Created in 1998 by the French Language Centre of the CCI Paris Ile-de-France, the TEF (Test d’Evaluation de Français) is an international benchmark test that measures a person’s level of knowledge and skills in French.

The TEF Canada is a mandatory test in the context of economic immigration programs that require proof of language skills, at the request of Canadian Citizenship and Immigration to Canada.

The TEF Canada is also an essential proof of French language proficiency level to obtain Canadian citizenship.

For immigration to Canada, a candidate must take all of the 4 sections (2 hours 55 minutes):

• Reading Comprehension (60 minutes) – 50 questions – 300 points
• Listening Comprehension (40 minutes) – 60 questions – 360 points
• Written Expression (60 minutes) – 2 topics – 450 points
• Oral Expression (15 minutes per candidate) – 2 topics – 450 points

Hence results for the 4 skills listed above are expected by the Immigration Canada (CIC- Canadian Federal Government). The minimum level required is level 7 (level B2 of the Common European Framework for Languages).

For Canadian citizenship, a candidate must take the below 2 sections (55 minutes):

• Listening Comprehension (40 minutes) – 60 questions – 360 points
• Oral Expression (15 minutes per candidate) – 2 topics – 450 points

Please read this additional information:
— TEF Canada Information
— Conditions d’inscription et de passation du Test d’évaluation de français (pdf)

Exam Date: Friday, January 29, 2021 – FULL
Registration Deadline: Friday, January 8, 2021

Exam Date: Friday, February 26, 2021 – FULL
Registration Deadline: Friday, February 5, 2021

Exam Date: Friday, March 26, 2021 – FULL
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 5, 2021

Exam Date: Friday, April 23, 2021 – FULL
Registration Deadline: Friday, April 2, 2021

Exam Date: Friday, June 18, 2021
Registration Deadline: Friday, May 28, 2021

Exam Date: Friday, September 10, 2021
Registration Deadline: Friday, August 20, 2021

Exam Date: Friday, October 15, 2021
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 24, 2021

Exam Date: Friday, November 19, 2021
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 29, 2021

Exam Date: Friday, December 10, 2021
Registration Deadline: Friday, November 19, 2021

Venue
French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF)
22 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022

The test evaluates the French skills of the candidate using a scale of 7 levels that range from 0+ level (basic skills) to level 6 (complete control).

This scale corresponds to:
• 6 skill levels A1 to C2 of the Common European Framework for Languages (CECR) of the Council of Europe
• 12 Canadian Language Benchmarks (NCLC – Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens).

Correspondance Niveaux TEF/CECR/NCLC

TEF	0+	1	2		3		4		5			6
CECR	A1		A2		B1		B2		C1			C2
NCLC	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12

Additional information is available here.

We will email you when we receive your certificate, and you will be able to either pick it up at the FIAF Language Center or request for it to be mailed to you. Please allow for 5-6 weeks from the test date for us to receive your certificate.

The certificate of results is valid for two years.

A candidate may take the test as many times as he/she wants, however, a two-month waiting period is required between two successive tests.

Full test with all 4 sections
$350 FIAF Member / $385 Non-Member

Test with 2 sections (for Citizenship)
$265 FIAF Member / $280 Non-Member

Fees must be paid in full at time of registration and are non-refundable.

Please complete the registration and payment forms below and return them to FIAF.

• Registration Form (pdf)

• Payment Form (pdf)

For emigration purposes, you must submit the following either in person or via mail: 
– an original signed registration form
– a copy of your passport or ID Card (on paper)

Any incomplete applications will be rejected.
You may pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) in person or over the phone (646-388-6691), or by check or money order (mail to FIAF).

Mail: Mrs. Voahangy Siraisi, FIAF, 22 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022
Email: vsiraisi@fiaf.org

Exam participation can only be transferred to the next session in case of sickness. A doctor’s note (not via email) must be mailed within the three days of the test.

FIAF reserves the right to cancel a session if the number of candidates does not exceed 10 candidates. All registrations will be moved to the next session. FIAF reserves the right to cancel a session for weather inclement reasons. All registrations will be moved to the next session.

The best way to get ready for this exam is to take FIAF’s French language classes. View course catalog here.

We also have a preparation book and CD available for sale at the Language Center Office.

Additional information is available here: lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/en/tests-diplomas/prepare-for-the-tef/