TEF
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 for studies 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:
TEF for studies in France
TEF for French Nationality (TEF ANF)
TEF for immigration to Canada (TEF Canada)
TEF for immigration to Quebec (TEFAQ)
Compulsory section
Listening Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
Vocabulary & Structure
Written Expression
Compulsory section
Listening Comprehension
Oral Expression
Compulsory section for immigration
Listening Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
Oral Expression
Written expression
Compulsory section for Canadian nationality
Listening Comprehension
Oral Expression
Compulsory section
Listening Comprehension
Oral Expression
Optional section
(main applicant)
Reading Comprehension
Written Expression
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.