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. 

How can I sign up?

Click on the 2026 TEF Dates button below.  Select the date for the type of TEF you wish to take, and complete the registration and payment form.  You will receive a confirmation email upon registration.

We may be able to offer extra session dates based on demand.  Feel free to contact us if you’d like to request an additional session - or register for a later date not yet posted.

You will be using a QUERTY keyboard. Special characters and accents will be displayed on your screen.

How can I know if my level of French is good enough?

The minimum level requirements for TEF IRN (B2) and TEF Canada (B2+) can be tricky to understand. For this reason, we recommend assessing your French level before registering for a TEF certification.

If you speak and write French at a native level, you already meet the requirements and do not need further assessment.

If you are not fully fluent in French, we offer a French Level Test ($25) designed to give you a general indication of whether your skills meet the minimum level requirements in grammar, vocabulary, syntax, and oral expression.

Please note: this test is not a practice TEF, does not mirror the TEF format, and does not guarantee any TEF results. It is intended solely as a tool to help you better understand your current French level.

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 (only for TEF études)

Test Results

The certificate is emailed directly to the applicant within 2 to 10 days of the applicant's session.

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. 

Candidates may take the test as many times as they want.  However, a 20-day waiting period is required between two sessions.

TEF Policies

• Candidates will be required to show a proof of ID on their examination day - passport or 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 $50 administrative fee. After that, test fees are non-refundable.
• Candidates agree that their oral test will be recorded.

Prepare for the TEF

• Practice with free Tutorials and Sample Papers
  
• Get ready with PrepMyFuture, an e-learning platform specifically designed to prepare you for the oral and written comprehension tests
• Purchase 3 hours of private tutoring to prepare for the oral and written expression tests
• Download the app Francais 3.0
• Facebook group: "Comment se préparer au TEF"
• Several book options available on Amazon and other online retailers
  

TEF types