TEF vs TCF: What’s the Difference? Complete Comparison for Canada & Québec Immigration
If you are preparing for French immigration exams in Canada, especially in Quebec or Montreal, you will likely be choosing between two official tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
Many candidates searching online use terms such as TEF vs TCF, TEF Canada vs TCF Canada, French test for Express Entry, or French exam Montreal. While both exams are officially accepted, they differ in structure, scoring, administration, and strategic use depending on your immigration goals.
This guide provides a clear and comprehensive comparison of TEF and TCF, helping candidates in Montreal and Quebec choose the right French language test.
Who Organizes TEF and TCF?
The TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) is developed and administered by
CCI Paris Île-de-France.
The TCF (Test de connaissance du français) is developed and administered by
France Éducation international.
Although both are official French proficiency tests, they are managed by different French institutions, which explains differences in test format, evaluation grids, examiner training, and result reporting. This distinction is important for candidates comparing TEF vs TCF Canada.
Which Exam Is Accepted for Canadian Immigration?
For federal immigration programs, including Express Entry, both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are officially accepted by IRCC. Candidates applying through Express Entry often search for French test for Express Entry or TEF Canada vs TCF Canada, and both options are valid.
For Quebec immigration, the situation is more nuanced. Quebec accepts French test results depending on the program and the version of the exam. Candidates frequently search for TEF Quebec, TCF Quebec, or French exam Quebec immigration. In this context, it is critical to choose the correct version of the test, not just the test name.
TEF Canada vs TCF Canada: Test Structure
When comparing TEF Canada vs TCF Canada, structure is one of the biggest differences.
TEF Canada evaluates four mandatory skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written expression, and oral expression. The speaking and writing components are organized into two sections, designed to assess both functional and argumentative language use.
TCF Canada also evaluates four mandatory skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. However, the writing and speaking components are divided into three tasks, increasing the number of short performance-based exercises.
Candidates searching for TEF exam Montreal or TCF exam Montreal often choose based on which structure better suits their test-taking style.
Scoring System: TEF vs TCF
Scoring is one of the most misunderstood aspects of TEF vs TCF.
TEF Canada reports results on a 0–699 scale per skill, which is then mapped to CEFR levels (A1–C2). Immigration authorities use the CEFR equivalency rather than the raw score. For Express Entry, IRCC requires candidates to input scores based on specific equivalency tables.
TCF Canada uses a mixed scoring system. Listening and reading are scored on a 0–699 scale, while speaking and writing are scored on a 0–20 scale, and then converted to CEFR levels.
For candidates searching TEF Canada scoring vs TCF Canada scoring, the key takeaway is that both exams ultimately rely on CEFR levels, even though the numeric systems differ.
Result Validity and Processing Time
Both TEF Canada and TCF Canada results are valid for two years, which aligns with IRCC and Quebec immigration requirements. This is an important factor for candidates planning timelines and searching how long is TEF valid or TCF Canada validity.
Processing times may vary by test center and exam volume, but both exams follow centralized correction and validation procedures in France before results are issued.
Which Exam Is Better in Quebec and Montreal?
There is no universally “better” exam, but there is often a better choice for your profile.
TEF Canada is often preferred by candidates who want a structure with fewer but more in-depth speaking and writing tasks, and by those already familiar with the TEF format used in Quebec.
TCF Canada is frequently chosen by candidates who prefer multiple shorter tasks and a clearly segmented exam structure.
Candidates searching TEF vs TCF Montreal, French test center Montreal, or Quebec immigration French exam should base their choice on immigration goals, comfort with exam format, and availability of test sessions.
TEF vs TCF: Key Takeaway for Montreal Candidates
For candidates living in Montreal or elsewhere in Quebec, both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are reliable, official options for proving French proficiency.
The most important factors are:
- choosing the correct exam version for your immigration program
- understanding the scoring and CEFR equivalency
- selecting a certified test center in Montreal with proper facilities and experience
This is why many candidates specifically search for TEF Canada Montreal, TCF Canada Montreal, or French test center Quebec before registering.
Final Conclusion: TEF vs TCF Canada
The TEF vs TCF decision is not about difficulty, but about fit and strategy.
Both exams are officially recognized, professionally administered, and widely accepted for Canada and Quebec immigration. Understanding their differences allows you to make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes.
If you are planning to take a French immigration exam in Montreal, make sure you understand the requirements of your immigration pathway and select the test that aligns best with your goals.