TEF

The TEF (Test d’Evaluation du Français) is a general French exam for Francophones and non-native speakers designed to assess their level of proficiency and skills in French. 

Level of Proficiency

The TEF exam provides candidates with a linguistic evaluation of their level in French by using a 7-level scale indexed to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).

Candidates

The TEF is suited for non-native speakers and is designed for adult candidates (min. 16 years old) wishing to evaluate their knowledge in French. The results of the exam can be used as a part of a graduate project or for personal reasons.

Evaluated Skills

The exam assesses candidates on their oral and written comprehension, as well as written and oral expression.

Exam Details

The TEF exam is made up of two series of tests:

  • Three compulsory tests in a multiple choice format with 150 questions for an accurate assessment of language skills:
    • Reading comprehension (CE): 60 minutes - 50 questions - 300 points
    • Listening comprehension (CO): 40 minutes - 60 questions - 360 points
    • Structure & vocabulary (LS): 30 minutes - 40 questions - 240 points

    • Two optional tests: 
    • Written expression (EE): 60 minutes - two discussion topics - 450 points
    • Oral expression (EO): 15 minutes - two discussion topics - 450 points

The test results provide a breakdown of your test score for each exam, detailed comments for each evaluated skill, and a visual of your results.

A diploma is not required to take the TEF exams.

To know more about the test and for further practice, please visit the TEF website and download the TEF Candidate Handbook.

Several options are offered during registration. The compulsory and optional modules can be taken during the same session.Applicants can choose to take one or both optional module on the same day. They can also choose to complete the optional modules and take up to a year to complete the compulsory modules. After one year, candidates must retake the compulsory modules. 

Applicants can obtain information on the different instructions for each module in the TEF Candidate Handbook which will be sent to them two weeks prior to each session at the same time as their invitation to take the exam. The TEF assesses candidates from elementary to advanced levels.

Results

The TEF results in a certificate of completion. Each certificate is detailed and personalized. For each test, you will be given: the number of points you received, the French level achieved, and a comment on your knowledge in general French.

The certificates of completion are delivered to you 6 to 8 weeks after the exam.

It is possible to take the test more than once, as long as there is a 60-day waiting period between registrations.

 

 

ExamRegistration deadlineExamination dates
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration February 28, 2023 / FULL March 14, 2023
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration March 2, 2023 / FULL March 16, 2023
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration March 7, 2023 / FULL March 21, 2023
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration March 9, 2023 / FULL March 23, 2023
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF March 10, 2023 / FULL March 24, 2023
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration March 14, 2023 / FULL March 28, 2023
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration March 16, 2023 / FULL March 30, 2023
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF March 17, 2023  / FULL March 31, 2023
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration March 21, 2023 April 5, 2023
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration March 22, 2023 April 6, 2023
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration March 28, 2023 April 11, 2023
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration March 30, 2023 April 13, 2023
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF March 30, 2023 April 14, 2023

The results will be sent by email around 2 to 4 weeks after the exam.

Please visit our website frequently since the dates might change.

 

Exam Fees
QCM $192.00
Oral expression test $99.00
Written expression test $99.00
Il est possible de s'inscrire uniquement pour les épreuves facultatives, à condition toutefois d'avoir déjà passé les épreuves obligatoires moins de deux ans auparavant.
  • Payments must be made in full at the time of registration.
  • A non-refundable $75 fee will be charged in the event of cancellation or rescheduling before the registration deadline.
  • No refund or rescheduling will be granted past the registration deadline.
  • It is the sole responsibility of the candidate to ensure that he/she is registered for the appropriate exam. The Alliance Française of Toronto and its employees cannot be held responsible for the choices made by the candidate.
  • No refund or credit will be granted under any circumstances past the afore mentioned deadlines, unless Alliance Française has to cancel a session of tests, in which an alternative exam date will be offered, or a full refund will be granted.
  • Visa / Mastercard/ Interac / Certified Cheque or Personal Cheque or cash are accepted.