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The Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) is designed for non-French speakers who want to measure their level of French for an immigration project, a nationality application or enrolment in a university programme. Discover the different versions, how it works, and our tips to prepare effectively.

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01

What is the TEF?

The TEF is a language certification 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 tests internationally.

The TEF score report is valid for two years from the test date.

Recognised notably by
  • The French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
  • The French Ministry of National Education
  • The French Ministry of the Interior
  • The Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI)
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
  • The Swiss State Secretariat for Migration
It is mainly aimed at
  • People starting a naturalisation or residence permit application in France
  • Candidates for immigration to Canada or the province of Quebec
  • Non-French-speaking students and professionals who need proof of their level of French
02

The 5 versions of the TEF

Depending on your goal, you can choose between five versions of the TEF.

TEF IRN

The TEF Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité (IRN) is for people over 16, of any nationality, who wish to have their level of French recognised for administrative procedures in France. This version is notably required to certify your level of French for:

  • The OFII integration pathway (A1 required)
  • A long-term residence card application (A2 required)
  • A French nationality application (B1 required)
TEF Canada

The TEF Canada is for anyone, whatever their nationality or mother tongue, who wishes to have their command of French assessed in order to immigrate to Canada or obtain Canadian citizenship.

TEF Québec (TEFAQ)

The TEFAQ is for people, regardless of nationality or mother tongue, who need to prove their command of French as part of an immigration procedure to Quebec.

TEF Études

The TEF Études is for non-French speakers who wish to enrol in the first year of university in France (Licence) or in a French-speaking higher education institution (Canadian or Québécois).

TEF general public (TP)

The TEF TP can be taken by anyone, regardless of nationality, who wishes to validate their French skills in any context: job search, access to studies, international mobility, language level certification, etc.

03

The TEF tests

The TEF is made up of five tests:

Reading comprehension
MCQ · 4 options

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 takes the form of multiple-choice questions (MCQ) with 4 answer options, only one of which is correct.

Listening comprehension
MCQ · 4 options

The listening comprehension test measures your ability to understand spoken French in various contexts (dialogues, radio extracts, etc.). It also takes the form of MCQs with 4 options, using the same scoring as the written test.

Written expression
2 parts

The written expression test measures your ability to write in French. It consists of 2 parts:

  • IRN · A— write a message to ask for news (min. 40 words)
  • IRN · B— set out your motivations to convince (min. 100 words)
  • Others · A— write the continuation of a press article (min. 80 words)
  • Others · B— give your point of view and justify it (min. 200 words)
Oral expression
2 parts

The oral expression test demonstrates your ability to communicate orally with an examiner. It also includes 2 parts:

  • IRN · A— help a friend make a decision
  • IRN · B— call and ask questions about a service
  • Others · A— ask for information on an everyday topic
  • Others · B— argue and convince your interlocutor
Lexicon and structure
MCQ · 4 options

The lexicon and structure test assesses your command of French (grammar, conjugation, vocabulary). It takes the form of MCQs with 4 options, only one of which is correct.

Depending on your goal and the version chosen, not all tests are required. Here is a summary of the mandatory tests according to the TEF chosen:

TEF IRN
Reading comprehensionListening comprehensionWritten expressionOral expression
TEF Canada
Immigration: all 4 testsCitizenship: Listening comprehension + Oral expression
TEF Québec
Depending on the immigration programme: all 4 testsCitizenship: Listening comprehension + Oral expression
TEF Études
1 to 5 tests of your choice, depending on the institution’s requirements
TEF TP
1 to 5 tests of your choice, depending on the candidate’s needs
04

Understanding the scoring

The TEF is a positioning 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. After taking the test, you receive a score report showing the score obtained for each test, along with the corresponding CEFR level: from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery).

Score
Niveau CECRL
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
05

How to prepare for the TEF?

Good TEF preparation relies on a clear understanding of the test format and the expectations of each test. Whatever version you choose, you can follow TEF training from home, online or at a test centre.

To familiarise yourself with the instructions, we recommend practising with interactive exercises, sample tests, explanatory videos and mock tests.

In collaboration with the CCI Paris Île-de-France, the awarding body, PrepMyFuture has developed the only online preparation featuring recent official mock tests, covering TEF Canada preparation, TEF Québec preparation, TEF IRN preparation and TEF Études preparation.

06

How to register for the exam?

Registration for the TEF is done directly with an approved exam centre, in France or abroad. Check the official list of exam centres, then contact the one of your choice to find out the registration procedures, available dates and documents to provide.

07

Where to take the test?

The TEF can be taken in France or abroad, in an approved centre (Alliance française, training centre, etc.). The full list of centres is available online.

Once you have finalised your registration, you will receive an official invitation specifying the date, time and place of the exam, as well as the instructions to follow.

08

Why take the TEF?

This language certification lets you prove your level of French. It is recognised by the French authorities for the OFII integration pathway, a residence card application or French nationality. It is also required for certain immigration procedures to Canada or Quebec.

Beyond official procedures, the TEF is sometimes required to enter a French-speaking university programme or to prove your level of French to an employer.

09

Tips to succeed in the TEF

Success in the test depends largely on your preparation. The more you practise, the better you will master the instructions of each test and develop the right reflexes.

01

For the reading comprehension and lexicon and structure tests, practise reading different types of texts (articles, recipes, novel extracts, etc.) in French to improve your speed and vocabulary.

02

For listening comprehension, regularly listen to audio (podcasts, videos, radio, etc.) to train your ear to the French language.

03

Whatever the test, remember to check our free tutorials and videos and practise as often as possible with our official mock tests!

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