About the Exams
Both TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français) and TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français) are official French proficiency tests accepted by the Government of Canada and Québec for immigration and PR purposes. They evaluate your skills in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
TEF Canada – Exam Structure
Total Modules: 4 (compulsory)
Format: Computer-based or paper-based
Duration: Around 2 hours 55 minutes
1. Expression Orale (Speaking)
- Number of tasks: 2
- Duration: 15 minutes (face-to-face with examiner)
- Part 1: Formal conversation (introduce yourself, answer simple questions)
- Part 2: Opinion discussion on a real life situation
🕒 Total Time: 15 minutes
2. Compréhension Orale (Listening)
- Number of questions: 60
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Question types: Short conversations, announcements, discussions, and interviews
🕒 Total Time: 40 minutes
3. Compréhension Écrite (Reading)
- Number of questions: 50
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Question types: Ads, articles, and text based comprehension questions
🕒 Total Time: 60 minutes
4. Expression Écrite (Writing)
- Number of tasks: 2
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Task 1: Write a formal/informal message (email or note)
- Task 2: Write an opinion based essay or argument
🕒 Total Time: 60 minutes
TCF Canada – Exam Structure
Total Modules: 4 (compulsory)
Format: Computer-based (adaptive test)
Duration: Around 2 hours 25 minutes
1. Compréhension Orale (Listening)
Question types: Short dialogues, interviews, daily life situations
Number of questions: 39
Duration: 25 minutes
2. Compréhension Écrite (Reading)
- Number of questions: 39
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Question types: Advertisements, articles, and short texts
3. Expression Orale (Speaking)
- Number of tasks: 3
- Duration: 12 minutes (with examiner)
- Task 1: Interview-style conversation
- Task 2: Information exchange
- Task 3: Expressing and defending an opinion
4.Expression Écrite (Writing)
- Number of tasks: 3
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Task 1: Write a simple message
- Task 2: Write a short personal opinion
- Task 3: Write an argument or essay
Skill Levels (CEFR Mapping)
| CLB Level | CEFR Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 10–12 | C1–C2 | Advanced |
| 7–9 | B2 | Upper Intermediate |
| 5–6 | B1 | Intermediate |
| 3–4 | A2 | Elementary |
| 1–2 | A1 | Beginner |
👉 For Canada PR, you typically need CLB 7 or higher in all 4 modules (equivalent to B2 level).
Preparation Focus at FrenchbyShivani.com
✅ Grammar and vocabulary for B1–B2
✅ Listening drills with Canadian accents
✅ Speaking practice for real exam topics
✅ Essay writing with correction and feedback
✅ Mock exams following official format