From zero French, plan about 560–650 guided hours to reach B2, a safe target for NCLC 7: roughly 13–15 months at 10 hours a week or 9–10 months at 15, and real progress varies. TEF Canada has no minimum level to sit it and no pass or fail. For the Express Entry French bonus and French draws you need NCLC 7 in all four skills: 249 listening, 207 reading, 310 writing and 310 speaking.
Key takeaways
- There's no entry level and no pass mark. Your program sets the score you need.
- Express Entry's French bonus and draws need NCLC 7 in all four skills.
- From A0: about 560–650 guided hours to B2, on one Alliance Française estimate.
- Learn general French first. Start TEF-specific practice around B1.
- Look for a seat from about B1. Results stay valid 2 years, so don't sit too early.
On this page
Starting [TEF Canada](/exams/tef-canada) from zero is realistic, but it's a project of a year or more for many schedules. One Alliance Française publishes about 560–650 guided hours from zero to B2, which we use as a safe target for NCLC 7. At 10 hours a week, that's about 13–15 months. At 15 hours, about 9–10 months.
- 560–650 h
- A0 to B2, guided-learning estimate
- 13–15 months
- At 10 hours a week
- 249 / 207 / 310 / 310
- NCLC 7: listening, reading, writing, speaking
This guide is the full route from your first word. Already around A2 or B1? Use TEF Canada in 3 or 6 months instead. Comparing times from every starting level? See how long it takes to reach CLB 7. New to the exam itself? Start with what is TEF Canada?.
What level of French is required for TEF Canada?
#None to sit it. Anyone can register, and you get a score whatever your level. Le français des affaires, which runs the test, says the level you need "varies depending on the program to which you are applying". So the real question is what your goal requires.
| Your goal | Level needed | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry French bonus (+25 or +50 CRS) | NCLC 7 in all four skills | What French is worth in CRS |
| Express Entry French category draws | NCLC 7 in all four skills | How the draws work |
| Second-language CRS points | From NCLC 5 | NCLC 5 vs NCLC 7 |
| Francophone Mobility work permit | NCLC 5 speaking and listening | Francophone Mobility |
| Citizenship | NCLC 4 speaking and listening | Using TEF or TCF for citizenship |
On the European scale, a study for the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks puts NCLC 7 at B1+, a very strong B1. We plan to the start of B2 so you have some margin. Your own weakest skill decides, because IRCC converts each skill separately. See CEFR vs NCLC vs CLB for how the scales line up.
How do you pass TEF Canada?
#There's no pass or fail. You get a score per skill, and IRCC converts it to an NCLC level. "Passing" means reaching the level your program needs in every skill. For NCLC 7, use the ancien score column, not the /699 one. Read the TEF and TCF passing score guide for the detail, and set your own target here:
How long does it take to prepare for TEF Canada from scratch?
#These are the same cumulative estimates our study hours calculator uses, published by Alliance Française de Leeds. They're for guided learning. A related language, daily exposure or a good teacher can shorten them. A patchy schedule stretches them. Other Alliance Française centres publish similar but not identical numbers.
| Level | Total hours | 5 h / week | 10 h / week | 15 h / week | 20 h / week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 60–100 | 12–20 | 6–10 | 4–7 | 3–5 |
| A2 | 160–200 | 32–40 | 16–20 | 11–14 | 8–10 |
| B1 | 360–400 | 72–80 | 36–40 | 24–27 | 18–20 |
| B2 (safe target for NCLC 7) | 560–650 | 112–130 | 56–65 | 38–44 | 28–33 |
So 5 hours a week means over two years, and you should know that up front. If that's your only option, it's still a valid plan, but check it against any immigration deadline you have. Try your own numbers:
What should you study at each stage?
#A common mistake is to start with exam papers. At A1 they teach you very little. Build general French first, then shift towards the test from about B1.
- 1A0 to A1: sounds, basics and a habitFrench pronunciation, numbers, dates, present tense, and everyday words. Numbers matter later because TEF listening uses them. Study every day, even briefly. Move on when you can introduce yourself and understand slow, simple sentences.
- 2A1 to A2: everyday FrenchPast tenses (passé composé and imparfait), the near future, pronouns, and common topics like work, housing and health. Start a vocabulary notebook by theme. Write a few sentences a day. Move on when you can handle routine exchanges and short messages.
- 3A2 to B1: longer input, longer outputDaily listening at your level, short news articles, the future and conditional, and paragraphs of your own with linking words. Start speaking with a teacher or partner now, even if it's uncomfortable. Move on when you can follow the main points and tell a story.
- 4B1: learn the testRead the TEF Canada format, try the free official samples, and take a first timed attempt. Convert your results with the TEF score converter. Rank your skills from weakest to strongest. This is your new study plan.
- 5B1+ to B2: reach NCLC 7 in every skillSpend the most time on your weakest skill. Write Section A and Section B texts weekly and get them corrected, and practise speaking tasks out loud with Section A questions and Section B topics. See TEF Canada writing and speaking and listening and reading tips.
- 6Final weeks: full mocksUse the TEF Canada mock test and timed writing, then fix what they show. Switch to the 30-day plan once you have a date.
| Skill | Format | NCLC 7 (ancien score) |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 40 questions, 40 min | 249 / 360 |
| Reading | 40 questions, 60 min | 207 / 300 |
| Writing | A: 80+ words, 25 min. B: 200+ words, 35 min | 310 / 450 |
| Speaking | A: 5 min. B: 10 min | 310 / 450 |
Should you take classes or self-study from zero?
#- You're at zero and pronunciation needs correcting early
- You need a schedule from outside to stay on track
- You've reached writing and speaking practice, and need feedback
- Your budget allows it. See what it costs
- Daily listening and reading
- Vocabulary and grammar review
- Getting from zero to A2 cheaply with free resources
- Extra hours between classes
You can mix the two. If you only pay for one stage, pay for correction when you reach exam tasks, because that's the hardest thing to replace on your own.
When should you book TEF Canada if you're starting from zero?
#Not on day one. Results are valid for 2 years from the test date, and fees are usually non-refundable, so a far-off booking mostly adds risk. But don't wait until you feel fully ready either, because seats in busy cities can take a long time to find.
Booking alongside a from-zero plan
- From A0Learn the basics of the testRead what's required and check whether TEF or TCF suits you with the TEF or TCF quiz. Both give the same CRS points.
- Around B1Study the release patternsCheck exam dates and how your centres sell seats. Booking steps: in Canada or from India.
- Mock scores near NCLC 6Book a dateAim for a date that gives you time to close the remaining gap. Use the exam prep planner to work back from it.
- After the testRetake if you need toAllow for a possible second attempt in your timeline. See retake rules, and what to do after missing CLB 7.
- Myth
You need a certain level before they let you register.
FactTEF Canada has no entry requirement. You can register at any level, but a low score costs the same fee.
- Myth
Exam papers are the fastest way to learn from zero.
FactPapers measure French more than they teach it. Below about B1, general courses and daily listening give you more.
- Myth
A B2 overall guarantees NCLC 7.
FactIRCC checks each skill's score. A learner who is strong overall but weak in writing can still fall short in that one skill.
Check yourself
1 of 4.What minimum French level do you need to sit TEF Canada?
2 of 4.About how many guided hours from zero to B2 does the estimate on this page give?
3 of 4.What are the NCLC 7 minimums for TEF Canada writing and speaking?
4 of 4.When should you shift to TEF-specific practice?
Questions people ask
Learn general French first, from A1 to B1, with a structured course and daily listening. Around B1, read the TEF format and try the official samples, then target your weakest skill. In the final stage, do timed mocks and get your writing and speaking corrected.
From zero, about 560–650 guided hours to B2 on one Alliance Française estimate, or 13–15 months at 10 hours a week. From B1, expect a few months, but real progress varies widely. The study hours calculator lets you try your own numbers.
There's no level required to sit it. For the Express Entry French bonus and French draws you need NCLC 7 in all four skills, which means 249 listening, 207 reading, 310 writing and 310 speaking on the ancien score. Other programs need different levels.
There's no pass or fail. You reach the NCLC level your program requires in every skill. To get there, prepare your weakest skill the most, practise under timed conditions, use the official samples and have your writing and speaking corrected.
On these estimates, it would take about 25 hours a week or more, close to a full-time load. It's not impossible, particularly with a related language, but at 10 to 15 hours a week it isn't realistic. Plan for longer and check it against any immigration deadline you have.
Neither is easier by rule, and both convert to the same NCLC scale. The formats differ, so the better choice depends on your strengths. Read TEF vs TCF Canada and take a sample of each before you decide.
Terms in this guide
Each one is defined in plain English in the TEF & TCF Canada glossary.
Sources
- Le français des affaires: TEF Canada
- IRCC: Language test equivalency charts
- Alliance Française de Leeds: FAQ (hours per CEFR level)
- Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks: Aligning the CLB and the CEFR (North & Piccardo, 2019)
Rules and fees change. Always confirm with IRCC and your test centre before you pay.
Your next step
Don’t miss the next seat.
Pick your cities. We check every booking page around the clock and alert you the moment a seat opens.