TEF Canada explained: format, scoring, and CLB levels
Published 6/20/2026 · 6 min read
The TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français) is a French language test recognised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Express Entry, Canadian citizenship, and several Provincial Nominee Programs. It measures your French across four skills, and each skill produces a score that maps to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level — called NCLC in French.
The four sections
- •Compréhension écrite (Reading) — 40 questions, 60 minutes.
- •Compréhension orale (Listening) — 40 questions, about 40 minutes of audio.
- •Expression écrite (Writing) — two tasks: a short factual text and a longer argumentative text.
- •Expression orale (Speaking) — two tasks: obtaining information (Section A) and persuading (Section B).
How scoring works
Each section is scored on its own scale and then converted to a CLB/NCLC level. For Express Entry, CLB 7 in all four skills unlocks the maximum French-language points, and strong French can add a significant bonus even for English-first applicants. Because points are awarded per skill, a balanced profile usually beats one very strong skill and three weak ones.
What a good score looks like
Aim for at least CLB 7 in every skill if French points matter to your application. Reading and Listening reward exam familiarity and vocabulary; Writing and Speaking reward structure, connectors, and clear argumentation. Regular timed practice under exam conditions is the single biggest lever on your score.
Practise this under the clock
Reading, listening, writing, and speaking — the first timed test in every module is free, with model answers and an estimated CLB level.