Overview
TEF Canada is the version of the Test d'évaluation de français (TEF) built for people applying to immigrate to, or become citizens of, Canada. It is run by CCI Paris Ile-de-France through Le français des affaires. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts it, together with TCF Canada, as proof of French ability.
Who can apply
Anyone who needs French results for a Canadian immigration or citizenship file. You register at one of the official test centres; the organiser lists about 500 centres in over 110 countries.
Exam pattern
Which tests you take depends on the application.
Immigration to Canada: four tests
| Test | Questions or tasks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading comprehension | 40 multiple-choice questions | 1 hour |
| Listening comprehension | 40 multiple-choice questions | 40 minutes |
| Written expression | 2 sections | 1 hour |
| Oral expression | 2 sections | 15 minutes |
Written section A (25 minutes): continue an article, at least 80 words.
Written section B (35 minutes): state and justify a point of view, at least 200 words.
Oral section A (5 minutes): obtain information from the examiner.
Oral section B (10 minutes): argue a point to convince.
Canadian citizenship: two compulsory tests
Listening comprehension and oral expression, with the same format as above. For citizenship the organiser states that a CLB level of 4 is required in speaking and listening.
All tests must be taken on the same day for the certificate to be recognised by the Canadian authorities.
Marking and results
Reading and listening score 1 point per correct answer and 0 for a wrong or missing answer. The raw total is then converted into a calibrated score that allows for differences in question difficulty. Written and oral expression are assessed against standard grids covering communication, vocabulary, grammar, organisation and fluency. Two independent assessors mark the writing, and two examiners assess the recorded oral test.
The certificate shows your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level for each test. The organiser says certificates are sent within about 2 weeks. For your IRCC profile, use the scores in the "Old score equivalence" column on the certificate. An appeal can be filed within 30 days of the certificate date, but only for an anomaly or serious malfunction during the test.
Validity
The certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. IRCC also requires Express Entry results to be less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you apply.
Fees and dates
The pages reviewed do not state a fee or fixed dates. Both are set by each test centre, so check with the centre you choose.
How to apply
Choose an official test centre.
Register with that centre.
Take the tests and wait for your certificate.
Preparation tips
Check the CLB level your programme needs. The organiser gives CLB 7 in every test for Express Entry and CLB 5 for Mobilité Francophone as examples; confirm the current figure on the IRCC site.
Practise the two writing sections within their separate time limits.
Practise both oral roles: asking for information, then arguing a point.
Can I take only some of the tests?
For immigration, all four. For citizenship, the two compulsory ones are listening and oral expression.