The four official TEF Canada tests contain 175 minutes of testing time:
- Reading: 60 minutes
- Listening: 40 minutes
- Writing: 60 minutes
- Speaking: 15 minutes
That adds up to 2 hours and 55 minutes of active test time.
However, your total time at the test centre will be longer. Identity checks, candidate photos, instructions, login, movement between rooms and scheduling of the face-to-face speaking test all take additional time.
If you are taking all four tests, plan to keep roughly four hours available at the test centre. Follow the exact reporting and speaking times provided in your confirmation email.
TEF Canada Exam Duration at a Glance
| Test | Official Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Reading comprehension | 60 minutes | 40 multiple-choice questions |
| Listening comprehension | 40 minutes | 40 multiple-choice questions |
| Written expression | 60 minutes | 2 sections |
| Oral expression | 15 minutes | 2 face-to-face sections |
| Total active test time | 175 minutes | 2 hours 55 minutes |
Planning tip: The 175-minute total refers to active testing time only. Your complete visit to the test centre will take longer.
Reading Comprehension: 60 Minutes
The reading test contains 40 questions displayed across a larger number of screens, including instructions and transitions.
You can navigate within the questionnaire, which makes time management possible. However, this can also create a temptation to spend too much time on one difficult text.
There is no penalty for an incorrect answer under the official scoring method.
Time-management tip: If a question is taking too long, move on and use your remaining time efficiently.
Listening Comprehension: 40 Minutes
The listening test also contains 40 questions.
Audio documents are played once, and you must answer as the test moves forward. You cannot return to an earlier listening question.
This means that listening requires a different approach from reading. You need to stay focused and make decisions as the test progresses.
Arriving mentally prepared is especially important because this section does not provide the same opportunity to review answers as the reading section.
Written Expression: 60 Minutes
The writing test is divided into two timed sections.
Section A — 25 Minutes
You are asked to continue an article in at least 80 words.
Section B — 35 Minutes
You are asked to express and justify a point of view in at least 200 words.
The platform provides access to French special characters when they are not available on the physical keyboard.
Important: Manage your time carefully between the two sections. Do not allow Section A to consume the time needed for Section B.
Oral Expression: 15 Minutes
The speaking test takes place face to face with an examiner and is recorded for assessment.
It consists of two sections:
| Section | Duration | Task |
|---|---|---|
| Section A | 5 minutes | Obtain information |
| Section B | 10 minutes | Argue and persuade |
Although the speaking test itself lasts only 15 minutes, your speaking appointment may not take place immediately before or after the computer-based tests.
Your confirmation email is therefore the best source for your individual schedule.
Why Should You Allow More Than 175 Minutes?
The official testing time does not include all the practical steps involved in attending the exam.
You may also need time for:
- Check-in and identity verification
- Candidate photo
- Instructions from supervisors
- Computer login and individual access codes
- Movement between rooms
- The speaking-test schedule
- Short operational pauses between sections
For this reason, candidates taking all four tests should plan for approximately four hours at the test centre, rather than planning around the 175 minutes of active testing time alone.
Can You Leave Between Tests?
The official exam-day rules state that candidates may not leave the premises during the computer-based tests.
Do not plan outside appointments or deliveries during the session.
Before the test begins:
- Use the washroom.
- Eat beforehand.
- Bring only items permitted by the centre.
- Allow enough time for check-in.
What Time Should You Arrive?
CSA Toronto asks candidates to arrive 30 minutes before the reporting time stated in their confirmation.
Traffic and parking conditions in the GTA are not predictable, so planning to arrive exactly at the reporting time is risky.
Once a test has begun, late admission is not guaranteed. Under the centre policy, arriving more than 30 minutes late is treated as an absence without refund or rescheduling.
Plan to arrive early rather than trying to arrive exactly on time.
Plan the Day, Not Only the Test
A good exam-day plan should include:
- The route to 60 Queen Street East, Unit 206, Brampton
- Parking and traffic time
- The correct government-issued photo ID
- Enough flexibility after the expected finish time
- Your individual reporting and speaking-test times
The confirmation email is the final source for your individual schedule. Use it rather than estimating your schedule from the section durations alone.
Final Takeaway
The four TEF Canada tests contain 175 minutes of active testing time, or 2 hours and 55 minutes:
60 min Reading + 40 min Listening + 60 min Writing + 15 min Speaking
But candidates taking all four tests should plan for roughly four hours at the test centre because check-in, instructions, computer setup and the speaking-test schedule require additional time.
Check your confirmation email carefully and arrive early.
