Updated on October 14, 2026
Which test for which project?
- Immigration to Canada (Express Entry): TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French; IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core for English.
- Quebec: the province accepts its own versions of tests, such as the TCF Québec or the TEFaQ; check the requirement of the program you are targeting.
- Studies in Canada or France: the required test depends on the institution (TCF, TEF, DELF or DALF, IELTS Academic…).
- DALF: a diploma valid for life, often required for higher education in France.
Understanding CLB levels
For immigration, IRCC converts your results into Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English, and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French. Each skill counts separately: listening, reading, speaking and writing.
A good level in both languages can make a real difference to your Express Entry score.
Validity of results
For immigration to Canada, results must be less than two years old when you submit your application. Plan your test according to the timeline of your file.
Preparing well
- take a mock test to know your starting level;
- work on each skill with exercises in the official format;
- practise speaking and writing with corrections;
- learn to manage your time: the tests are timed;
- book your exam session early at an approved centre.
Preparing with FTGroup
We prepare our candidates with Innov Académie, our partner training centre in Douala. You can also follow our online TCF and TEF preparation, or book one-to-one coaching.
Online TCF and TEF preparation TCF and TEF coaching
What FTGroup does for you
- a mock test and a realistic score target;
- supervised preparation with Innov Académie or online;
- detailed corrections of your writing and speaking;
- choosing the test and session according to the timeline of your file.
Ready to start?
Describe your project in 5 minutes: an advisor reviews your profile and gets back to you within 48 working hours.