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TEF Certifications

Created in 1998 by the Paris Chamber of Commerce, the Test d’Evaluation de Français (TEF) is an international benchmark test that measures your level of competency in French.

Why take the TEF?

The TEF provides confirmation of one’s level of competency in French in any professional, academic or mobility-related context. 


The Alliance Française of Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill offers several TEF sessions per month, on Monday and Thursday, for each of the TEF types below.  
Please contact us to know the next available openings for the TEF option you need.

Based on your goals, you will select one of these TEF options:


TEF

To study in France or French-speaking country; to certify your level of French for work.

Oral Compr. - 40 min
Written Compr. - 60 min
Vocabulary & Syntax - 30 min
Written Expression - 60 min
Oral Expression - 15 min - optional

$300 (basic)
$360 (+oral)


Sign Up

TEF IRN 

"Intégration, Residence & Nationalisation"
To obtain French citizenship or residency.

Oral Compr. - 10 min
Written Compr. - 30 min
Oral Expression - 10 min
Written Expression - 30 min



$250

Sign Up

TEF Canada

To immigrate to Canada or obtain Canadian citizenship.


Oral Compr. 40 min
Written Compr. 60 min
Oral Expression - 15 min
Written Expression - 60 min



$350


Sign Up

TEFAQ


To immigrate to Quebec.



Oral Compr. 40 min
Written Compr. 60 min
Oral Expression - 15 min
Written Expression - 60 min



$350 


Sign Up

Test Format

Each version of the TEF consists of 4 or 5 of the following sections.   Except for the Oral Expression, all sections are taken on computer.

  • Oral Comprehension / Compréhension Orale
  • Written Comprehension / Compréhension Écrite
  • Oral Expression / Expression Orale
  • Written Expression / Expression Écrite
  • Vocabulary & Syntax / Lexique & Structure

Test Results


The TEF grades candidates using a scale of 7 levels that range from 0+ level (basic skills) to level 6 (complete control). 

A digital certificate of results, valid for 2 years, is issued for the applicant and shows the scores on each section of the test. 
The certificate is emailed directly to the applicant within 2 to 3 weeks of the applicant's session.

Candidates may take the test as many times as they want.  However, a one-month waiting period is required between two sessions.

TEF Policies

  • Candidates will be required to show a proof of ID on their examination day - a passport or a valid Driver Licence.
  • Candidates will be notified of the examination timetable by email.  The test will start and end within the 10am-5pm timeframe on examination day.
  • Test fees are refundable up to 8 days before the test date, minus a $20 administrative fee. After that, test fees are non-refundable.
  • Candidates agree that their oral test will be recorded.



Prepare for the TEF