TEF
Certify your French language skills with TEF Canada, recognized since 2002 by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
What is TEF Canada?
The Test d'évaluation de français (TEF) Canada is a French-language proficiency test recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) since 2002. It certifies your French skills for immigration and citizenship applications.
IRCC Recognized
Officially recognized by Canadian immigration authorities since 2002 for permanent residency and citizenship applications.
Four Comprehensive Tests
Covers all four language skills: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression, and oral expression.
CLB Level Mapping
Results map directly to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels required for various immigration programs.
What are the compulsory TEF Canada tests?
For an immigration application to Canada, you must take 4 tests:
Reading comprehension
Objective
Measure your ability to read and understand written documents.
Content
40 questions
Duration
1 hour
Format
Multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ)
Scale
- Correct answer = +1 point
- Wrong answer / No answer = 0 points
Listening comprehension
Objective
Measure your ability to understand spoken French by listening to audio documents.
Content
40 questions
Duration
40 minutes
Format
Multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ)
Scale
- Correct answer = +1 point
- Wrong answer / No answer = 0 points
Written expression
Objective
Measure your ability to express yourself in written French.
Content
2 sections
Duration
1 hour
Format
The test is divided into two sections, A and B.
Section A – 25 minutes
Write the continuation of an article (80 words minimum)
Section B – 35 minutes
Express and justify a point of view (200 words minimum)
Oral expression
Objective
Measure your ability to communicate orally with an interlocutor.
Content
2 sections
Duration
15 minutes in total
Format
The test is divided into two sections, A and B.
Section A – 5 minutes
Obtaining information
Section B – 10 minutes
Expressing an argument to convince
For a Canadian citizenship application, you must take 2 compulsory tests:
Listening comprehension
Objective
Measure your ability to understand spoken French by listening to audio documents.
Content
40 questions
Duration
40 minutes
Format
Multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ)
Scale
- Correct answer = +1 point
- Wrong answer / No answer = 0 points
Oral expression
Objective
Measure your ability to communicate orally with an interlocutor.
Content
2 sections
Duration
15 minutes in total
Format
The test is divided into two sections, A and B.
Section A – 5 minutes
Obtaining information
Section B – 10 minutes
Expressing an argument to convince
Important Information
- iAll tests must be taken on the same day for your certificate to be recognized by Canadian authorities.
- iYour results certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
- iBring a valid photo ID to the test center on exam day.
- iNo electronic devices, dictionaries, or notes are permitted during the exam.
- iTEF Canada is a computer-based exam administered at authorized test centers worldwide.
Further information
How long is my test valid for?
Your results certificate is valid for 2 years (from the date of issue).
How can I find out more about immigration procedures in Canada?
For the latest official information on immigration to Canada, visit the IRCC website.
What level do I need to achieve on the TEF Canada?
For immigration to Canada
The minimum level required varies according to the program you are applying for. For example, a CLB level 7 is required for all tests in the Entrée Express program, while a CLB level 5 is required in the Mobilité Francophone program.
To find out the level required for each program, visit the Canadian IRCC website.
For citizenship procedures
CLB 4 level is required for the speaking and listening tests.
More information on the Canadian IRCC website.
Are there any TEF Canada exemptions?
For immigration to Canada
Depending on the immigration program, the French test is not always compulsory. To find out more, visit the Canadian IRCC website.
For citizenship applications
To find out about TEF Canada exemptions, visit the Canadian IRCC website.
How is my data processed for Canadian immigration?
When you register for TEF Canada, Le français des affaires of the CCI Paris Ile-de-France collects information to process your application in accordance with Canadian immigration laws.
If you achieve the required level, your personal data will be made available to the Canadian authorities. It is not communicated to other third parties. If you object to this transmission or modify or delete data, your immigration or citizenship application cannot be processed by the Canadian authorities.
Your data will be kept by Le français des affaires of the CCI Paris Ile-de-France for 10 years. Data transmitted to Canadian authorities will be stored in accordance with Canadian law.
How is my data handled under French and EU regulations?
The information collected may also be processed for carrying out studies and surveys to improve our services. Data collected during surveys is not communicated to third parties and is kept for one year.
In accordance with the French Data Protection Act of January 6, 1978 (as amended) and the Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016-679, you may exercise your right to access, rectify, or delete your data by contacting francais@cci-paris-idf.fr or the Data Protection Officer at cpdp@cci-paris-idf.fr.
You may also file a complaint with the CNIL, 3 Place de Fontenoy – TSA 80715 – 75334 PARIS CEDEX 07.
Ready to Prepare for TEF Canada?
Practice with exam-accurate simulations that mirror the official TEF Canada format. All four sections covered.