The TEF Exam

What is the TEF Exam? (Qu'est-ce que l'examen TEF?)

The Test d'Évaluation de Français (TEF) is an internationally recognized test of French language proficiency developed by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris (CCIP). The TEF is an essential requirement that evaluates the French skills of non-native speakers, whether you're planning to immigrate to Canada or France, apply for French citizenship, or need proof of proficiency for academic or professional purposes.

The TEF is officially recognised by the following bodies:

The French Ministry of Education
The French Ministry of the Interior
The French Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation
The Swiss State Secretariat for Migration
The Department of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship of Canada
The Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration

TEF Exam Variants (Variantes de l'examen TEF)

The TEF offers a range of variants, each designed to cater to different objectives. This flexibility empowers you to choose the variant that best suits your needs and circumstances, giving you control over your language proficiency journey.

TEF Canada

TEF Canada is used for immigration and citizenship applications in Canada. It is accepted by IRCC and serves as official proof of French proficiency under programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and Canadian Experience Class. The test consists of four mandatory modules: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, all of which must be completed on the same day. The listening component involves understanding and responding to recorded French conversations, while the speaking component requires you to express yourself in French on various topics. For Canadian citizenship, only the listening and speaking components are needed. TEF Canada results are used to calculate CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) levels, which directly affect an applicant’s score and eligibility. Minimum required CLB levels vary by program, but a CLB 7 or higher (equivalent to a B2 level) is often recommended for competitive immigration profiles.

TEF Québec (TEFAQ)

TEFAQ, unlike TEF Canada, offers a more flexible approach. It is used for immigration to Québec and is recognized by the MIFI, or the Quebec Ministry for Immigration, Francization, and Integration (Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration). The required modules depend on the immigration stream, with listening and speaking being most common, while reading and writing are optional. TEFAQ enables candidates to complete different modules on separate dates, providing greater flexibility in the immigration process.

TEF Études (TEF for Studies in France)

TEF Études is intended for students applying to French-speaking universities and academic institutions in France and abroad. It typically includes four modules: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, though oral expression is optional. Most institutions require a minimum combined score of 400/699; however, some may demand a higher CEFR level, such as B2 or C1, depending on the program. TEF Études is accepted not only in France but also in other Francophone countries such as Belgium, Canada (for study purposes), and Switzerland. Applicants should always verify the specific language requirements of their chosen institution before registering.

TEF Integration, Residence and Nationality (IRN)

TEF IRN is required for those seeking French citizenship, a long-term residence permit, or certification for integration or professional purposes, such as working in the private security sector. Anyone 16 years or older can take the TEF IRN. As of April 2025, it has a revised format with a total duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes, including:

Reading: 20 questions (30 min)
Listening: 20 questions (20 min)
Writing: 2 tasks (30 min)
Speaking: 2 sections (10 min)

It's essential always to check the current requirements to stay up-to-date with the most accurate information and ensure you are well-prepared for the test. The TEF IRN differs from other TEF variants in terms of length, structure, and purpose, making it uniquely tailored for civic and legal integration in France.

Overview of TEF Variants

TEF Variant	Purpose	Required Modules	Format Notes	CEFR Level Required	Accepted By
TEF Canada	Immigration & Citizenship (Canada)	Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking	All modules must be taken on the same day	CLB 4–10 (B1–C1+), CLB 7+ preferred	IRCC (Canada)
TEFAQ	Immigration (Québec)	Listening, Speaking (optional: Reading, Writing)	Modules can be taken on different dates	B1–B2+ (varies by program)	MIFI (Québec)
TEF Études	University admission (France & others)	Reading, Writing, Listening, (optional: Speaking)	Often requires a minimum score of 400/699	B2+ usually required	French & Francophone universities
TEF IRN	French citizenship, residency, OFII	Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking	Shorter exam (1.5 hrs); civic purpose	A2 (residence), B1 (citizenship)	French Ministry of the Interior (France)

TEF Exam Format (Format de l'examen TEF)

The TEF exam consists of four sections, grouped into mandatory and optional components, depending on the exam variant.

Section	Format	Duration
Listening (Compréhension orale)	Computer-based	40 min
Reading (Compréhension écrite)	Computer-based	60 min
Speaking (Expression orale)	Interview	15 min
Writing (Expression écrite)	Written tasks (Computer-based)	60 min

Who should take the TEF? (Qui devrait passer le TEF?)

The TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) Exam targets different individuals, focusing on various objectives through its variants. It is ideal for anyone who needs to prove their French language skills for official, academic, or professional reasons. One should take the TEF if:

They are immigrating to Canada and need to demonstrate their French proficiency for programs such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
They are applying for permanent residence or citizenship in Canada, especially if using TEF Canada to meet CLB level requirements.
They are immigrating to Québec, and their immigration program requires proof of French ability; then TEFAQ is the version they’ll need.
They are applying to a French-speaking university in France or another Francophone country, and they need to demonstrate that they meet the language requirements; TEF Études is designed for this purpose.
They are applying for French citizenship, and they must demonstrate a minimum B1 level in spoken French. The correct version is TEF IRN.
They need a long-term resident card in France, and they must demonstrate at least A2 level proficiency in French; the TEF IRN applies.
They are taking a French integration course (OFII) or need language certification to work in specific sectors (e.g., private security) in France.
They want an official certificate of their French level for personal, professional, or academic purposes; TEF Tout Public lets them choose which skills to test.

Applicants uncertain about the appropriate TEF version should consult the requirements of the relevant institution, immigration program, or government authority for guidance. This will ensure you are on the right path and meet all requirements.

TEF Marks Distribution (Répartition des notes du TEF)

Each section is graded individually, and results are mapped to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) levels (A1 to C2).

CEFR Level	TEF Score Range (Approx.)
C2	600-699
C1	500-599
B2	400-499
B1	300-399
A2	200-299
A1	0-199

How to Prepare for the TEF Exam? (Comment se préparer à l'examen TEF?)

Preparation for the TEF examination requires proficiency in French and familiarity with the exam's structure and expectations. All language skills should be practiced, with particular emphasis on speaking and writing, as these require active language production. Early registration for the TEF exam is advised, since availability at certified testing centers is limited and seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Langma TEF preparation course provides comprehensive support through intensive language training, full-length practice tests, and detailed exam strategy sessions. Experienced instructors guide participants through each module, including listening, reading, writing, speaking, and grammar, and offer personalized feedback to address areas of weakness. The course also covers scoring criteria, time management strategies, and exam-day readiness, enabling candidates to build confidence and optimize performance. The program is designed to support success in the TEF for immigration, citizenship, or academic objectives.