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 datesCampus
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration November 13 November 28, 2023/ FULL North York Campus 
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration November 14 November 29, 2023/ FULL Spadina Campus 
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration November 15 November 30, 2023/ FULL North York Campus 
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration November 16 December 1, 2023/ FULL Spadina Campus
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF November 16 December 1, 2023/ FULL North York Campus 
 TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration November 20 December 5, 2023/ FULL North York Campus 
 TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration November 21  December 6, 2023 Spadina Campus
 TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF November 23  December 8, 2023/ FULL North York Campus 
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration November 27  December 12, 2023/ FULL North York Campus 
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF/TEF Intégration November 29  December 14, 2023/ FULL  North York Campus 
TEF Canada/TEFaQ/TEF November 29 December 15, 2023/ FULL North York Campus 

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.
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  • Complete the registration form
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  • Once we have received all this information, we will send you a confirmation email with the date and time of the test.