Which TEF Canada sections matter most for Express Entry?

For Express Entry, speaking and writing are the most decisive TEF Canada sections. They are the main obstacles to reaching NCLC 7, which is required to gain French language points.

Do listening and reading matter for TEF Canada?

Yes, but most candidates reach the required scores in listening and reading more easily than in speaking and writing.

Which TEF Sections Matter Most for Express Entry?

Clear answer: For Express Entry, Expression Orale (speaking) and Expression Écrite (writing) matter the most in TEF Canada.

These two sections are where most candidates fail to reach NCLC 7, even when their listening and reading scores are acceptable.

The Four TEF Canada Sections

Listening (Compréhension Orale)
Reading (Compréhension Écrite)
Speaking (Expression Orale)
Writing (Expression Écrite)

All four sections are required, but they do not carry the same level of difficulty or risk.

Why Speaking and Writing Are Decisive

Speaking and writing are the most challenging sections because they require candidates to:

Structure ideas clearly
Use appropriate connectors
Argue and justify opinions
Control grammar under time pressure
Adapt to specific task instructions

At B1 level, most candidates can understand French. What they cannot do yet is produce structured, exam-ready answers.

Listening and Reading: Easier but Still Required

Listening and reading are usually:

More predictable
Less subjective
Easier to train independently

Many candidates reach NCLC 7 or higher in these sections while failing speaking or writing.

Where Candidates Lose Express Entry Points

In practice, Express Entry points are lost when:

Speaking score falls below NCLC 7
Writing score falls below NCLC 7
Only two or three skills meet the threshold

To benefit from French, all four skills must meet the required level.

How to Prioritize Your TEF Preparation

Efficient candidates organize their preparation as follows:

Speaking first – structure, fluency, argumentation
Writing second – task logic, connectors, clarity
Listening – exam-style training
Reading – vocabulary and speed

This strategy produces faster and more reliable results than equal time distribution.

Resources That Help Candidates Focus on the Right Sections

The following resources are commonly used by candidates who succeed in TEF Canada:

TEF Canada – Writing & Speaking: NCLC 7 at First Attempt
Clear frameworks and scoring logic for the two most important sections.
Expression Orale – 150 Topics
Realistic speaking prompts to build structure and confidence.
Expression Écrite – 150 Topics
Writing models aligned with examiner expectations.
Vocabulary – 800 Words to Succeed
High-impact vocabulary used across all sections.
TEF Canada Express Guide – 45 Minutes to Double Your Score
Strategic advice focused on immigration outcomes.

👉 All these resources are available together here:
TEF Canada Value Pack – 5 Essential Books

In Summary

While all TEF Canada sections are required, speaking and writing matter the most for Express Entry. These sections determine whether candidates reach NCLC 7 and obtain French language points.