Centres approved by Le Français des affaires — CCI Paris Île-de-France Education
Take your TEF
Test d’Évaluation de Français
The internationally recognised French assessment test, with online registration in our KLF centres in Bordeaux and Montpellier.
The TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) is an international reference test delivered by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It allows you to certify your level of French, both written and spoken, according to your project: studies, immigration, residence, French nationality, Canada or Québec. The results certificate is valid for 2 years from its date of issue.
Official test delivered by the CCI Paris Île-de-France
2 centres in France
Bordeaux and Montpellier
Valid for 2 years
Online registration
What is the TEF?
The TEF is an official French language test that measures your speaking and writing skills. It is recognised internationally and can be used for different purposes: studying at a French-speaking institution, completing an immigration procedure, supporting an administrative application in France, or officially certifying your level of French. There are several versions of the TEF depending on the candidate’s project.
The TEF is a test that assesses your level of French. The certificate obtained is valid for 2 years.
Book your TEF session
*Approved exam centre by Le Français des affaires, CCI Paris Île-de-France Education. Simple and fast booking.
Which TEF should you choose, depending on your project?
The TEF exists in several versions. The right choice depends on what you need to use it for.
TEF IRN
TEF Studies
TEF Canada
TEF Québec
Compare the different versions of the TEF
The TEF IRN includes 4 compulsory tests. The TEF Canada includes 4 compulsory tests for an immigration application. The TEF Studies can include up to 5 tests, depending on the candidate’s project. For the TEF Québec, the official website specifies that requirements may vary depending on the programme and recommends checking directly.
| Criterion | TEF IRN | TEF Studies | TEF Canada | TEF Québec |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective | Integration, residence and nationality in France | Studies in France or in a French-speaking country | Immigration or citizenship in Canada | Immigration to Québec |
| Public | People over 16 with an administrative project in France | Candidates applying to a school or university | Candidates applying for Canadian immigration or citizenship | Candidates applying for an immigration programme in Québec |
| Test structure |
4 compulsory tests Reading comprehension · Listening comprehension · Written expression · Oral expression |
1 to 5 tests depending on the project Reading comprehension · Listening comprehension · Lexis and structure · Written expression · Oral expression |
4 compulsory tests Reading comprehension · Listening comprehension · Written expression · Oral expression Citizenship: 2 tests Listening comprehension · Oral expression |
1 to 4 tests depending on the programme Reading comprehension · Listening comprehension · Written expression · Oral expression |
| Levels covered | A1 to B2 | A1 to C2 | A1 to C2 | A1 to C2 |
| Test duration |
Reading comprehension: 30 min Listening comprehension: 20 min Written expression: 30 min Oral expression: 10 min |
Example: DAP / Bachelor’s degree in France Reading comprehension: 1 hour Listening comprehension: 40 min Lexis and structure: 30 min Written expression: 1 hour Oral expression: 15 min (optional for DAP) |
Immigration Reading comprehension: 1 hour Listening comprehension: 40 min Written expression: 1 hour Oral expression: 15 min Citizenship Listening comprehension: 40 min Oral expression: 15 min |
Reading comprehension: 1 hour Listening comprehension: 40 min Written expression: 1 hour Oral expression: 15 min Each test can be taken independently of the others. |
| Format | Computer-based tests and oral test with an examiner | Computer-based tests and oral test with an examiner, depending on the modules selected | Computer-based tests and oral test with an examiner | Computer-based tests and oral test with an examiner, depending on the modules selected |
| Specific feature | All tests must be taken on the same day | The number of tests depends on the study project and the institution’s requirements | All tests must be taken on the same day for the certificate recognised by the Canadian authorities | The required tests depend on the targeted immigration programme |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Certifying body | CCI Paris Île-de-France | CCI Paris Île-de-France | CCI Paris Île-de-France | CCI Paris Île-de-France |
TEF exam format
The TEF is a modular test: depending on your objective, you will need to take all the tests or only some of them. Depending on your project, the TEF may include 1 to 5 tests.
Understand spoken French
60 multiple-choice questions on computer. This test assesses your ability to understand spoken French through short audio recordings.
Read and understand texts
50 multiple-choice questions in 4 parts on computer. This test measures your ability to read and understand different types of texts in French.
Communicate orally
2 face-to-face tasks with an examiner: obtaining information, then convincing your conversation partner. This test assesses your confidence and fluency in speaking.
Express your ideas in writing
2 tasks on computer: writing an article, then expressing a reasoned point of view. This test assesses your ability to structure your ideas in writing.
Master vocabulary and grammar
40 multiple-choice questions in 4 parts on computer. This test measures your accuracy in vocabulary and language structure.
From booking to your administrative procedure
Identify your need
Determine which version of the TEF matches your project: IRN, Studies, Canada or Québec.
Before anything elseChoose your centre
Select your KLF city, Bordeaux or Montpellier, then check the available sessions.
Step 1Book your session
Register online for the relevant TEF and receive your exam notice with practical information.
Before the sessionTake the tests
Come on exam day with your identity document. The TEF includes computer-based tests and, depending on the version, an oral test with an examiner.
Exam dayReceive your results
Your centre will send you your results certificate after the session, according to the publication deadlines.
After the sessionUse your certificate
You can use your TEF for your studies, immigration application or administrative procedures for 2 years.
Valid for 2 yearsHow does a session work?
1
Before the exam
You will receive a confirmation email with the exact details.
2
On the day of the exam
3
After the session
Your results are available within 3 weeks.
Your centre can provide you with a provisional certificate to support your administrative procedures while waiting for the final certificate.
If you do not pass, you can retake the TEF 30 days after your last session.
Choose your centre and exam session
KLF has 2 approved French schools organising TEF sessions in France.
Select your city and book directly online.
Places are limited! Book 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
Everything you need to take your TEF in the best possible conditions
- Official approved session, organised in a centre accredited by Le Français des affaires, CCI Paris Île-de-France Education
- Dedicated computer workstation, in an equipped and supervised room, under conditions that meet TEF requirements, with headphones and dividers
- Official exam notice by email, with all practical details: address, time and required documents
- Available team to answer your questions before and on the day of the exam
- Official certificate, issued within 2 to 3 weeks after your session
Book your TEF session now
Choose your KLF centre and access the correct form directly according to your TEF version. Places are limited, book 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
Why choose KLF to take your TEF?
Professional exam centres
Bordeaux and Montpellier are accessible, well-equipped locations adapted to exam sessions, within recognised French schools with more than 25 years of experience in teaching French as a foreign language.
Simple booking
Choose your city and your type of TEF, fill in the online form and pay for your session in 5 minutes. You will receive your exam notice by email and be guided at every step, including on exam day.
Places are limited! Book 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
An offer adapted to every project
TEF IRN for your procedures in France, TEF Studies for your studies, TEF Canada or Québec for your immigration: KLF organises all 4 versions in its approved centres.
Frequently asked questions about the TEF
Do you have a question about the TEF, its format, validity or how to book in our centres? Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions opposite.
Question not listed?
Our team is available to support you.
What is the TEF?
The TEF is an international reference test delivered by the CCI Paris Île-de-France. It measures your level of French in writing and speaking.
Is the TEF valid for life?
No. The TEF results certificate is valid for 2 years from its date of issue.
What is the difference between the TEF IRN and the TEF Canada?
The TEF IRN is intended for procedures in France related to integration, residence or nationality. The TEF Canada is intended for immigration or citizenship procedures in Canada.
Is the TEF Québec identical to the TEF Canada?
No. The official website specifies that the TEF Québec is not recognised by IRCC for an immigration application to Canada.
Is the TEF Studies recognised for studying in France?
Yes. The TEF Studies has been recognised since 2002 by the French Ministry of Higher Education and by many institutions.
Can I take the TEF with KLF?
KLF offers the TEF in its Bordeaux and Montpellier centres.
