TEF Canada vs TCF Canada: Which Exam Should You Take in 2026?

If you are applying for Canadian Permanent Residency through Express Entry, you need to prove your French proficiency with an officially recognized test. The two accepted exams are the TEF Canada (Test d'Évaluation de Français) and the TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français).

Both exams test the same four skills (Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking), both produce CLB/NCLC scores that IRCC accepts, and both cost roughly the same amount. So which one should you take?

This comprehensive 2026 comparison will help you decide.

1. Who Creates Each Exam?

Understanding who designs the exam explains the subtle differences in style and difficulty.