How to prepare for TEF Canada in 4 weeks
To prepare for TEF Canada, first measure your level, then work on each writing and speaking section, and finish with timed mock tests. Here is a free 4-week plan with the official CCI Paris Île-de-France resources and our writing tools.
Updated October 19, 2026
Before you start: what to know
- For IRCC to recognise the results, all four tests must be taken on the same day.
- Writing has a news-story continuation (80 words minimum, 25 minutes) and an opinion letter (200 words minimum, 35 minutes): see the writing test.
- Scores out of 699 convert to NCLC skill by skill: see the conversion chart.
The week-by-week plan
Week 1 · Find your level and learn the format
- Read the official TEF Canada presentation and work through the sample tests published by CCI Paris Île-de-France (reading, listening, writing and speaking).
- Take a timed writing mock test (section A, then section B) to get a first NCLC estimate in writing.
- Spot your weakest skill: for a threshold such as NCLC 7 in all four abilities, it decides.
- Every day: 20 minutes of listening in French and one press article, noting useful vocabulary.
Week 2 · Writing section A, speaking section A
- Writing, section A: practise continuing a news story in 25 minutes, with past tenses and several paragraphs.
- Get your texts corrected and list your recurring mistakes.
- Speaking, section A: from a small ad, prepare about ten varied, polite questions (hours, price, conditions, steps).
- Comprehension: one timed set of exercises a day.
Week 3 · Writing section B, speaking section B
- Writing, section B: write a 200-word-minimum letter to a newspaper in 35 minutes, with at least three arguments backed by examples.
- Review linking words for arguing and conceding (certes… mais, pourtant, en revanche).
- Speaking, section B: present an ad to a friend, then try to convince them for 10 minutes; ask someone to raise objections.
- Do one complete 60-minute reading test.
Week 4 · Real conditions and final review
- Two complete writing mock tests: 25 minutes for section A, 35 minutes for section B.
- Go over your recurring mistakes and rewrite your weakest texts.
- Simulate the whole speaking test (15 minutes) with someone playing the examiner.
- Reminder: for IRCC, all four tests must be taken on the same day. Check the notice and ID your test centre asks for.
Recommended free resources
- CCI Paris Île-de-France (Le français des affaires): sample tests for all four skills, interactive practice tutorials and video preparation workshops.
- TCF Canada Coach: original prompts, a timed writing mock test and a free correction preview (estimated level and 2 corrections).
Writing guides
- Section A: continuing a news story.
- Section B: the 200-word-minimum opinion letter.
- Common mistakes and linking words.
FAQ
Is four weeks enough to prepare for TEF Canada?
Four weeks are enough to learn the format, work on each section and pick up easy points (text length, following the instructions, time management). Moving up a full NCLC level often takes more practice.
Is there free TEF Canada preparation?
Yes. CCI Paris Île-de-France publishes free sample tests, interactive practice tutorials and video workshops. Our guides, original prompts, mock test and correction preview are free; only full reports are paid.
How are TEF Canada results reported?
Since 11 December 2023 each test gets a score out of 699, converted to NCLC with a table specific to each skill. For an Express Entry profile, IRCC asks for the « Équivalence ancien score » column of the results document.
How much should I study each day?
This plan assumes about 1 to 1.5 hours a day. With less time, keep the daily listening and write a text every other day.