About the TEF (Test d'Évaluation de Français)

Examinations and diplomas

The objective of the TEF is to assess the level of French of non-francophones. It is organized by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Since 2003, the test can be taken in Toronto at the Alliance Française.
The TEF is neither a diploma nor a certificate. This means that it is impossible to fail the TEF. The test results vary for every individual and are validated by an official document attesting to the points earned each session by the candidate and to the linguistic and communication objectives attained. Comments on the test cover not only the candidate's linguistic and communication difficulties but also his/her speaking and comprehension skills in French.

Taking the test: who and why?

The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry grants a certificate that is widely recognized by business firms and the French Ministry of National Education. As a result, it is easier to study and find employment in all French-language organizations.
The TEF is recognized by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). The test results will be used by CIC as conclusive proof of your language skills.

The TEF includes:

3 compulsory modules (2 hours 10 minutes): Reading Comprehension / Listening Comprehension / Vocabulary and Sentence Structures
2 optional modules (1 hour 35 minutes): Written Expression / Oral Expression
The sections are based on various exercises and activities. For further information, please check the TEF website.

Registering and getting ready

A number of possibilities are available at the time of registration. The compulsory and optional modules may be taken at the same time. Candidates may choose to take only one of the optional modules or both on the same day. They may also choose to take the optional modules simply as a supplement to the compulsory modules; they have up to one year to do so after passing the compulsory modules. After this time limit, candidates must take the compulsory modules again.
Candidates may obtain information on the various instructions for the modules in a candidate's manual which will be sent to them two weeks before each session, at the same time as their test notice. No prior diploma is required for the TEF. The TEF assesses candidates from an elementary to an advanced level.

Registration form: Download and return the form to us along with your payment and a photo of yours.

Please note that a photo is necessary for the registration.

Registration fees

Fees starting from January 1st, 2009:

Registration fees are non-refundable. For both sections: $340 ($290 for students currently registered at the Alliance Française)
Compulsory modules only: $190.00 ($170 for students currently registered at the Alliance Française)
Optional modules only: $80 each. ($65 each for students currently registered at the Alliance Française)

Note: Payments must be made in full at the time of registration. No refund or credit will be made under any circumstances once the registration is processed, unless Alliance Française has to cancel a session of tests (in which case you will be fully refunded). Visa / Mastercard/ Interac / Certified Cheque or Personal Cheque or cash are accepted.

Schedule

Compulsory modules: 9:30 am - 12:00 noon
Optional modules: starting from 1:30 pm (exact time will be given on the day of the exam depending on the number of registrations. Please book your afternoon off.)

Registration deadlineExamination dates
January 8, 2010 February 5, 2010
February 26, 2010 March 26, 2010
April 16, 2010 May 14, 2010