Some of these include:

• Bangalore
• Bhopal
• Chandigarh
• Kolkata
• New Delhi
• Thiruvananthapuram

It is always advisable to contact the test centers to learn about the sessions, registration dates, and test dates. 

Conclusion

Both TEF and TCF are reputable French language proficiency tests, each serving specific purposes and recognized by various organizations and institutions.

Choosing between TEF and TCF depends on your objectives. While TEF is often preferred for economic immigration to Canada and business and academic purposes, TCF is widely accepted for French nationality, long-term residency in France, and general academic purposes.

Despite their differences, both tests accurately assess a candidate's command of the French language across listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills.

Ultimately, the decision in the debate of TEF vs TCF should align with your specific goals and requirements.