TEF Canada speaking: format, scoring and strategy
2 tasks in 15 minutes, out of 450. You need 310 for NCLC 7 in this section alone — and every section is judged separately.
The format
2 tasks in 15 minutes, marked out of 450. NCLC 7 is 310.
Section A: you have an advert and must obtain information by asking questions — about five minutes. Section B: you must convince someone to do something — about five minutes.
| Length | Time | Scale | NCLC 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 tasks | 15 min | /450 | 310 |
Three things that actually move this score
Section A is scored on questions asked
Not on how well you explain yourself. Prepare five questions that fit any advert: price, availability, location, conditions, next step.
Section B needs a benefit for them, not for you
Two reasons, each framed as what the other person gains, plus the objection you expect, handled before they raise it.
Read the card for tu or vous
Register is marked. Using vous with someone you are told is a close friend reads as an error.
The mistake that costs most people marks
Talking about yourself in Section A. It is the most common failure on this task and it is entirely avoidable — you are there to ask, not to explain.
Remember it is judged on its own
NCLC 7 must be met in speaking separately from the other three skills — you cannot make up a weak speaking score with a strong one elsewhere. If speaking is your weakest section, it is the only section that currently matters.
How you practise speaking here
Français Express includes TEF Canada speaking at its real length and timing, with the published marking criteria and a full model answer for every task, and recording so you can hear yourself. Your accuracy is tracked and compared against the NCLC 7 line, so you know whether this is the section holding you back.
Try a TEF Canada speaking task free
Three days free, with everything unlocked. A card starts the trial; cancel before day 3 and you pay nothing.
A card is needed to start the trial. Nothing is charged for 3 days, and you can cancel in one click.
Related
Formats, points and immigration thresholds change. Confirm current requirements with the official test provider and with IRCC before you plan around them. This is exam preparation, not immigration advice.