This page answers one question: which exam should you take?
Choosing the wrong exam is the most common and most expensive mistake. Some people take the DELF thinking it earns immigration points; others register for the TEFAQ when their goal is a federal program. Compare the four exams below with your own goal. For a closer comparison of the two federal exams, see TEF or TCF?.
We are not an authorized test centre. We help you register and offer an accompaniment service to partner test centres. Official exams are run by the organizations responsible for them.
The four exams
| TEF Canada | TCF Canada | TEFAQ / TCFQ | DELF / DALF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Canadian immigration (federal) | Canadian immigration (federal) | Quebec immigration | Diploma, studies and professional recognition |
| Earns immigration points | Yes | Yes | Yes (Quebec) | No |
| Organizer | CCI Paris Île-de-France | France Éducation international | Same | France Éducation international |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | Lifetime |
| Compulsory parts | Listening, reading, writing, speaking | All four | Listening and speaking (reading and writing optional) | All four |
| Exam length | About 3 hours | About 2 hours 45 minutes | About 1 hour | DELF B2: about 2 h 50; DALF: see France Éducation international |
| Results | About 2 to 3 weeks | About 3 weeks | TEFAQ: about 2 to 3 weeks; TCFQ: see France Éducation international | DELF/DALF: within 2 months at most |
Choosing in one sentence
- Federal Express Entry: TEF Canada or TCF Canada (either one; pick the format you are more comfortable with).
- Quebec program: TEFAQ or TCFQ.
- Studies, professional recognition, or proof that does not expire: DELF / DALF.
One page per test: TEF Canada, TCF Canada, TEFAQ, TCFQ, DELF and DALF.
What is CLB (NCLC)?
The immigration system does not care whether you feel you are at B1; it looks only at your CLB level (NCLC in French). Exam scores are converted into CLB 1 to 10 using an official table, and Express Entry looks at CLB 7.
Approximate correspondence (IRCC publishes score-to-CLB tables, not CEFR levels, so the A/B levels below are only a guide):
| CLB (NCLC) | Approximate level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | About B1 | You can manage daily life, but expression is limited |
| 6 | Between B1 and B2 | In between, where many people get stuck |
| 7 | Roughly B2 | The key threshold for French-language points in Express Entry |
The exact score ranges are those in the conversion table published by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Before the exam, we work out your target score with you; you can also use our CLB converter.
Where to take the exam
Session dates, registration fees and test centres are set by the official organizations and change over time, so we do not list them here. Check directly with CCI Paris Île-de-France for the TEF, France Éducation international for the TCF, DELF and DALF, and IRCC for immigration requirements. We help you register and accompany you to a partner test centre.
Registration steps
| Step | What to do | Who |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Placement test: confirm your current level and a realistic target | Us |
| 2 | Choose the exam type and session | Together |
| 3 | Register online with the official organization, upload ID, pay (we help you register) | You, with our help |
| 4 | Two weeks before: mock exam, check of the partner test centre and ID; accompaniment service to the centre | Us |
| 5 | Exam | You |
| 6 | After results: skill-by-skill analysis, decide whether to retake a single part | Us |
Before the exam
- ID: the ID used to register must be exactly the one you bring on exam day (spelling of your name, type of document). A name change or new document must be sorted out in advance.
- Arrival: arrive at the time stated on your convocation (exam notice), with your ID. Latecomers can be refused once the test has started.
- What to bring: only your ID and your confirmation. Phones, watches and paper are not allowed in the exam room.
- Schedule: the speaking test may be set on a different date from the written tests. Check this when you register.
- Rescheduling: the organizer generally allows rescheduling up to a certain number of days before the exam, with no refund after that. The number of days is on your registration confirmation.
Common questions
Should I choose TEF or TCF? Both are recognized by IRCC and carry the same weight. TEF has fairly stable task types and more speaking time; TCF is faster and has more questions. After your placement test, we recommend one based on your strengths and weaknesses, at no extra charge.
How soon can I use my results? You can use them for an application as soon as they are released. Results must be less than 2 years old when you create your Express Entry profile and again when you submit your permanent residence application (IRCC). Check the date printed on your result.
Can the DELF B2 serve as proof of language for immigration? No. The DELF is a diploma, and IRCC does not accept it. This is the most common misunderstanding.
What if I do not reach CLB 7 the first time? You can retake the exam, or work on a single skill only. If only one part is pulling down your total, single-skill reinforcement (20 hours) is better value than retaking the whole exam.
Can I take only the speaking test? For TEFAQ and TCFQ, you can take only listening and speaking (the other two parts are optional). For TEF Canada and TCF Canada, all four parts are compulsory.
To practise under exam conditions, see our mock exams. To book your free 40-minute placement test: Book a placement test.
