TEF Canada 2026: test dates, format, how to book and free practice tests
TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français pour le Canada) is a French test recognised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for economic immigration and citizenship. It is run by Le français des affaires, part of the CCI Paris Île-de-France, through approved test centres. There is no single TEF Canada exam date: you register directly for a session at a centre, and Le français des affaires advises booking as early as you can. This guide covers booking, the exam pattern, how scores become NCLC levels, and a plan for the weeks before your test.
TEF Canada at a glance
| Conducting body | Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France) |
| What it is for | Proof of French for IRCC: economic immigration (all four tests) and citizenship (listening and speaking) |
| Mode | At an approved centre; reading, listening and writing on computer, speaking face to face with an examiner |
| Tests | Reading, listening, writing and speaking |
| Time | About 2 hours 55 minutes for all four |
| Marking | Each test scored out of 699 and read as an NCLC level; no negative marking |
| Eligibility | Aged 16 or over; no diploma needed |
| How often | Sessions are set by each centre |
| Official website | lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr, TEF Canada |
Test dates and booking
As of 20 October 2026, the TEF Canada registration page lists no fixed dates. You register directly for a session at one of the official test centres, which the page says number about 500 in more than 110 countries, and the centre emails you further details once your registration is validated. Registration fees are set by each centre and vary with the number of tests you take.
Points to plan around, all from the official pages read on 20 October 2026:
- Same day: all the tests you need must be taken on the same day for IRCC to recognise the certificate.
- 20-day rule: you cannot sit the same TEF test twice within 20 days, across all TEF versions. A registration that breaks the rule is cancelled.
- Validity: the results certificate is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
How to book TEF Canada
- Check the NCLC level your programme needs on canada.ca. Le français des affaires cites NCLC 7 in every test for Express Entry and NCLC 5 for Mobilité francophone.
- Decide which tests you need: all four for immigration, or listening and speaking for citizenship.
- Find a centre through the TEF Canada registration page and book a session.
- Pay the centre's fee and wait for its confirmation email.
- On the day, bring the photo ID you registered with. For TEF Canada it must be the same document you used to register.
If you need special arrangements, send the centre a medical certificate before you register.
TEF Canada exam pattern
This is the format in use since 11 December 2023.
| Test | Time | Questions or tasks | Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading (compréhension écrite) | 60 minutes | 40 multiple-choice questions | One point per right answer |
| Listening (compréhension orale) | 40 minutes | 40 multiple-choice questions | One point per right answer |
| Writing (expression écrite) | 60 minutes | Section A (25 min): continue a news article, at least 80 words. Section B (35 min): give and justify a view, at least 200 words | Certified examiners |
| Speaking (expression orale) | 15 minutes | Section A (5 min): ask for information. Section B (10 min): argue to convince | Examiner, face to face |
There is no negative marking: a wrong or missing answer scores nothing.
From score to NCLC. Each test is scored out of 699 and converted to an NCLC level, using the table for tests taken from 11 December 2023. The cut points differ by test. Some of them, from the official table:
| Test | NCLC 5 | NCLC 7 | NCLC 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 352 | 434 | 503 |
| Listening | 352 | 434 | 503 |
| Writing | 330 | 428 | 512 |
| Speaking | 387 | 456 | 518 |
Speaking needs the highest score for NCLC 7. There is no total; IRCC looks at the level in each skill.
TEF Canada syllabus
The TEF tests general French, not knowledge of Canada.
- Reading and listening: everyday and general-interest documents and recordings.
- Writing: continuing a news story in a clear, connected way, then arguing a point of view with reasons and examples.
- Speaking: asking questions to get information in an everyday situation, then persuading the examiner in a discussion.
See the TEF Canada syllabus page for more detail.
A plan for the weeks before your test
| Weeks before | Focus |
|---|---|
| 6 | One full timed TEF Canada practice test. Estimate your NCLC level in each test. |
| 5 to 4 | Reading and listening: 40 questions in 60 and 40 minutes respectively, twice a week. Review every wrong answer. |
| 4 to 3 | Writing: Section A and B together in 60 minutes, three times a week. Check you pass 80 and 200 words. |
| 3 to 2 | Speaking: practise asking ten questions on an ad in 5 minutes, then arguing for 10 minutes with someone who disagrees. Record it. |
| 2 | A second full practice test. Compare each test with the NCLC table above. |
| 1 | Light review. Confirm the centre, time and ID. |
Because speaking needs a higher score for the same NCLC, give it more practice time than the other tests. Our guide to using mock tests explains how to space practice tests.
Useful links
- TEF Canada registration (Le français des affaires)
- TEF Canada presentation and the TEF to NCLC table (PDF)
- Free TEF Canada mock tests
- TEF Canada syllabus
- TEF Canada exam dates
- TCF Canada 2026: test dates, format and how to book
- IELTS Academic vs General Training
Frequently asked questions
Is there negative marking in TEF Canada?
No. In reading and listening each right answer earns a point and a wrong or blank answer earns nothing. Answer every question.
What is the TEF Canada pass mark?
There is no pass or fail. Each test is scored out of 699 and read as an NCLC level, and each IRCC programme sets the level it needs. For example, NCLC 7 needs 434 in reading or listening, 428 in writing and 456 in speaking.
How long is the TEF Canada result valid?
Two years from the date the certificate is issued, according to Le français des affaires.
How soon can I retake TEF Canada?
You cannot sit the same TEF test twice within 20 days, across all TEF versions. Leave a gap of more than 20 days before you book the retake.
Which TEF Canada tests do I need for citizenship?
Listening comprehension and oral expression, taken on the same day. Le français des affaires cites NCLC 4 or above. Check IRCC's current rules before you book.