TL;DR
The TCF Canada lasts 2 h 47 min, the TCF Québec up to 2 h 22 min (it is modular) and the TEF Canada 2 h 55 min.
Total time
| Test | Total time | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| TCF Canada | 2 h 47 min | Immigration to Canada |
| TCF Québec | Up to 2 h 22 min | Immigration to Québec |
| TEF Canada | 2 h 55 min | Immigration to Canada |
Listening and reading
| Test | Compréhension orale (listening) | Compréhension écrite (reading) |
|---|---|---|
| TCF Canada | 39 questions, 35 min | 39 questions, 60 min |
| TCF Québec | 29 questions, 25 min | 29 questions, 45 min |
| TEF Canada | 40 questions, 40 min | 40 questions, 60 min |
Writing and speaking
| Test | Expression écrite (writing) | Expression orale (speaking) |
|---|---|---|
| TCF Canada | 3 tasks, 60 min | 3 tasks, 12 min |
| TCF Québec | 3 tasks, 60 min | 3 tasks, 12 min |
| TEF Canada | 2 sections, 60 min | 2 sections, 15 min |
On computer or on paper
For both the TCF Canada and the TCF Québec, the format (paper or computer) depends on the test centre: every section is available on computer except speaking, which is face to face with an examiner. On the computer version of the TCF Québec, listening and reading have 34 questions instead of 29; the 5 extra questions do not count towards your score.
After the test: results and retakes
- TCF Canada and TCF Québec results: in your TCF-Candidat account, within 15 business days of France Éducation international receiving the session material.
- Retakes: 20 days between two TCF Canada sittings, or between two sittings of the same TCF Québec section.
- Validity: a TCF Canada or TCF Québec score report is valid for 2 years from the date the results are issued.
What it means for your preparation
- The longer the test, the more stamina matters: practise at least once with a full timed test.
- The TCF Québec is modular: only prepare the sections you are asked for.
- Preparing for a test in France? This article also exists in French.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the TCF Canada?+−
2 h 47 min in total: 35 minutes of listening, 60 minutes of reading, 60 minutes of writing and 12 minutes of speaking.
Which is longer, the TCF Canada or the TEF Canada?+−
The TEF Canada, at 2 h 55 min, against 2 h 47 min for the TCF Canada.
Why does the TCF Québec last « up to » 2 h 22 min?+−
Because it is modular: you only take the sections you need, and 2 h 22 min is the time for all four.
How long does it take to get TCF Canada results?+−
15 business days from France Éducation international receiving the session material, in your TCF-Candidat account.
What score would you get in writing?
Write a TCF task and get an estimated level based on the official criteria. With the 14-day free trial. How we check the correction