TEF Canada Exam Format: Sections, Timing and How Each Test Works

Add the times up and you get 60 + 40 + 60 + 15 = 175 minutes, or 2 hours 55 minutes. That is the time spent on the tests themselves. It does not include check-in, instructions or breaks, so ask your test centre for the schedule of your session.

The official test provider says all the tests must be taken on the same day for the certificate to be recognised by the Canadian authorities. For Express Entry you need a result in each skill, because IRCC converts every score to an NCLC level and your lowest level is the one that counts. See the TEF Canada scores to NCLC chart.

Reading is a computer-based test with 40 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four options and only one is correct. A correct answer gives 1 point, and a question left blank can never earn one, so give your best answer to every question. You can move freely between questions.

The official page describes the test as 40 questions spread over 51 screens, because some documents carry several questions. You have 60 minutes, which is 1 minute 30 seconds per question if you spread the time evenly.

More on question types and strategies in our TEF Canada reading and listening guide.

Listening also has 40 multiple-choice questions, with four options and one correct answer. The big difference is control: each recording plays once and you cannot go back. The audio sets the pace, not you.

• Use the seconds before each recording to read the question and its options.
• Answer every question. A blank never earns a point, so always pick the most likely option.
• Do not stay stuck. A question you missed is gone. Focus on the next one.

Section B is longer and counts for a lot, so protect its 35 minutes. Plan a few minutes in each section to reread for agreement, verb endings and spelling.

• Reach the minimum word count. Count your words in both sections.
• Answer the exact task. In section A, keep the tone and facts of the article. In section B, give a clear opinion and reasons.
• Use connectors (d'abord, en revanche, par conséquent) to make the structure easy to follow.

See model answers for both sections in our TEF Canada writing examples and the TEF writing guide.

Speaking is an individual test with an examiner. In section A you ask questions to get information. In section B you try to convince someone and answer their objections. The test is recorded so it can be assessed more than once.

Our TEF Canada speaking guide walks through both sections with phrases you can reuse.

You do not get one overall mark. You get four separate results: reading out of 300, listening out of 360, writing out of 450 and speaking out of 450. IRCC converts each one to an NCLC level using its own table.

As of October 2026 these are the minimums in our conversion chart, based on IRCC's table. Always check the current table on the IRCC language testing page before you rely on it. Use the NCLC calculator to see an estimate for your own scores.

The scales differ, so never compare raw numbers across skills. A 250 is NCLC 9 in reading but only NCLC 7 in listening.

1. 1Learn the structure first. Know the question counts, the minutes and the word minimums above so nothing surprises you in the room.
2. 2Practise each part with a timer. Do 40 reading questions in 60 minutes and both writing sections in 60 minutes, not untimed.
3. 3Rehearse speaking out loud. Time yourself: 5 minutes for section A, 10 for section B.
4. 4Check the booking details early. Dates, ID rules and fees depend on the test centre. See how to book the TEF Canada.
5. 5Check the official page last. Formats can change, so confirm the details on the Le français des affaires page shortly before your test.

Frenchly is an independent practice tool. It is not affiliated with CCI Paris Île-de-France or IRCC, and it does not guarantee any score or immigration result.