
What is the TEF Language Test?
The Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) is an internationally recognized test that measures proficiency in written and spoken French. It has been administered by the Paris Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry since 1998.
The TEF is suitable for candidates with any level of language proficiency, from beginner (A1) to advanced (C2), as defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It offers an adaptable testing structure to meet a variety of challenges, whether for academic admission, career progression or immigration requirements. The test is a key step for many who want to settle in French-speaking regions, especially in Canada and Quebec.
The TEF is recognized by various institutions, including:
• The French Ministry of Education
• The French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
• The French Ministry of the Interior
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• The Québec Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration
• The Swiss State Secretariat for Migration
You can register for a TEF session at one of 500 official test centers in more than 110 countries. You must be at least 16 years old at the time of registration.
Once your registration is confirmed, the test center will send you additional information by email.
Depending on the version you choose, the TEF consists of 1-5 unit tests: reading comprehension, listening, vocabulary and syntax, writing, and oral interaction.
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Types of TEF Tests
Depending on your objectives, different versions of the TEF are available:
TEF Canada
TEF Canada is a test for those applying for immigration or Canadian citizenship.
Immigration to Canada: Requires 4 tests (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking).
Canadian Citizenship: Requires 2 tests (Listening, Speaking).
Reading Comprehension
Objective: Evaluate reading and understanding of texts.
Content: 4 sections, 40 questions.
Questions:
1 to 7 Everyday documents

8 to 17 Sentences and incomplete texts

18 to 22 Rapid reading of texts and graphics

23 to 32 Administrative and professional documents

33 to 40 Press articles

Duration: 1 hour.
Format: Multiple choice.
Scoring: +1 point per correct answer; 0 for incorrect/blank.
Listening Comprehension
Objective: Assess understanding of spoken French via audio clips.
Content: 4 sections, 40 questions.
Questions:
1-4 Conversations with drawings

5-20 Public announcements, answering machine messages, micro-trolls

21-30 Radio newsreels, interviews, radio reports

31-40 Miscellaneous audio documents

Duration: 40 minutes.
Format: Multiple choice.
Scoring: +1 point per correct answer; 0 for incorrect/blank.
Written Expression
Objective: Test written communication skills in French.
Content: 2 sections.
Section A: Continue an article (80+ words) – 25 min.
Section B: Write a letter with 3+ arguments (200+ words) – 35 min.
Duration: 1 hour.
Oral Expression
Objective: Evaluate spoken communication with an examiner.
Content: 2 sections.
Section A: Obtain information (5 min).
Section B: Present and defend an argument (10 min).
Duration: 15 minutes.
TEF Québec
TEF Québec (TEFAQ) is a test for people applying to immigrate to Quebec or to become Canadian citizens.
Québec Immigration: Take 1–4 tests (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) based on your program. Tests can be taken separately.
Canadian Citizenship: Take 2 mandatory tests (Listening, Speaking).
Format: The question types and structure are similar to TEF Canada.
TEF Études
TEF Études is a test for individuals wishing to enroll in a school or university in France or a French-speaking country.
Each institution independently decides whether to accept TEF certification.Contact the desired institution to confirm required TEF tests and proficiency levels.
The Études consists of 5 tests.
In the Reading comprehension, Listening comprehension, Written expression and Oral expression tests, the question types and papers are similar to the TEF Canada tests.
Note: The Oral Expression test is optional for DAP (Demande d’Admission Préliminaire).
Vocabulary and Syntax
Objective: Assess correct use of vocabulary and grammar.
Content: 4 sections, 40 questions.
Questions:
1 – 14 Sentences with gaps in vocabulary

15 – 20 Texts with gaps in vocabulary

21 – 34 Sentences with gaps in syntax

35 – 40 Texts with gaps in cohesion

Duration: 30 minutes.
Format: Multiple choice (4 options per question).
Scoring: +1 for correct answers; 0 for wrong or blank answers.
TEF IRN
The TEF Intégration Résidence Nationalité (IRN) is a French language test for foreigners who need to:
• Meet French language requirements for a 10-year resident card (A2 level) or citizenship (B1 level).
• Improve their French for the OFII citizenship program (A1 level).
• Qualify for jobs in private security (B1 level).
It evaluates up to CEFR level B1.
The test consists of 4 compulsory parts: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and oral expression.
Reading Comprehension
Objective: Assess ability to understand written documents.
Content: 13 questions over 19 screens (includes instructions and transitions).
Duration: 30 minutes.
Format: Multiple choice (4 options per question, 1 correct answer).
Scoring: +1 for correct answers; 0 for wrong or blank answers.
Listening Comprehension
Objective: Evaluate understanding of spoken French.
Content: 17 questions over 23 screens (includes instructions and transitions).
Duration: 10 minutes.
Format: Multiple choice (4 options per question, 1 correct answer).
Rules:
– Questions must be answered sequentially (no going back).
– Each audio is played once, with time to review the question and answer.
Scoring: +1 for correct answers; 0 for wrong or blank answers.
Written Expression
Objective: Test ability to write effectively in French.
Content: 2 sections.
– Section A: Write a message requesting news (10 minutes).
– Section B: Explain motivations to convince others (20 minutes).
Duration: 30 minutes.
Special Note: A virtual keyboard provides French special characters if unavailable on your device.
Oral Expression
Objective: Measure oral communication skills with an examiner.
Content: 2 sections.
– Section A: Help a friend make a decision (5 minutes).
– Section B: Make a request and ask about services (5 minutes).
Duration: 10 minutes.
Format: Face-to-face with an examiner.
Recording: All sessions are recorded for double assessment.
TEF Test Day
Instructions:
• Arrive at the test center at the time specified in your invitation.
• The supervisor will check your ID and invitation, confirm your personal details (name, date of birth, email), and ask you to sign on a tablet. These details appear on your results certificate, so verify them carefully.
• The supervisor will guide you to your testing station and explain the process.
Important Rules:
• Turn off all electronic devices.
• Dictionaries or reference materials are not allowed.
• Keep personal belongings out of sight, except for your ID.
• Do not communicate with other candidates.
• Late arrivals will not be admitted.
• You cannot leave during computer-based tests.
Test Process:
• Reading, listening, and writing tests are computer-based.
• The supervisor will provide an access code to log in to the test platform.
• Follow the on-screen instructions for each section.
TEF Results Overview
Delivery: Results are sent within 2 weeks via email, providing access to a digital certificate (no paper copies).
Validity: Results are valid for 2 years.
Retakes: Unlimited, but a 30-day waiting period applies between attempts.
Assessment:
Tests follow the CEFR scale (A1–C2); below A1 is marked as <A1.
Multiple-choice tests (Reading, Listening, Vocabulary/Syntax):
– Correct: +1 point.
– Incorrect/No answer: 0 points.
– Scores are calibrated based on question difficulty.
Written and oral tests:
– Assessed by two independent evaluators using standardized criteria (e.g., communication, grammar, fluency).
– Results are converted into calibrated scores.
The specifics of grading each type of test:
TEF Canada
• Scale: Scores range from 0–699; levels A1–C2 (CEFR) and CLB 1–12.
• Requirements:
– Immigration: CLB 7 (Entrée Express) or CLB 5 (Mobilité Francophone).
– Citizenship: CLB 4 for speaking and listening.
TEF Québec (TEFAQ)
• Scale: Scores range from 0–699; levels A1–C2 (CEFR).
• Requirements:
– Immigration to Quebec: Requirements vary by program. Refer to Quebec’s MIFI website.
– Canadian Citizenship: Minimum EQNCF level 4 for speaking and listening.
TEF Études
A score of 400/699 or higher is required across the 4 written tests to certify sufficient language proficiency for first-year university admission.
TEF IRN
• Scale: Scores range from 0–349; levels A1–B1 (CEFR).
• Requirements:
– A1: ≥100 in each test.
– A2: ≥200 in 3 tests and ≥167 in the lowest. Required for a 10-year residence permit.
– B1: ≥300 in 3 tests and ≥267 in the lowest. Required for French naturalization.
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