TEF Training

TEF Canada

TEF Canada

Are you planning to immigrate to Canada or apply for Canadian citizenship?

Demonstrate your French language proficiency with the TEF Canada, officially recognized since 2002 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

TEF Canada Test Structure

French

🔹 For Immigration Applications

The TEF Canada includes four mandatory sections:

1. Reading Comprehension

  • Purpose: Assess your ability to read and understand written documents in French.
  • Format: 40 multiple-choice questions.
  • Duration: 1 hour.
  • Scoring:
    • Correct answer = 1 point
    • Incorrect or unanswered question = 0 points

2. Listening Comprehension

  • Purpose: Evaluate your understanding of spoken French through audio recordings.
  • Format: 40 multiple-choice questions.
  • Duration: 40 minutes.
  • Scoring: Same as the reading section.

3. Written Expression

  • Purpose: Measure your ability to write in French in different contexts.
  • Format: Two tasks:
    • Section A (25 min): Continue a given text (minimum 80 words).
    • Section B (35 min): Express and justify an opinion (minimum 200 words).
  • Total duration: 1 hour.

4. Oral Expression

  • Purpose: Assess your ability to communicate orally in French with an interlocutor.
  • Format: Two parts:
    • Section A (5 min): Request or provide information.
    • Section B (10 min): Present and defend an argument.
  • Total duration: Approximately 15 minutes.

🔹 For Canadian Citizenship Applications

Two sections are required:

1. Listening Comprehension

  • Purpose: Assess your understanding of spoken French.
  • Format: 40 multiple-choice questions.
  • Duration: 40 minutes.
  • Scoring:
    • Correct answer = 1 point
    • Incorrect or unanswered question = 0 points

2. Oral Expression

  • Purpose: Evaluate your ability to communicate and express yourself in French.
  • Format: Two parts:
    • Section A (5 min): Obtain information.
    • Section B (10 min): Argue and persuade.
  • Total duration: Around 15 minutes.

Important: All sections must be taken on the same day for the results to be officially recognized by Canadian authorities.

Test Validity

Your TEF Canada certificate is valid for two years from the date it is issued.

Useful Information

For details on registration procedures, score equivalencies (TEF–NCLC) and level comparisons (CEFR–TEF), refer to the official website of the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Required Proficiency Levels

For Immigration

The minimum required level depends on the program you are applying for:

  • Express Entry: Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 in all sections.
  • Francophone Mobility Program: Minimum CLB/NCLC 5.

Exact requirements are available on the IRCC official website.

For Citizenship

A minimum level of CLB/NCLC 4 is required for Listening and Speaking sections.

Possible Exemptions

In certain cases, the French test may not be required, depending on the immigration or citizenship program.
Exemption conditions are detailed on the IRCC official website.