Practice for TCF/TEF Canada Express Entry
TCF Canada and TEF Canada are the French tests IRCC accepts for Express Entry, scored on the NCLC scale. This is a free practice tool to help you get comfortable with the format — not the official exam itself.
ImChatty badge test
Take the free level test
Answer a few questions and get a level badge on your profile. Takes 3–10 minutes.
French
Not taken yet
Free. Sign in to take the test and keep your badge.
What TCF/TEF Canada actually is
TCF Canada and TEF Canada are official French-proficiency exams recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Express Entry. Your results get converted to the NCLC scale (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens), which directly affects your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. Only a score from an approved testing center counts toward your application.
This is a practice tool, not the official test
To be clear upfront: what you take here is free practice, not the real TCF/TEF exam. It doesn't produce a certified score, and it can't be submitted with an Express Entry application. It's here to help you get familiar with the level and format before you book and pay for the official test.
What's tested here today
Reading and Writing are auto-graded and adaptive, moving through NCLC4 up to NCLC10 as you answer correctly. Listening practice isn't available yet — it's on our roadmap. Oral Expression isn't something a multiple-choice test can grade fairly, so instead of guessing, we connect you with a French tutor for live oral practice.
How scoring works
The test starts at NCLC4 and moves you up a level at a time as long as you keep passing, stopping at the highest level you clearly reach. Your result is saved to your profile and you can retake it after 30 days. Any professional tutor that you find will see where you are and might suggest another evaluation or specific points to review.
Common questions
Does this count toward my Express Entry application? No. Only an official TCF Canada or TEF Canada result from an approved testing center counts. This tool is practice only.
What is NCLC? Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens — Canada's official scale for describing French and English proficiency for immigration purposes, from NCLC 1 to NCLC 10+.
How do I book the real test? Search "TCF Canada" or "TEF Canada" for IRCC's current list of approved testing centers — availability and pricing vary by location.
Can I retake the practice test? Yes, anytime 30 days after your last attempt.
- Free — not the official government exam
- Reading & Writing scored today, Listening coming soon
- Oral practice through live tutor sessions
- Adaptive across NCLC 4–10
What's the best way to practice a language every day without taking a class?
Treat conversation like a daily habit, not a study session. Open a chat, pick a topic you care about, and write for 15 minutes. You don't need a lesson plan — real output practice is what builds fluency.
How do I become an ImChatty teacher?
- Complete your profile 2. Go to the tutors page 3. Validate your langauge test and 4. Update your settings to set your availability
How do I get my content listed on ImChatty?
If you're producing great language learning content, we'll happily share it with the community! Just go to the partner profile page and add the link to your video.
Jump straight into text chat. No video required.