TCF Canada: format, scores, NCLC and how to prepare
Updated 2026-10-18. Figures come from the official pages linked at the end; check them before you book or apply.
The TCF Canada is the French test designed by France Éducation international for Canadian economic immigration and citizenship. It has four compulsory parts: listening (39 questions, 35 min), reading (39 questions, 60 min), writing (3 tasks, 60 min) and speaking (3 tasks, 12 min). IRCC converts each score into an NCLC level; Express Entry counts your weakest ability.
What exactly is tested, and for how long?
The four parts are taken the same day, in a test centre, and all four are compulsory for immigration purposes. The table below gives the official format; the sentence after it says what matters most for your preparation.
| Part | Format | Duration | Score scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening comprehension | 39 multiple-choice questions | 35 min | 100 to 699 |
| Reading comprehension | 39 multiple-choice questions | 60 min | 100 to 699 |
| Written expression | 3 tasks | 60 min | 0 to 20 |
| Oral expression | 3 tasks with an examiner | 12 min | 0 to 20 |
The two expression parts carry the same weight as the two comprehension parts, but they are the ones candidates underestimate: a 12-minute conversation and three short texts decide half of your profile.
How do TCF Canada scores convert to NCLC levels?
IRCC publishes one equivalence table per ability. The table below is the official one; read it as the minimum score you need in each ability to be credited with a given level.
| NCLC | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 16–20 | 549–699 | 549–699 | 16–20 |
| 9 | 14–15 | 523–548 | 524–548 | 14–15 |
| 8 | 12–13 | 503–522 | 499–523 | 12–13 |
| 7 | 10–11 | 458–502 | 453–498 | 10–11 |
| 6 | 7–9 | 398–457 | 406–452 | 7–9 |
| 5 | 6 | 369–397 | 375–405 | 6 |
| 4 | 4–5 | 331–368 | 342–374 | 4–5 |
NCLC 7 in all four abilities is the threshold that matters most: it is required for the French-language proficiency category of Express Entry and for the additional CRS points for French. Use the NCLC calculator with your own scores, and the CRS French points page to see what the level is worth.
What do the three speaking tasks look like?
The speaking test is a 12-minute, face-to-face conversation with an examiner, recorded and graded afterwards. Task 1 is a guided interview about you (2 minutes, no preparation). Task 2 is an interaction in which you ask the questions to obtain information, after 2 minutes of preparation (5 minutes 30 in total). Task 3 asks you to give and defend a point of view on a general topic (4 minutes 30, no preparation). Our speaking test page details what graders listen for in each task.
What do the three writing tasks look like?
Task 1 is a short message to someone you know (60 to 120 words). Task 2 is an article, letter or note that reports an experience for a defined audience (120 to 150 words). Task 3 gives you two short documents with opposing views: you restate each position, then argue your own (120 to 180 words). The writing test page explains the criteria and shows original, corrected examples.
How should you prepare, ability by ability?
Comprehension improves with volume: daily listening to natural speech (radio, interviews) and regular reading of everyday texts (notices, articles, messages). Expression improves only with correction: writing without feedback repeats the same errors, and speaking without a timer hides the pressure of the real test. A practical plan looks like this:
- Measure your current range first, then set a target per ability rather than one global goal.
- Practise speaking under the real timings, with a partner or an examiner that answers back, several times a week.
- Write the three task types in the official word counts and get each text corrected by criterion.
- Keep comprehension daily and short rather than weekly and long.
Scores are valid for two years for immigration purposes, so plan the test date from your application calendar backwards.
Questions candidates ask
Is the TCF Canada accepted for Express Entry?
Yes. IRCC accepts the TCF Canada as proof of French for economic immigration programmes, with the equivalence table above, provided all four abilities are taken.
Which is easier, TCF Canada or TEF Canada?
Both are accepted by IRCC and measure the same levels. They differ in format: the TCF Canada has three speaking and three writing tasks, the TEF Canada has two of each with longer timings. Choose the one whose format and centre availability suit you; see the TEF Canada page.
How long are results valid?
Two years from the date of the results, for immigration purposes.
Do I need NCLC 7 in every ability?
For the French-language proficiency category and the additional CRS points, yes: NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities. Express Entry always counts your weakest ability.