TEF Exam Canada: Pattern, Syllabus & More

Test d’ Evaluation de Francais or TEF Exam has existed since 1998, incepted by the French Language Centre of the CCI Paris Ile-de-France. It is a global standard test which examines a candidate’s skills and understanding of the French language. The article describes the importance of the TEF Exam, its pattern, and the registration process and also includes TEF Exam centres in India.

Apart from verifying one’s French skills, the test helps one integrate into a school or university, obtain the French Resident Card with TEF Integration, Residence and Nationality, immigrate to Quebec, immigrate to Canada and get Canadian citizenship, and obtain French or Swiss nationality.

In Canada, this test is compulsory for economic immigration programmes for which language skills proof is needed. This has been made mandatory by Canadian Citizenship and Immigration, Canada. One can obtain Canadian citizenship through TEF Canada which serves as French language proficiency evidence. The result of the test is valid for two years. The Canadian authorities will recognize the certificate only if the various test sections have been attempted on a common day.

Check: Documents required for Diploma Courses in Canada

Departments/Ministries Recognizing TEF

• French Ministry of the Interior
• Swiss State Secretariat for Migration
• French Ministry of Education
• Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada
• Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
• Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration

Check: OUAC 105: All you need to know

TEF Exam Eligibility

The first thing that comes to our mind when we think of appearing for any exam is what would be the eligibility criteria for the same. As far as the TEF exam is concerned, the same may depend upon your requirement to attempt the same. All those who are learning French and wish to get their language proficiency evaluated can appear for the TEF exam, irrespective of their native language or country of origin. All three levels of TEF exams - TEF Canada, TEF Quebec and TEF Naturalisation have different proficiency criteria. 

TEF Exam Pattern

Here is the pattern of TEF exam that will help you to understand different sections and their respective durations. The TEF (Test d'évaluation de français) is a French language proficiency test designed to assess your language skills for immigration and study purposes in Canada.

To apply for Canadian Citizenship, you need to take below mentioned exam pattern:

Note: At least level 7 is required (level B2 of the Common European Framework for Languages).

Check: FAQs for SDS Canada

TEF Exam Canada Registration

Those who wish to apply for the TEF exam need to submit a photocopy of their ID along with a photograph and signature. You may have to provide your photo ID in case your examination centre is unable to take your picture on the exam day. While registering, applicants will also have to fill in a sheet which asks for their personal details which will be reflected in their certificates. Applicants wishing to appear for this paper have to be 16 years or older. Also, they don’t need to possess a diploma to appear for this test. An email invitation will be sent to those applicants whose registration will get validated. They will then have to get it along with themselves to the exam centre. Make sure to complete the registration on time. The deadline will be at least a week before the exam date.

TEF Canada Exam Centres in India

Those who wish to apply for the TEF exam are advised to reach out to their respective country/city centre in order to get information regarding session dates, TEF Canada fees or any other relevant related information. Given below is a list of the approved TEF centres in India:

Procedure to evaluate TEF

A 7-level scale exists to measure the performance in the test – level 0 (most basic skills) to level 6 (full expertise). The scale implies:

• 6 levels (A1 to C2) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) of the Council of Europe
• 12 levels of Canadian/Quebec language proficiency.

TEF Exam Preparation Tips

• Various tutorial videos are available on the official website which can help one get acquainted with the exam pattern, syllabus and other related details.
• Attempt TEF Canada sample tests available online to see where your preparation stands. You can also check how much time are you taking to solve the paper and what are your strengths and weaknesses.
• Replays of TEF exam preparation workshops are available on the official website which can be viewed.
• A mobile application ‘French 3.0’ is available and can be downloaded by the applicants. The app will help them with various French language evaluation tests.
• PrepmyTEF is an online preparation platform where candidates can check out lesson sheets, exercises and various mock tests which will help them gear up for the exam. All these can be accessed for a year by paying an amount of € 39.

Check: Canada PR Requirements for Indian Students: Documents, Eligibility

Things to Keep in Mind During TEF Exam

• Do not interact with other examinees sitting around you. It may be considered unethical.
• No dictionary or reference document will be allowed inside the examination hall.
• You won’t be permitted to appear for the exam once the same has started.
• Electronic devices won’t be allowed inside the venue.
• You won’t be allowed to go anywhere out before the written tests end.

TEF Canada Results

Once the session material is obtained, within 2-4 weeks the results will be forwarded to the exam centre. An email will also be sent to the candidates which will contain a link to their digital safe from where they can get the result certificate. Your certificate will contain your photograph, signature, points obtained, and level obtained. It will also state how skilled are you in general French at present. No cap has been put on the number of times one can appear for this test, although a 30-day gap is required between every exam.

TEF Quebec (TEFAQ) 

The TEF exam is also recognized by Quebec Ministry for Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) as evidence of the candidate’s French linguistic knowledge. Quebec is a French-speaking Canadian province.

TEF Exam Quebec: Exam Pattern

The exam has a total of four sections, namely:

• Oral Comprehension (40 minute, 60 questions)
• Oral Expression (15 minutes, 2 topics)
• Written Comprehension (60 minutes, 50 questions)
• Written Expression (50 minutes, 2 topics)

In order to score:

• Your understanding of French should be standing at a minimum of level 7 (advanced intermediate) of the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français des personnes immigrantes adultes

Or

• Equivalent (level 2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

Note: An applicant’s spouse’s oral understanding of the French language may be evaluated on the basis of his/her immigration programme. Atleast level 4 should be obtained by him/her.

Shiksha Counselling Service is available to solve any doubt related to exams, application procedures, university and country selection, etc.