The TEF Canada (Test d’Évaluation de Français pour le Canada) is a general French exam for Francophones and non-native speakers designed to assess their level of proficiency and skills in French.
The TEF Canada is recognised as official proof of language proficiency by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) as well as the Quebec Ministry of Immigration and Cultural Communities (MICC) for permanent residency applications, Quebec Selection Certificate applications and Canadian citizenship applications.
Level of Proficiency
The TEF Canada 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 Canada is suited for candidates wishing to assess their level of proficiency in French for their immigration application to Canada or Quebec, or for Canadian citizenship applications.
The TEF Canada exam is recognised as an official proof of language proficiency by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the Quebec Ministry of Immigration and Cultural Communities (MICC).
Recommendation for Success
- Evaluate your current level of French according to the international assessment grid, either online with Evalang or in-person in our North York exam centre (click here to make an appointment).
- Candidates with a B2 Advanced Level can register for the online preparation.
- Candidates with a beginner or Intermediate level can register in private lessons online OR take a course in one of our 5 campuses.
Exam Details
The TEF Canada consists of 4 modules: listening, speaking, reading and/or writing. Learn more.
- Written comprehension (CE): 60 minutes – 50 questions – 300 points
- Oral comprehension (CO): 40 minutes – 60 questions – 360 points
- Written expression (EE): 60 minutes – 2 topics – 450 points
- Oral expression (EO): 15 minutes – 2 topics – 450 points
On the Day of the Exam
Candidates must present themselves with their invitation and a piece of photo identification with their signature (valid passport/ valid driver's licence/ national ID card).
After verifying the candidate's identity, the head of the official TEF centre or the invigilator(s) will take their photo and direct them to their assigned seat.
During the entire multiple choice part of the test (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes), exits will not be permitted. During the entire written expression exam (1 hour), exits will not be permitted, unless in case of an emergency or health issue previously informed by the candidate and justified with a medical certificate.
During the entirety of the exams, candidates will not be permitted to communicate with each other.
Candidates that arrive late will not be allowed in the examination room once the exam has started.
In the event of fraud or misconduct by a candidate (disturbing the examination procedure, communication or attempt to communicate with other candidates or the outside, etc.), candidates are subject to immediate removal from the examination room as well as a ban from taking the test for a period of time that will be determined by the CCI Paris Île-de-France.
Results
The TEF Canada exam 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 2 to 4 weeks after the exam, either by email.
A diploma is not required to take the TEF Canada exams. It is possible to take the test more than once, as long as there is a 30-day waiting period between registrations.
e-TEF
- The eTEF Canada is a computer-based exam with reading, listening, and writing modules; space is limited. To pass the eTEF Canada, you must have basic computer skills (know how to use of mouse).
- This test is the exam for TEF-Canada.
- The cost of the examen is of 390CAD$.
PLEASE NOTE: the e-TEF Canada is not an online test; it is only available at an exam centre location.
Do note that you will need to create an account in our system in order to be able to register for an exam session.
Please carefully fill out the questionnaire as the information will be used for your official file, thank you for your cooperation.
