TEF Canada Preparation Guide 2026

What’s inside

• The TEF Canada format: 4 modules, question counts and timings, all on one day
• Ancien score vs /699, and the full IRCC NCLC 4 to 10 table
• Listening and reading strategy with a time budget per question
• Writing Section A (continue a news story) and Section B (argue a view): plans, templates and model answers
• Speaking Section A (obtain information) and Section B (convince): structures and phrase banks
• An 8-week study plan with weekly tasks and a checkpoint mock
• Common mistakes, a self-check list and an exam-day checklist
• How to book a seat when centres sell out

Who it’s for: Anyone taking TEF Canada for Express Entry, PR or citizenship, especially learners between A2 and B2 aiming for NCLC 7.

Contents

1. 01TEF Canada in one pageWhat the exam is, who needs it, and the score most people are aiming for.
2. 02The format, module by moduleFour modules, about 2h55, one day. Know exactly what's coming.
3. 03Scoring: ancien score, /699 and NCLCYour attestation shows two numbers per skill. IRCC uses only one of them.
4. 04Listening and reading strategy80 multiple-choice questions in 100 minutes. Technique adds points fast here.
5. 05Writing Section A: continue the news story25 minutes, at least 80 words. Write like a journalist, not like yourself.
6. 06Writing Section B: argue your point of view35 minutes, at least 200 words. A clear side, three reasons, real examples.
7. 07Speaking: Section A and Section BAbout 15 minutes with an examiner: first you ask, then you persuade.
8. 08Your 8-week planFor a solid B1 aiming at NCLC 7, at about 12–15 hours a week.
9. 09Common mistakes and exam-day checklistMost lost points come from a short list of avoidable errors.
10. 10Book your exam seatIn busy cities, finding a seat can take longer than the preparation.