TEF 2025 test training
What is TEF?
The TEF is a language certification intended for non-French speakers over the age of 16 who wish to have their level of French assessed for personal, professional or administrative purposes.
Issued by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Paris Île-de-France), the TEF is one of the most renowned French language tests internationally. It is recognized by numerous French and foreign institutions, including:
- The French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation;
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The French Ministry of National Education;
- The French Ministry of the Interior;
- The Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration of Quebec (MIFI);
- The Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada (IRCC);
- The Swiss State Secretariat for Migration.
The TEF is available in several versions, which vary depending on the candidate's objectives. It is mainly aimed at:
- To people starting a naturalization process or applying for a residence permit in France;
- To candidates for immigration to Canada or to the province of Quebec;
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For non-French-speaking students and professionals who need proof of their level in French.
The TEF results certificate is valid for two years from the date it was taken.
The 5 versions of the TEF
Depending on your objective, you can choose between five versions of the TEF.
The TEF Integration, Residence and Nationality (IRN)
The TEF IRN is intended for people over 16 years of age, of any nationality, who wish to have their level of French recognized as part of administrative procedures in France. This version is required in particular to certify one's level of French in the context of:
- From the OFII citizen course (A1 required);
- From an application for a long-term resident card (A2 required);
- From an application for French nationality (B1 required).
TEF Canada
The TEF Canada is intended for anyone, regardless of their nationality or mother tongue, who wishes to have their French proficiency assessed in order to immigrate to Canada or obtain Canadian citizenship.
TEF Quebec (TEFAQ)
The TEFAQ is intended for people, regardless of their nationality or mother tongue, who need to certify their proficiency in French as part of an immigration procedure to Quebec.
TEF Studies
The TEF Études is intended for non-French speakers who wish to enroll in the first year of university in France (Bachelor's degree) or in a French-speaking higher education institution (Canadian or Quebec).
The TEF for all audiences (TP)
The TEF TP can be taken by anyone, regardless of their nationality, wishing to validate their French skills, whatever the context: job search, access to studies, international mobility, language level certification, etc.
The TEF tests
The TEF consists of five tests:
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The test The reading comprehension test assesses your ability to read and understand written documents (letters, articles, literary texts, etc.) from everyday, professional or academic situations. It is presented in the form of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with 4 possible answers, only one of which is correct.
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The oral comprehension test measures your ability to understand spoken French in a variety of contexts (dialogues, excerpts from radio programs, etc.). It also takes the form of a 4-choice multiple-choice test, with the same scale as the written test.
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The written expression test measures your ability to write in French. It consists of 2 parts:
- For the TEF IRN:
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- section A: write a message to check on you (minimum 40 words);
- section B: explain your motivations to convince (minimum 100 words).
- For other TEFs:
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- section A: write the continuation of a press article (minimum 80 words);
- section B: give your point of view and justify it (minimum 200 words).
4. The oral expression test attests to your ability to communicate orally with an examiner. It also includes 2 parts:
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For the TEF IRN: section A: helping a friend make a decision;
- Section B: Calling and asking questions about a service.
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For other TEFs:
- section A: request information on a topic of everyday life;
- section B: argue and convince your interlocutor.
5. The vocabulary and structure test assesses your mastery of French (grammar, conjugation, vocabulary). It is presented in the form of a multiple-choice questionnaire with 4 options, with only one correct answer.
Depending on your goal and the test version chosen, not all tests are required. Here is a summary of the mandatory tests depending on the TEF chosen:
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Versions
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Mandatory or optional tests
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TEF IRN
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- Written comprehension
- Listening comprehension
- Written expression
- Oral expression
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TEF Canada
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Immigration:
- Written comprehension
- Listening comprehension
- Written expression
- Oral expression
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Citizenship:
- Listening comprehension
- Oral expression
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TEF Quebec
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According to the immigration program:
Written comprehension
Listening comprehension
Written expression
Oral expression
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Citizenship:
Listening comprehension
Oral expression
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TEF Studies
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1 to 5 tests of your choice, depending on the establishment's requirements
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TEF TP
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1 to 5 tests to choose from, depending on the candidate's needs
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Understanding the notation
The TEF is a placement test. It places your French language ability on the scale of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Each test is scored separately, from 0 to 699 points. Once you have taken the test, you will receive a certificate of results indicating the score obtained for each test, as well as the corresponding CEFR level: from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency).
Here is the equivalence grid between TEF scores and CECRL levels:
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Score
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CEFR equivalence
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0 to 99 points
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A1 not reached
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100 to 199 points
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A1
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200 to 299 points
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A2
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300 to 399 points
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B1
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400 to 499 points
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B2
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500 to 599 points
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C1
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600 to 699 points
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C2
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How to train for the TEF?
Good TEF preparation relies on a clear understanding of the test format and the expectations of each test. Regardless of which version you choose, you can take a TEF training session from home, online, or at a test center.
To familiarize yourself with the instructions, we recommend that you practice with interactive exercises, sample tests, explanatory videos and practice tests.
In collaboration with the CCI Paris Île-de-France, a certifying body, PrepMyFuture has developed the only online preparation integrating recent official practice tests, covering preparation for the TEF Canada test , preparation for the TEF Quebec test , preparation for the TEF IRN test and preparation for the TEF Studies test .
How to register for the exam?
Registration for the TEF is done directly with an approved examination center, in France or abroad. Consult the official list of examination centers , then contact the one of your choice to find out the registration procedures, available dates and the documents required.
Where to take the test?
The TEF can be taken in France or abroad, at an approved center (Alliance Française, training center, etc.). The complete list of centers is available online.
After completing your registration, you will receive an official invitation specifying the date, time, location of the exam, as well as the instructions to follow.
Why take the TEF?
This language certification allows you to demonstrate your level of French. It is recognized by French authorities as part of the OFII (French Institute of Foreign Affairs) program, an application for a French resident card, or for French nationality. It is also required for certain immigration procedures to Canada or Quebec.
Apart from official procedures, the TEF is sometimes required to enter a French-speaking university course or to certify your level of French to an employer.
Tips for passing the TEF
Success on the test depends primarily on your preparation. The more practice you have, the better you will master the instructions for each test and develop the associated reflexes.
For the written comprehension and vocabulary and structure tests, practice reading different types of texts (articles, recipes, extracts from novels, etc.) in French to improve your speed and vocabulary.
In listening comprehension, regularly listen to audio documents (podcasts, videos, radio, etc.) to accustom your ear to the French language.
Whatever the test, don't forget to check out our free tutorials and videos and practice as often as possible with our official practice tests!
FAQ
5 TEF advice videos!
What the TEF contains
How does the TEF test work?
How to register for the TEF?
The written expression test at the TEF
The rating: The TEF / TCF and DELF / DALF score
TEF Canada as part of Canadian citizenship
The TEF for studies in France
PrepMyFrench: our YouTube channel for learning French
What is the TEF IRN?
What is the TEF test?
What level is required in French tests (TEF, TCF, DELF) to obtain French nationality?
What level is required in French tests (TEF, TCF, DELF) to obtain French nationality?
What TEF IRN level?
What score should I get from TEF Canada?
What are the language requirements for a Canadian study visa for Indian students?
What is TEF Canada?
