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TEF Études training

The TEF Études is the version of the TEF intended for non-French-speaking students who need to certify their level of French in order to join a French-speaking educational institution, in particular for the first year of university (Licence) in France.

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01

What is the TEF Études?

The TEF Études, a version of the Test d’Évaluation de Français, is aimed at non-French-speaking students who need to certify their command of French in order to join a French-speaking educational institution. In France, it is often required to enrol in the first year of university (Licence 1), with a minimum score depending on the programme.

Issued by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this certification is recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education (preliminary admission application procedure, DAP) and the French Ministry of National Education.

Results remain valid for two years from the date the certificate is issued.

03

The TEF Études tests

You can take 1 to 5 tests depending on the requirements of the institution you are aiming for. All of them take place on a computer at the exam centre, except for oral expression, which takes place in front of an examiner.

Reading comprehension
60 min · 40 questions (multiple choice)

Assesses your ability to read and understand a variety of written documents (letters, articles, texts, etc.) from everyday, professional or academic life. Multiple-choice questions with 4 options, only one correct.

Listening comprehension
40 min · 40 questions (multiple choice)

Examines your ability to understand spoken French in various contexts (conversations, radio programme extracts, etc.). Multiple-choice questions with 4 options, only one correct.

Written expression
60 min · 2 sections

Tests your writing ability in French:

  • Section A— write the continuation of a news article, min. 80 words (25 min)
  • Section B— give and justify your point of view, min. 200 words (35 min)
Oral expression
15 min · 2 sections

Optional for the DAP, it assesses your ability to communicate clearly in front of an examiner:

  • Section A— find out about an everyday topic (5 min)
  • Section B— argue and convince your interlocutor (10 min)
Vocabulary and structure
30 min · 40 questions (multiple choice)

Tests your command of the linguistic aspects of French: grammar, conjugation and vocabulary. Multiple-choice questions with 4 options.

04

Understanding the scoring

The TEF is a positioning test that places your language skills on the CEFR scale.

Each test receives a separate grade, from 0 to 699 points. You receive a certificate detailing your score per test and the corresponding CEFR level, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery).

Score
CEFR level
0 to 99 A1 not reached
100 to 199 A1
200 to 299 A2
300 to 399 B1
400 to 499 B2
500 to 599 C1
600 to 699 C2

Please note: for a first university enrolment, a minimum of 400/699 (B2 level) is generally required in the written tests. For the Bachelor's and Master's in France, each institution sets its own requirements: check with the institution you are aiming for.

The results certificate is sent by email about 2 weeks after the exam day.

05

How to prepare for the TEF Études?

Effective preparation relies on a thorough understanding of the exam format and the expectations of each section. You can train online from home, with interactive exercises, sample tests, explanatory videos and mock exams.

As the exclusive partner of the CCI Paris Île-de-France, PrepMyFuture offers the only official online preparation: 1 TEF mini-test, more than 100 lesson sheets, more than 2,200 practice questions and 2 official mock tests.

Also discover our preparations for the general TEF, the TEF IRN, the TEF Canada and the TEF Québec.

06

How to register for the exam?

Registration for the TEF Études is done directly with one of the 500 approved exam centres, in France or internationally. Check the official list of centres, then contact the one of your choice to find out the registration procedures, the dates and the documents required.

You can sit the TEF as many times as necessary, respecting a 30-day interval between two sessions.

07

Where can you take the test?

TEF Études sessions are offered in France and abroad, exclusively in approved centres (Alliance française, training centres, etc.). The list of centres is available on the website of Le français des affaires, the body of the CCI Paris Île-de-France.

08

Why take the TEF Études?

The TEF Études is an official certification that proves your level of French in an academic and professional context. Recognised since 2004 by the French Ministries of Higher Education and National Education, it is widely accepted by universities and higher education institutions (a B2 level is generally required).

Also recognised internationally, in particular by French-speaking institutions in Canada and Québec, it is an asset for your career by enhancing your language skills in the eyes of French-speaking employers.

09

Tips to succeed in the TEF Études

Your success will mainly depend on your preparation: the more you train, the better you master the instructions and develop the necessary reflexes.

01

For reading comprehension and vocabulary, vary your reading in French (articles, recipes, literary extracts) to improve your fluency and broaden your vocabulary.

02

For listening comprehension, regularly listen to a variety of audio content (podcasts, videos, radio programmes) to get your ear used to the sounds of French.

03

On the day, read the instructions carefully and answer every question: no wrong answer is penalised, so trust your intuition for the multiple-choice questions. Take advantage of our free videos and the official mock tests.

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