If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada, one big question will eventually pop up: Should I take TEF Canada or TCF Canada? Both exams are officially recognized by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to prove your French level. But while they test similar skills, the experience of preparing for and writing these exams can feel very different.
Having worked with hundreds of students, I’ve seen a growing shift in 2025: more and more candidates are choosing TCF Canada, and not without reason. Let’s break it down.
The Core Difference: TEF vs TCF Canada
Both exams assess four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
- TEF Canada: 4 modules, 2 writing tasks, 2 speaking tasks.
- TCF Canada: 4 modules, 3 writing tasks, 3 speaking tasks.
On paper, TEF looks “shorter.” But the reality is that TCF tasks are more practical, relatable, and beginner-friendly, while TEF often feels academic, even for advanced students.
- Success Rate & Scoring
- TEF Canada: Many strong students still fall short, especially in writing and speaking. The format (like fait divers or lettre au rédacteur) can be intimidating and unfamiliar, even for those who’ve lived in France.
- TCF Canada: Students generally find it friendlier and more accessible. In fact, I’ve seen candidates achieve 699/699 in listening and reading. Yes, a perfect score is absolutely possible! The design of TCF Canada makes success feel more achievable.
- Listening Module: The Game Changer
Earlier, many candidates leaned toward TEF Canada because its listening module felt more comfortable, most audios were played twice. This gave test-takers a sense of security, as they had a second chance to catch details they missed the first time.
But since December 2023, as most of you might know, TEF Canada has adopted a new format where all audios are now played only once. This has significantly increased the difficulty level, especially for those who relied on the repeat.
Because of this change, many candidates now feel that TCF Canada’s listening format seems easier overall, and the exam as a whole feels more approachable.
Writing Module: Practical vs. Overwhelming
- TEF Canada Writing:
- Task 1: Fait divers (a short news-style report imagining yourself as a journalist).
- Task 2: Lettre au rédacteur (letter to the editor, often argumentative).
These tasks can feel overwhelming. Honestly, how often will you ever write a fait divers or a lettre au rédacteur in real life? - TCF Canada Writing:
- Task 1: Short message (email, SMS, note).
- Task 2: Informal or semi-formal letter/article.
- Task 3: Blog/article/opinion piece.
These are practical, useful, and fun to learn. Students feel like they’re learning real-life French communication.
- Speaking Module: Natural Conversations
- TEF Canada Speaking: Two tasks, one formal dialogue, second informal. Some candidates freeze when supposed to convince the examiner during the second dialogue.
- TCF Canada Speaking: Three tasks, but each one builds up naturally, from a présentez-vous to a simple dialogue to a more elaborate opinion on a global theme. Students feel more at ease, almost like having a real conversation. The 3rd task might seem a bit challenging and scary at first, but trust me, with some practice, all candidates are able to perform as needed.
- Learning Experience
Another important factor is enjoyment.
- TEF Canada can sometimes feel like “jumping through hoops.” Students practice highly specific formats they may never use again.
- TCF Canada, on the other hand, feels more like a journey into everyday French. The tasks you practice (emails, blogs, small dialogues) are the same ones that help you communicate better in real life.
- Which Exam Should You Choose in 2025?
- If you love challenges, are academically inclined, and don’t mind niche formats, TEF Canada might work for you.
- But if you want higher chances of success, practical learning, and a less stressful exam experience, TCF Canada is the better choice.
In 2025, with the patterns we’re seeing, TCF Canada is quickly becoming the preferred option. It’s not just easier; it also makes the preparation process more enjoyable and rewarding.
My Personal Opinion: Unless you have a specific reason to stick with TEF Canada, go for TCF Canada. It’s simpler, more practical, and yes, your success rate is likely to be higher.
Disclaimer:
This article is based purely on my personal experience of working with several students over the years. Eventually, it is up to each candidate to choose the exam they feel more comfortable with. Choosing TCF Canada does not mean you don’t need to learn French or that you won’t have to work hard. Success in either exam still requires consistent effort, practice, and a solid grasp of the language. Changes in exam formats may be announced at any time. While I make every effort to keep my articles up to date, I cannot guarantee complete accuracy at all times.
The only difference is that with TCF Canada, the process tends to feel more enjoyable, less overwhelming, and overall, the chances of success are higher.
Need Guidance?
If you’re planning to take TEF or TCF Canada and want structured guidance, practice, and strategies that really work, feel free to reach out to me at LingoRelic Language Academy. I’ll be happy to guide you step by step so you can feel confident and prepared on exam day.
WhatsApp: +91-9056131830
Email: lingorelic@gmail.com
Instagram: @lingorelic
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