Reference Language tests TEF
TEF Canada for Canadian Immigration
Last verified: Aug 8, 2026
TEF Canada is the Express Entry variant of the Test d'évaluation de français, run by CCI Paris Île-de-France. A valid result covers all four modules; partial results are not accepted.
Result turnaround About 4–6 weeks to the official attestation.
Cost Approximately CAD 390–436 in Canada before tax; confirm with your test centre.
Validity 2 years from the test date.
Test centres Accredited centres across Canada, France, French-speaking Africa, and Asia.
Scores, CLB / NCLC levels, and CRS points
Convert my TEF scores
Reading 0–300, Listening 0–360, Writing 0–450, Speaking 0–450. Each band maps to the NCLC level IRCC scores.
Listening
CLB / NCLC level Test score
10 316–360 9 298–315 8 280–297 7 249–279 6 217–248 5 181–216 4 145–180
Reading
CLB / NCLC level Test score
10 263–300 9 248–262 8 233–247 7 207–232 6 181–206 5 151–180 4 121–150
Writing
CLB / NCLC level Test score
10 393–450 9 371–392 8 349–370 7 310–348 6 271–309 5 226–270 4 181–225
Speaking
CLB / NCLC level Test score
10 393–450 9 371–392 8 349–370 7 310–348 6 271–309 5 226–270 4 181–225
CRS impact
Level Example test scores CRS effect
NCLC 7 Reading 207–232, Listening 249–279, Writing 310–348, Speaking 310–348 Minimum for French-proficiency category draws; unlocks bilingualism bonus. NCLC 9 Reading 248–262, Listening 298–315, Writing 371–392, Speaking 371–392 Large CRS jump; competitive for French-proficiency targeted draws. NCLC 10 Reading 263–300, Listening 316–360, Writing 393–450, Speaking 393–450 Top tier; no additional CRS points above this level.
Before you book
Retakes require rewriting the entire TEF Canada; most candidates wait about a month between sittings.
Book the four-module bundle. A single-section TEF is not accepted for Express Entry.
Score bands narrow at the high end, so a few points in Listening or Reading can move you a full NCLC level.