The TEF Score Calculator
Pick your TEF version, enter your section scores on the unified 0 to 699 scale, and instantly see your per-skill CEFR levels, CLB / NCLC levels for Canadian and Quebec immigration, and your CRS language points.
Your TEF Score
Pick the version you took and enter your section scores from your official TEF result.
TEF Canada is the version IRCC accepts for federal immigration programs.
Three steps from result to immigration eligibility
TEF reports four section scores, all on the unified 0 to 699 scale that maps to CEFR and (for TEF Canada) to CLB / NCLC.
Pick your version and enter four section scores
TEF Canada, TEFAQ, Naturalisation, or Études, plus Listening (CO), Reading (CE), Writing (EE), and Speaking (EO) on the 0 to 699 scale.
Read your CEFR, CLB / NCLC, and CRS points
You get the effective CEFR (lowest section), CLB / NCLC (for Canada and Quebec), and Express Entry CRS language points (for Canada).
Check your immigration eligibility
The result tells you which Canadian and Quebec immigration streams accept your scores, plus French citizenship eligibility for the Naturalisation version.
What is the TEF and how is it scored?
Two things every candidate should understand before reading their result.
TEF: Test d\'Évaluation de Français
The TEF (Test d\'Évaluation de Français) is administered by Le français des affaires, a department of the Paris CCI (Chamber of Commerce and Industry). Like TCF (its main competitor), TEF gives you a date-stamped score across all CEFR levels in one sitting, valid for 2 years.
Four versions exist for different purposes: TEF Canada (IRCC immigration), TEFAQ (Quebec immigration, oral-focused), TEF Naturalisation (French citizenship, oral-only), and TEF Études (first-year French undergraduate admission).
Unified 0 to 699 scale across all four sections
All four TEF sections are reported on the same 0 to 699 scale (after internal conversion from raw scores: CO /360, CE /300, EE /450, EO /450). This is the main scoring difference vs TCF, which uses dual scales (0 to 699 for comprehension, 0 to 20 for production).
There is no overall pass / fail. Each program (university, immigration stream, citizenship) sets its own per-section minimums. For Canadian Express Entry, your effective CLB / NCLC is the lowest section score: a single weak section caps your eligibility regardless of how strong the others are.
How each TEF version is structured
Same 0 to 699 scoring scale across all versions, but the mandatory sections, total length, and target audience differ significantly.
TEF Canada
~3 hours · IRCC immigration4 mandatory sections: Listening (~40 min, ~60 questions), Reading (~60 min, ~50 questions), Writing (~60 min, 2 tasks), Speaking (~15 min, 2 tasks one-on-one). The version IRCC accepts for Express Entry (FSWP, CEC, FSTP), Provincial Nominee Programs, and many work permits. NCLC reported per section.
TEFAQ
~1 hour · Quebec immigrationOral-focused: Listening (CO) and Speaking (EO) are mandatory; Reading (CE) and Writing (EE) are optional and rarely required. Used for Quebec PEQ (graduate stream), PRTQ (Quebec Skilled Worker Program). NCLC reported for the sections taken.
TEF Naturalisation
~30 min · French citizenshipOral-only: only Listening (CO) and Speaking (EO). Required for French citizenship by naturalisation. The minimum is CEFR B1 in both sections. The shortest TEF version, designed specifically for the citizenship use case.
TEF Études
~2.5 hours · French universityListening, Reading, and Writing are mandatory; Speaking is optional. Used for non-EU candidates applying to first-year (Licence 1) French undergraduate study. Bypassed if the candidate already has DELF B2 or DALF.
What your TEF score unlocks
Per-section thresholds for the most common Canadian, Quebec, and French citizenship pathways. Your effective level is the lowest section.
Competitive Express Entry ITA
TEF Canada with each section at NCLC 9+ (L 503+, R 503+, W 512+, S 542+) earns 124 CRS first-official-language points (without spouse). The practical target for an ITA in 2026 with cut-offs around 430 to 510. NCLC 10 requires L and R 549+, earning the maximum 136 points.
FSWP, CEC TEER 0/1, Quebec PEQ
TEF Canada at L 434+, R 434+, W 428+, S 456+ in every section meets the FSWP minimum and CEC TEER 0/1. Quebec PEQ requires NCLC 7 in oral skills (TEFAQ CO + EO). Earns 68 CRS first-official-language points (without spouse) for Express Entry: pool entry-level only.
French citizenship (TEF Naturalisation)
TEF Naturalisation requires CEFR B1 in CO and EO (~398+ /699 in each). The standard threshold for French citizenship by naturalisation. Other TEF versions (Canada, Études) at B1+ also meet some Quebec written-skills thresholds.
CEC TEER 2/3
L 369+, R 375+, W 379+, S 397+ in every section meets CEC TEER 2 and 3 minimums for in-Canada work experience. Below FSWP / CEC TEER 0/1 minimum.
Federal Skilled Trades L+S, Citizenship
L 331+ and S 331+ meets the Federal Skilled Trades Program oral minimums. NCLC 4 in oral skills is also the threshold for Canadian citizenship by naturalisation when applying in French.
Below most immigration thresholds
Below Canadian citizenship and Express Entry minimums. Recommend retaking the test after focused work on the weakest section before applying.
TEF score to CEFR and CLB / NCLC
All four TEF sections use the same 0 to 699 scale. Per-section CEFR mapping (left) and CLB / NCLC mapping for TEF Canada (right). Effective CEFR or CLB is determined by the lowest section.
| Score (per section) | CEFR | CLB / NCLC | CRS (per section, no spouse) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 549–699 | C1+ / C2 | 10+ | 34 |
| 503–548 | C1 | 9 | 31 |
| 462–502 | B2+ | 8 | 23 |
| 434–461 | B2 | 7 | 17 |
| 398–433 | B1+ | 6 | 8 |
| 369–397 | B1 | 5 | 6 |
| 331–368 | A2+ | 4 | 6 |
| 249–330 | A2 | <4 | 0 |
| 181–248 | A1 | -- | 0 |
| below 181 | below A1 | -- | 0 |
Source: IRCC official TEF Canada to NCLC chart (post-December 2023 scoring) and Le français des affaires TEF score guide. CRS values shown are per skill for first-official-language candidates without a spouse or common-law partner.
One concrete tip per section
Skill-specific advice for moving from NCLC 7 to NCLC 9 (the gap that adds 56 CRS language points).
Listening, train inference under noise
TEF Listening includes ambient noise (cafés, streets, train stations) on B2+ items. Many learners over-train on clean studio audio. Practice with podcasts that have background sound (interviews recorded on location) for the last 4 weeks before the test. The inference questions (speaker tone, implication) are the gap between NCLC 7 and 9.
Reading, drill paraphrase recognition
TEF Reading rewards spotting paraphrased ideas. Most B2+ questions test whether you understood the rephrased argument, not the literal sentence. Practice rewriting paragraphs from Le Monde or Libération in your own words; the active rewriting habit transfers directly.
Writing, hit the structure exactly per task
TEF Writing has 2 tasks: a 100-word completion of an article (continue or modify) and a 200-word formal letter or essay. Each rewards clear structure and accurate vocabulary over creativity. Build templates for both task types and time-box: 25 min for task 1, 35 min for task 2.
Speaking, plan + speak in complete sentences
TEF Speaking has 2 tasks: a role-play (10 min, getting information from the examiner) and a persuasion task (10 min, convincing the examiner). The biggest NCLC 7 to 9 gap is structure. Use prep time (1 to 2 minutes per task) to outline 3 main points; speak in complete sentences with connectors (cependant, en revanche, par conséquent).
TEF scoring questions, answered
How is the TEF score calculated?
TEF reports four section scores, each on a 0 to 699 scale: Listening (CO, /360 then converted), Reading (CE, /300 then converted), Writing (EE, /450 then converted), and Speaking (EO, /450 then converted). All four are converted to the unified 0 to 699 scale that aligns with CEFR and (for TEF Canada) with CLB / NCLC. Unlike DELF / DALF there is no overall pass mark; each program sets its own per-section minimums.
What TEF score do I need for Canadian Express Entry?
For TEF Canada (post-Dec 2023 scoring): NCLC 7 (CEFR B2) requires Listening 434 to 461, Reading 434 to 461, Writing 428 to 471, Speaking 456 to 493. NCLC 7 in all four sections gives you 124 CRS first-official-language points (without spouse) for Express Entry. NCLC 9 (CEFR C1) requires Listening 503+, Reading 503+, Writing 512+, Speaking 542+, also earning 124 CRS points (the maximum tier). NCLC 10+ requires Listening 549+ and earns 136 CRS points.
What is the difference between TEF Canada, TEFAQ, Naturalisation, and Études?
TEF Canada is the version IRCC accepts for federal immigration (Express Entry, PNP). TEFAQ (TEF Adapté pour le Québec) is the Quebec version, focused on oral skills (CO + EO mandatory, CE + EE optional). TEF Naturalisation is for French citizenship by naturalisation (only CO + EO required, CEFR B1 minimum). TEF Études is for first-year French undergraduate admission (similar to TCF DAP). All versions use the same 0 to 699 unified scale per section.
How does TEF convert to CEFR and CLB / NCLC?
Per IRCC and Le français des affaires charts (2024 update): 0 to 180 = below A1, 181 to 248 = A1, 249 to 330 = A2, 331 to 397 = A2+ / B1, 398 to 461 = B1+ / B2, 462 to 528 = B2+ / C1, 529 to 698 = C1+ / C2. CLB / NCLC for TEF Canada is per skill, with the lowest section determining your effective NCLC for IRCC purposes.
How long is a TEF score valid?
TEF results are valid for 2 years from the test date. After 2 years you must retake the test if your application is still in process or being submitted. The certificate is delivered within 4 to 6 weeks of the test date.
TEF vs TCF, which should I take?
Both are accepted by IRCC for Express Entry, by the Quebec government, and by French universities. TEF uses 0 to 699 across all four sections; TCF uses 0 to 699 for comprehension and 0 to 20 for production. TEF is administered by Le français des affaires (Paris Chamber of Commerce); TCF is administered by France Education International. Both have similar prep difficulty. Many candidates pick based on which test centre near them has earlier appointments. For Quebec specifically, TEFAQ is more common than TCF Quebec.
What is the minimum TEF score for French citizenship?
French citizenship by naturalisation requires CEFR B1 in oral comprehension (CO) and oral production (EO). TEF Naturalisation is the version designed specifically for this purpose: it tests only CO and EO. The B1 threshold corresponds to TEF scores of approximately 398 to 461 / 699 in CO and a similar range in EO. The certificate is valid for 2 years; the citizenship application typically takes 18 to 24 months, so plan to take TEF after collecting most other application documents.
How long is the TEF test?
Total testing time for TEF Canada: ~3 hours. Listening (CO) ~40 minutes, Reading (CE) ~60 minutes, Writing (EE) ~60 minutes, Speaking (EO) ~15 minutes one-on-one. TEFAQ is shorter (~1 hour, mostly oral). TEF Naturalisation is the shortest (~30 minutes). All sections are taken on the same day; results arrive in 4 to 6 weeks.
Keep going
TEF to CEFR Converter →
Map your TEF section scores directly to the CEFR scale (A1 through C2) used by European universities and employers.
TEF to DELF / DALF Converter →
Translate your TEF result into the equivalent DELF or DALF level if you also want to pursue the lifetime French diploma.
TCF Score Calculator →
TCF is the other French test IRCC accepts. Calculate your TCF Canada / Quebec / Tout Public / DAP score with the same CLB / NCLC eligibility logic.
Ready to push your TEF score higher?
Practice with realistic TEF-style tasks, AI-rated Writing and Speaking feedback, and a study plan tuned to your weakest section, built by LingUp.
Start PracticingTEF® is a registered trademark of Le français des affaires (Paris CCI). This calculator is not affiliated with or endorsed by Le français des affaires, the Paris CCI, or IRCC.
