French Language Proficiency
TEF (Test d’évaluation de français)
If you are proficient in French, the TEF is the official test accepted by IRCC to evaluate your French language skills. It assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, and it is primarily required for those applying for the Federal Skilled Worker Program or those who wish to earn additional points under the Express Entry system.
Listening: 40 minutes
Reading: 60 minutes
Writing: 60 minutes
Speaking: 15 minutes
Scoring: The TEF uses a scale from 0 to 900 points. To meet the CLB 7 requirement, you will need a score of 229-300 points in listening and reading. A higher score can improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points in Express Entry.
TCF (Test de connaissance du français)
Another widely accepted French language proficiency test is the TCF. It evaluates the four main language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Listening: 25 minutes
Reading: 35 minutes
Writing: 30 minutes
Speaking: 12-15 minutes
Scoring: TCF scores range from 0 to 800, and for a CLB 7, you’ll need a score of about 226 or higher in listening and reading.
For French-Speaking Applicants:
TEF or TCF: Both are accepted by IRCC for French language proficiency and can help you earn additional CRS points for Express Entry.
For Bilingual Applicants:
If you are proficient in both English and French, taking both English and French language tests can maximize your CRS score under Express Entry, boosting your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).