TEF

What is TEF?

Created in 1998, the TEF (Test d’Evaluation du Français) is administered by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris (CCIP). It is an international benchmark test that measures your level of knowledge and skills in French.

It assesses candidates from an elementary to an advanced level. The levels (corresponding to aptitude) range from A1 (Beginner) to C2 (Mastery). 

The TEF is officially recognized since 2004 by the French Ministry of National Education and assesses the written and oral French language skills of all foreign students applying for undergraduate university enrolment in France. The TEF is also recognized by many universities and schools in French-speaking countries.

The TEF is officially recognized by :
– the French Ministry of Education
– the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
– the French Ministry of the Interior
– the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada
– the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration
– the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration

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).

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.

The TEF is a modular test. Depending on your objective and the steps you take, you should register for the TEF version that includes the tests you need.

Exam details

The TEF consists of 5 modular 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

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 certificate of completion is delivered to you 6 to 8 weeks after the exam and is valid for two years.

It is possible to take the test more than once, as long as there is a 30-day waiting period between registrations.

Examination fee

Rs.24,780 incl. GST / module