TEF Testing: Global Standard for French Language Assessment

The Test d'Évaluation de Français (TEF) is an international exam that measures French language proficiency. Created in 1998 by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Paris Île-de-France), TEF is used in many countries to assess language skills for various purposes.

Main Purposes and Applications of TEF

• Immigration to Canada. TEF is widely used to evaluate French language skills when applying for immigration to Canada through programs like Express Entry, the Quebec Immigration Program, and others.
• Studying at French-speaking institutions. Many French-speaking universities and schools require TEF for admission to programs taught in French.
• Canadian citizenship. TEF is also one of the recognized exams for proving French language proficiency when applying for citizenship.
• Employment. Some employers require candidates to take TEF to assess their French language skills, especially in multilingual companies.

TEF is not only accepted in Canada but is also recognized in other French-speaking countries. It is officially recognized by the French Ministry of Education, the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the French Ministry of Interior, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration, and the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration.

Types of Exams

TEF has several versions, each designed for specific purposes: TEF, TEF Canada, and TEF Quebec.

The difference between these versions lies in their purpose and exam format, although they are all based on the same basic TEF (Test d'Évaluation de Français) structure.

• TEF (Test d'Évaluation de Français) is the main exam designed to assess French language proficiency in various contexts such as study, work, or immigration. It can be used for university admissions, job applications, or other purposes requiring proof of French language skills.
• TEF Canada is specifically designed for immigration to Canada and citizenship applications. This test is used to assess language skills for Canadian federal immigration programs, such as Express Entry, and when applying for Canadian citizenship.
• TEF Quebec (TEFAQ) is specifically for immigration to Quebec. It can also be used for citizenship applications. This version of the test is used by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) to assess language skills in the immigrant selection process.

TEF Test

TEF consists of five modular tests, each assessing a specific aspect of French language proficiency:

• Listening (Compréhension orale, CO): tests the ability to understand spoken French;
• Reading (Compréhension écrite, CE): assesses written comprehension skills;
• Speaking (Expression orale, EO): includes oral tasks to evaluate the ability to express thoughts in French;
• Writing (Expression écrite, EE): tests written expression skills in French;
• Vocabulary and Structure (Lexique et Structure, LS): assesses knowledge of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

TEF is a modular test, meaning candidates can choose individual modules depending on their goals. For example, for immigration to Canada through programs like Express Entry, you need to take the listening, reading, speaking, and writing modules. Other purposes, such as academic certification or employment, may require different combinations of tests.

TEF for Immigration and Citizenship

For immigration and citizenship application procedures, the Canadian Federal Government requires proof of French language skills from applicants. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recognized TEF for these purposes since 2002, and the TEF Canada format is used for such procedures.

To apply for immigration to Canada, you need to complete the following tasks:

• Listening: 40 minutes — 40 questions;
• Reading: 60 minutes — 40 questions;
• Speaking: 15 minutes — 2 discussion topics;
• Writing: 60 minutes — 2 writing topics.

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you need to complete:

• Listening: 40 minutes — 40 questions;
• Speaking: 15 minutes — 2 discussion topics.

All parts of the test must be completed on the same day, otherwise, Canadian authorities will not accept the test results.

TEFAQ for Immigration to Quebec

For Quebec immigration procedures, the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) also requires proof of French language proficiency from applicants. The TEF Québec (TEFAQ) exam is recognized for these purposes and can also be used for Canadian citizenship applications.

The TEFAQ exam consists of the following four tasks:

• Listening: 40 minutes — 40 questions;
• Speaking: 15 minutes — 2 discussion topics;
• Reading: 60 minutes — 40 questions;
• Writing: 60 minutes — 2 writing topics.

The main applicant must achieve level 7 (advanced intermediate) on the Quebec Scale of French Proficiency Levels for Adult Immigrants or the equivalent level 2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). In some cases, the spouse's language proficiency is also evaluated (no lower than level 4).

How to Register?

TEF can be taken at accredited centers worldwide. Registration for the exam is done through these centers, where candidates can choose convenient dates and times. To register for the exam, you need to contact an accredited center directly to inquire about available session dates, prices, and other organizational matters. Exam sessions are also held in Paris at the CCI Paris Île-de-France building. If there are no authorized centers offering TEF or TEFAQ exams in your country of interest, you can contact: francais@cci-paris-idf.fr.

The approximate cost of taking the TEF test can vary significantly:

• Full test: from $225 CAD to $450 CAD;
• Individual modules: from $105 CAD to $225 CAD per module.

The exact cost depends on the specific test center and region. It's recommended to contact the test center to find out current prices.

How to Get Results?

Exam results are provided in digital format. After the exam is checked, the applicant receives an email within approximately 2-4 weeks. The email will contain a link to a secure digital platform where you can access your results. The certificate shows scores for each task, which can be correlated with Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or the Quebec Scale of Levels.

Results are valid for two years.

How to Prepare for the TEF Test?

Preparing for the TEF test requires a serious approach, as your success on the exam depends on your knowledge level. It's important to familiarize yourself well with the test format, types of tasks, and time limits.

If you're unsure about your current French language level, we suggest taking our free French test with instant results.

One of the most effective ways to prepare is by taking specialized courses that help you organize your knowledge and practice all aspects of the exam. For example, Alpadia Language Schools, with over 20 years of language teaching experience, offers intensive French courses specifically designed for TEF preparation. Alpadia's courses include both theoretical lessons and practical exercises aimed at improving all four core skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Additionally, Alpadia organizes practice exams, allowing you to get used to the test format and significantly increasing your chances of success. The school's teachers are experienced professionals who will help you achieve the necessary language proficiency and approach the test with confidence.

We are partners with Alpadia Language Schools, and offer you to enroll in their courses through us. Email us at mail@immigrant.today, and we'll be glad to answer all your questions and sign you up for the French language courses you're interested in.