Created in 1998 by the French Language Centre of the CCI Paris Ile-de- France, the TEF (Test d’Evaluation de Français) is an international benchmark test that measures your level of knowledge and skills in French

Why take the TEF?

• To study in France (TEF Study in France)
• To obtain the French citizenship (TEF for Naturalization)
• To Immigrate to Canada and to obtain the Canadian citizenship (TEF Canada)
• To immigrate to Quebec (TEFAQ)
• To certify one’s level of French at work, to assess the employees’ level of French through recruitment, to position students for training or for study abroad, etc.

What are the tests?

The TEF is conducted electronically (computer-based) or in print. No prior degree is required to sit the exam. The candidate must 16 years and up.

The goal of TEF is to evaluate the French skills of the candidate using a scale of 7 levels that range from 0+ level ( basic skills) to level 6 ( complete control ). This scale refers to:

• 6 skill levels A1 to C2 of the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR) of the Council of Europe
• 12 Canadian Language Benchmarks (NCLC-niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens).

1 test in 5 parts:

3 written tests:

• Reading Comprehension 60 min – 50 items – 300 points
• Written Expression 60 min – 2 topics to complete – 450 points
• Vocabulary and Structures 30 min – 40 items – 240 points

2 oral tests:

• Listening Comprehension 40 min – 60 items – 360 points
• Oral Expression 15 min – 2 topics to complete – 450 points

The procedures vary depending on the chosen version of TEF:

After the test and after correction of tests, a certificate of results, which is valid for one year, is mailed to the applicant. It shows the scores on each section.

If desired, the candidate may take the test as much as he/she wants. However, a two-month waiting period is required between two successive sessions.

TEF Study:

- What is the TEF Study?
- When is the next session?
- How is the TEF Study graded?
- When and how can I get the results and certificate(s)?
- How much does it cost?
- How do I register? Who do I contact for info?
- How can I prepare for this exam?

What is the TEF Study?

Officially recognized since 2012 by the French Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research as part of a first registration in undergraduate university studies, the TEF Study assesses your written and spoken French skills.

The TEF Study is compulsory for any foreign candidate student to a first enrollment in the first year license at a university in France.

Applicants must meet the requirements for both oral and written tests of the TEF Study and obtain at least 14 out of 20 in the written expression test to be eligible in the first year of license.

The TEF Study is composed of 4 tests:

• Listening Comprehension : 40 min – 60 items
• Reading Comprehension : 60 min – 50 items
• Written Expression : 60 min – 2 topics to complete
• Vocabulary and Structures : 30 min – 40 items

Please read this additional information:
— TEF Study
— Conditions d’inscription et de passation du Test d’évaluation de français (pdf)

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When is the next session?

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How is the TEF Study Graded ?

CECR (Common European Framework for Languages)
NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens or Canadian Language Benchmarks)

Compulsory sections: total 900
Written Comprehension: 300
Listening Comprehension: 360
Vocabulary & Structure: 240

Optional sections: Written Expression: total 450
Thematic and semantic coherence: 150
Ability to argue and summarize: 120
Structure & vocabulary: 180

Optional sections: Oral Expression: total 450
Understanding topics and finding appropriate information: 120
Facts explanation and argumentation: 150
Structure & vocabulary: 180

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When and how can I get the results and certificate(s)?

Your grades will be sent to you via email within two weeks of the test date.

We will email you again when we receive your certificate, and you will be able to either pick it up at the FIAF Language Center or request for it to be mailed to you. Please allow for 5-6 weeks from the test date for us to receive your certificate.

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How much does it cost?

Exam fee is not refundable once registered.

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How do I register? Contact Info:

Please download the following two files to register

  Registration

  Payment

For emigration purposes, you must submit the following either in person or via mail:
- an original signed registration form
- a copy of your passport or ID Card (on paper)

Any incomplete applications will be rejected.

You may pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard & American Express) in person or over the telephone, or by check or money order (to FIAF).

Exam fee is not refundable once registered.

Mail: Mrs. Voahangy Siraisi, FIAF, 22 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022
E-mail: vsiraisi@fiaf.org

Exam participation can only be transferred to the next session in case of sickness. A doctor’s note (not via email) must be mailed within the next three days of the test.

FIAF reserves the right to cancel a session if the number of candidates does not exceed 10 candidates. All registrations will be moved to the next session. FIAF reserves the right to cancel a session for weather inclement reasons. All registrations will be moved to the next session.

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How can I prepare for this exam?

The best way to get ready for this exam is to take our general French programs. We also have a preparation book and CD available for sale at the Language Center Office.

Info also available here: centredelanguefrancaise.paris/outils-preparation-tef/

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