Which is easier: TEF or TCF?
One of my students had to switch from TEF to TCF. During a conversation, we recalled an old post where I had expressed a preference for the former. It seems it’s time to revisit my views: a lot has changed since that post, and I’ve even become an examiner in the meantime.
To answer the question of which is easier to pass, it is important to first decide for whom exactlybecause it depends on everyone's personal circumstances. Both exams follow the European competency scale and a CLB7 level in one will not be radically different from a CLB7 in the other. Therefore, let's better discuss those aspects that we can evaluate more objectively than comparing the “upper B2” in TEF and the “lower B2” in TCF.
First, let's start with the tasks: in TCF there are three of them in the oral and written parts versus two in TEF, with the same amount of time allotted for completion. Which seems to be not in favor of TCF. However, your vocabulary accumulated over the course of learning French from scratch may be sufficient to achieve the required level in TCF. In it, vocabulary is more closely intertwined between all parts of the exam and revolves around social topics such as language learning, the environment and so on.
As for TEF, writing section A requires specific vocabulary inherent in the faits divers genre, which will have to be learned additionally. For those who have been studying the language for a long time, this will not be difficult, but for beginners it can be a difficult task. In the oral part, in addition, you need to be able to actively conduct a dialogue, at the same time think, speak and listen to the examiner, who directs the conversation (if you were unable to seize the initiative) against action according to a certain algorithm in TCF, where your speech does not depend much on the examiner and the maximum you risk is getting an additional question.
Regarding reading and listening, then there is already a lot of material on both exams on the Internet. TEF is actively fighting information leakage by recently changing the format of these parts. In TCF, there is still “generosity” with materials, which is beneficial for many.
And, of course, a very important aspect - possibility of appeal. I still caught the moment when it was available in TEF, but not in TCF, but now the situation has changed. An appeal to TCF is priceless, and if the score is increased, it is also free.
Returning to the initial question: for those learning French specifically for immigration, TCF may seem like a more attractive and easier option that will take less time to prepare for. Although I know students who liked the TEF format so much that they shone on it as if on a small improvised stage, got used to the role and received very cool points while studying French for several months.
And, of course, both exams on the shoulder of those who have been “in the know” for a long time. Because no matter how you look at it, the main thing is understanding what they want from you in the exam and proper preparation.
Read other interesting articles:
Francophone Category-based Selection to Express Entry