The TEF Canada (Test d'Évaluation de Français) has been recognised by IRCC since 2002. It is administered by CCI Paris Île-de-France and accepted for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and Canadian citizenship applications. All four sections must be completed on the same day for your certificate to be valid.
The four compulsory sections
Compréhension Écrite (Reading): 40 multiple-choice questions. Duration 60 minutes. Scored out of 300. Each correct answer adds one point; wrong or blank answers score zero. The raw total is converted to a calibrated score.
Compréhension Orale (Listening): 40 multiple-choice questions. Duration 40 minutes. Scored out of 360. Same scoring logic — correct answers only, calibrated conversion applied.
Expression Écrite (Writing): Two sections in 60 minutes total. Section A (25 minutes): continue an article in a minimum of 80 words. Section B (35 minutes): express and justify a point of view in a minimum of 200 words. Scored out of 450. Assessed by two independent examiners using standardised grids covering communication skills, vocabulary, grammar, organisation, and coherence.
Expression Orale (Speaking): Two sections in 15 minutes total. Section A (5 minutes): obtaining information. Section B (10 minutes): expressing an argument to convince. Scored out of 450. Assessed by two independent examiners from a recording.
What CLB 7 requires in raw scores
To achieve CLB 7 across all four skills: Reading — minimum 207 out of 300. Writing — minimum 310 out of 450. Listening — minimum 249 out of 360. Speaking — minimum 310 out of 450. These are per-skill minimums. IRCC evaluates each section independently. Your weakest skill sets your CLB level — CLB 9 in reading cannot compensate for CLB 6 in speaking.
Certificate and validity
Results arrive approximately two weeks after the exam. Your certificate shows your raw score per section on the 0–699 scale, your CEFR level (A1 to C2), and your CLB level (1–12). Results are valid for exactly two years from the date of issue. A mandatory 30-day waiting period applies between attempts.
Cost and registration
Fees range from CAD $300–400 depending on your test centre. Register at least four to six weeks in advance. In Nigeria, test centres are available through Alliance Française Lagos and Abuja. Registration is done directly with the test centre.
