TEF Canada Preparation Course: Lessons 2026

Lesson 1: TEF Canada format and scoring

TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français) is a French test made by Le français des affaires, part of the CCI Paris Île-de-France (the Paris region chamber of commerce). It is recognized by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for immigration and citizenship applications. This course explains each part in English. The practice texts and recordings are in French, as on the real test.

For immigration, all four tests are mandatory. For citizenship, only two are required: listening and speaking. You must take all your tests on the same day, or Canadian authorities will not recognize the certificate.

On test day

• Reading, listening and writing are done on a computer. Speaking is face to face with an examiner and is always recorded.
• Bring the same photo ID you used to register, and your convocation (the notice your test centre sends you).
• Phones must be off. Dictionaries, notes and personal items are not allowed. No notes or scrap paper during listening and speaking.
• Late arrivals are not admitted once the test has started. Texts learned by heart are not allowed: your answers must be your own.

How scoring works

In reading and listening, a correct answer gives 1 point. A wrong or blank answer gives 0: nothing is taken away, so never leave a blank. Your total is then converted into a calibrated score that takes the difficulty of the questions into account.

Each writing text is marked by two independent, trained correctors. The speaking test is marked by the examiner and then by a second evaluator who listens to the recording. They use standard grids with criteria such as communication, vocabulary, grammar, organization and fluency.

Your attestation (statement of results) gives each test a score from 0 to 699, a CEFR level from A1 to C2, and an NCLC level from 1 to 12. NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) is the French version of the Canadian Language Benchmarks.

Scores for your IRCC application

The attestation also has a column called "Équivalence ancien score" (previous score equivalency). IRCC says to enter only these scores in your online profile, not the "Score / 699" results. IRCC's table turns them into NCLC levels:

The level you need depends on the program. The test owner gives examples: NCLC 7 in all four tests for Express Entry, NCLC 5 for Mobilité francophone, and NCLC 4 in listening and speaking for citizenship. Always check IRCC's current rules for your own program before you book.

Registration, results and retakes

• You must be over 16. You register directly with an official test centre. Fees are set by each centre.
• Results are sent within 1 to 10 working days, by email with a link to download your attestation.
• The attestation is valid for 2 years from the date it is issued.
• You can retake the test as often as you like, but you cannot take the same test again within 20 days.

Quiz tematico 1: TEF Canada format and scoring

Lesson 2: Compréhension orale (listening)

The listening test has 40 questions in 40 minutes. Each question has 4 options and one correct answer. You get a few seconds to read the question, then the recording starts automatically and plays once. You must answer as you go: you cannot go back to an earlier question.

The official preparation article says the questions are mostly about daily life. The recordings include short conversations (some with pictures), public announcements, street interviews (micro-trottoirs), radio segments (chroniques), interviews, a report (reportage) and other documents.

A routine for every question

1. Read the question and all four options before the audio starts.
2. Predict: do you need a time, a place, a reason, a person or an opinion?
3. Listen for the idea, not the exact words. The right option often uses a synonym or a rephrasing.
4. Choose an answer before you move on. A blank gives 0, so always guess if you are not sure.

Common traps

• Changes of plan. Words like "en fait", "finalement", "plutôt" and "au lieu de" often bring the real answer: "Il partira de la voie 6 au lieu de la voie 3."
• Numbers and times. Listen carefully to pairs like quinze/cinquante and soixante/soixante-dix, and to times such as "14 h 15".
• Two speakers, two opinions. In a micro-trottoir, check which person the question asks about.
• "Oui, mais…" A speaker who says "c'est une bonne idée, mais…" is for the idea with a reservation.
• Polite or indirect expressions. "Ça m'étonnerait" (I'd be surprised) means the speaker thinks something will probably not happen.

Canadian French you may hear

• On soupe ensemble ce soir ?Shall we have supper (the evening meal) together tonight? In Canada, le dîner is usually lunch.
• Je passe au dépanneur.I'm stopping at the corner store.
• Je t'envoie un courriel.I'll send you an email.
• On se voit en fin de semaine ?Shall we meet on the weekend?
• Il faut faire l'épicerie.We need to do the grocery shopping.
• Ça m'étonnerait.I'd be surprised (it probably won't happen).
• Le train partira avec vingt minutes de retard.The train will leave about twenty minutes late.

Quiz tematico 2: TEF Canada: Compréhension orale (listening)

Lesson 3: Compréhension écrite (reading)

The reading test has 40 questions in 60 minutes, with 4 options and one correct answer each. That is 1.5 minutes per question on average. Unlike listening, you can move freely around the test, so you can skip a hard question and come back.

The official TEF preparation article describes five kinds of reading questions:

Time and strategy

• Read the question and options first, then the document, so you know what to look for.
• Skim for the main idea (title, first and last sentences). Scan for details (dates, prices, names).
• The test checks reading, not general knowledge: the answer must come from the document.
• If a question blocks you, skip it, note it and come back. Check your answers before you submit.

Gaps: grammar and meaning

For a gap, read the whole sentence. First check the grammar: does the word need to agree ("les documents que vous avez envoyés"), or does the structure need a subjunctive ("il faut que vous remplissiez")? Then check the meaning: does the link show contrast, cause or result?

Words in administrative documents

• ci-joint: attached
• au plus tard le…: no later than…
• à compter du…: starting on…
• une preuve de domicile: proof of address
• un atout: an advantage (not a requirement)
• les exigences: the requirements
• sous réserve de…: subject to…

Quiz tematico 3: TEF Canada: Compréhension écrite (reading)

Lesson 4: Expression écrite (writing)

The writing test lasts 60 minutes and is typed on a computer. If your keyboard has no accents, use the virtual keyboard on the screen. There are two sections:

Both texts are marked on: relevance of the information, quality of the information or arguments, coherence and cohesion, quality of sentences and vocabulary, and spelling and punctuation.

Section A: continue the news story

• You receive the title and the beginning of a news story. Read the title: it sometimes gives useful clues.
• Do not copy the beginning. It wastes time and earns no points. Do not summarize it either.
• Add new details, explanations and information: what happened next, who helped, why, and how it ended.
• Tell the story in the past: passé composé for events ("ils ont appelé"), imparfait for background and actions in progress ("il faisait froid", "pendant qu'ils installaient").

Section B: give and justify your opinion

• You receive a statement and say whether you agree, with arguments and examples.
• You do not have to write a letter. A formal letter with an official heading earns no points.
• Start with one sentence that restates or quotes the statement. Long general introductions and conclusions do not earn points.
• Spend your time on your own arguments, each with a concrete example. Use connectors: d'abord, de plus, cependant, par exemple, en somme.

Quiz tematico 4: TEF Canada: Expression écrite (writing)

Lesson 5: Expression orale (speaking)

The speaking test lasts 15 minutes, face to face with an examiner. It is always recorded, so a second evaluator can mark it too. Both sections are role-plays based on a document such as an advertisement, a classified ad, a job offer or a leisure activity.

Section A: ask many clear questions

• The official advice is to ask about ten questions. Cover price, dates, times, place, conditions and what is included.
• Vary your question forms: intonation ("Le matériel est fourni ?"), est-ce que ("Est-ce que le matériel est fourni ?") and inversion ("Offrez-vous des cours le samedi ?").
• You are usually talking to a stranger, so use vous and polite forms such as "Pourriez-vous…" and "J'aimerais savoir…".
• Listen to each answer. Do not ask again for something already said: rephrase it to confirm, then ask about something new.

• Bonjour, je vous appelle au sujet de votre annonce.Hello, I'm calling about your ad.
• J'aimerais avoir quelques renseignements.I'd like some information.
• Pourriez-vous me dire combien ça coûte ?Could you tell me how much it costs?
• Si j'ai bien compris, le cours a lieu le mercredi soir ?If I understood correctly, the class is on Wednesday evenings?
• Pardon, pourriez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît ?Sorry, could you repeat that, please?

Section B: persuade a friend

• The examiner plays your friend and will never fully agree. Stay calm and natural: this is expected.
• Imagine your friend does not know the document. Present it clearly, then give your opinion with examples.
• Link the offer to your friend's interests and needs ("Toi qui adores…").
• When your friend objects, accept, then answer: "Je comprends, mais…". Use tu with a friend.

• Écoute, j'ai vu une annonce qui va t'intéresser.Listen, I saw an ad that will interest you.
• Ça vaut vraiment la peine.It's really worth it.
• Je comprends, mais pense à tout ce que tu vas apprendre.I understand, but think of everything you'll learn.
• En plus, c'est à deux pas de chez toi.What's more, it's very close to your place.
• Allez, essaie au moins une fois !Come on, at least try it once!

Quiz tematico 5: TEF Canada: Expression orale (speaking)