WriteIn French is designed to help you ace the TEF Canada test. Practice French writing with AI-powered feedback to achieve high CLB levels—essential for maximizing your Express Entry CRS points and Canadian immigration success.
Start Preparing for TEF CanadaTEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français pour le Canada) is a French language proficiency test specifically designed for Canadian immigration programs. It's administered by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris Île-de-France (CCI Paris Île-de-France) and is one of two approved French tests for Express Entry (the other being TCF Canada).
TEF Canada is required or beneficial for:
Unlike general French proficiency exams like DELF or DALF, TEF Canada results are reported in Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels, which Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses to assess language ability and assign Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for Express Entry.
TEF Canada consists of four mandatory sections testing all language skills. All sections must be completed in a single test session.
| Section | Tasks | Duration | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compréhension orale (Listening) | 60 questions: announcements, conversations, instructions, radio broadcasts | 40 minutes | 0-360 points |
| Compréhension écrite (Reading) | 50 questions: emails, articles, advertisements, informational texts | 60 minutes | 0-300 points |
| Expression écrite (Writing) | 2 tasks: Section A (personal/opinion, ~200 words), Section B (argumentative, ~250 words) | 60 minutes | 0-450 points |
| Expression orale (Speaking) | 2 tasks: Section A (information gathering), Section B (opinion defense) | 15 minutes | 0-450 points |
Total Test Duration: Approximately 2 hours 55 minutes
Test Format: Computer-based (speaking section may be recorded or conducted with examiner)
Results: Available online 3-5 weeks after test date
Validity: Results valid for 2 years from test date
For Canadian immigration, your TEF Canada scores are converted to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels. Here's how TEF Canada scores correspond to CLB levels:
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | 263-300 | 393-450 | 316-360 | 393-450 |
| CLB 9 | 248-262 | 371-392 | 298-315 | 371-392 |
| CLB 8 | 233-247 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 349-370 |
| CLB 7 | 207-232 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 310-348 |
| CLB 6 | 181-206 | 271-309 | 217-248 | 271-309 |
| CLB 5 | 151-180 | 226-270 | 181-216 | 226-270 |
| CLB 4 | 121-150 | 181-225 | 145-180 | 181-225 |
Important: While CLB 7 may be the minimum, achieving CLB 9 or 10 significantly increases your CRS points and chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
In the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System, language proficiency is one of the most important factors. Higher CLB levels earn substantially more points:
If you demonstrate strong French proficiency while also meeting minimum English requirements, you can earn bonus points:
Strategic Tip: The difference between CLB 7 and CLB 9 is 56 CRS points—often the difference between receiving an ITA or not. Investing time to achieve higher CLB levels pays off significantly.
The writing section (Expression écrite) is worth 450 points and consists of two distinct tasks to be completed in 60 minutes total.
You'll write about a personal experience, give your opinion, or describe a situation. This section tests your ability to:
Common Section A Topics:
You'll take a position on an issue and defend your viewpoint with arguments and examples. This section tests your ability to:
Common Section B Topics:
Your writing is scored on four criteria:
WriteIn French is designed to help you improve your French writing skills through regular practice with AI-powered feedback:
Build fluency and confidence by writing regularly in French. Practice different text types—opinions, arguments, narratives—to prepare for both TEF Canada writing tasks.
Get instant feedback on verb conjugation, agreement, tense usage, and complex structures. Eliminate the grammar errors that prevent you from reaching higher CLB levels.
Improve your lexical range with suggestions for more sophisticated vocabulary and expressions appropriate for CLB 8, 9, or 10 level writing.
Learn to organize your writing with clear introductions, logical arguments, and effective conclusions. Master the use of French connectors and discourse markers.
Practice writing within time limits to prepare for the 60-minute TEF Canada writing section. Develop the ability to plan, write, and review efficiently.
Identify patterns in your errors and weak areas. Focus your study efforts on the specific skills that will most improve your CLB level.
This timeline assumes you're starting at B1/B2 level French. Adjust based on your current proficiency and target CLB level.
TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français pour le Canada) is a French language proficiency test specifically designed for Canadian immigration programs including Express Entry, Quebec immigration, and citizenship applications. It's administered by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris (CCIP).
For Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker program, you need minimum CLB 7 in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking). For Canadian Experience Class, minimum CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs, or CLB 5 for NOC B jobs. Higher CLB levels (8, 9, or 10) earn more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
TEF Canada results are valid for 2 years from the test date. For Express Entry, your results must be less than 2 years old at the time you submit your permanent residence application.
The TEF Canada writing section has two tasks completed in 60 minutes: Section A requires writing about personal experience or opinion (approximately 200 words), and Section B requires defending a viewpoint in argumentative writing (approximately 250 words).
WriteIn French provides AI-powered French writing practice with instant feedback on grammar, vocabulary, and structure. Regular practice helps you improve the writing skills needed to achieve high CLB levels on the TEF Canada writing section.
TEF Canada test fees vary by location and testing center, typically ranging from CAD $350-$450. Check with your local approved test center for exact pricing.
TEF Canada is offered at approved test centers worldwide. In Canada, Alliance Française locations and some colleges offer the test. Outside Canada, check the CCI Paris Île-de-France website for authorized centers in your country.
Both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted for Canadian immigration. TEF Canada may have more available test dates in some locations, while TCF Canada results are available slightly faster (about 2-3 weeks vs 3-5 weeks). Choose based on availability and personal preference.
Yes, there's no limit on how many times you can take TEF Canada, and there's typically no minimum waiting period between attempts. However, you must pay the full test fee each time. Consider preparing more thoroughly before retaking to avoid unnecessary expense.
Yes, for Canadian immigration purposes, you must take either TEF Canada or TCF Canada specifically. IRCC does not accept DELF, DALF, or other French proficiency tests for Express Entry or other immigration programs.
Practice French writing with AI-powered feedback. Achieve the CLB levels you need for Canadian immigration success.
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