TEF Canada

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TEF Canada Exam Overview

The TEF Canada (Test d’Évaluation de Français pour le Canada) is a comprehensive French language exam designed for both Francophones and non-native speakers. It evaluates proficiency and skills in the French language.

Recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Quebec Ministry of Immigration and Cultural Communities (MICC), the TEF Canada serves as official proof of language proficiency for permanent residency applications, Quebec Selection Certificates, and Canadian citizenship.

Note: The TEF Canada is an in-person exam and is not available online.

Components of TEF Canada

Explore the four tests that make up the TEF Canada, the key assessment for evaluating your general French language skills. The TEF Canada measures your listening and reading comprehension as well as your oral and written expression. The comprehension tests feature 39 multiple-choice questions, organized by increasing difficulty, with only one correct answer for each question. The expression tests consist of three tasks each for both oral and written assessments. Upon completion, you will receive a level certificate valid for two years. Start learning today with the TEFCanada.ca!

Oral expression

  • 2 sections 
  • 15 minutes in total  
  • Section A – 5 minutes: Obtaining information
  • Section B – 10 minutes: Expressing an argument to convince

Listening comprehension

  • 4 sections – 40 questions
  • 40 minutes
  • Multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ)

Reading Comprehension

  • 4 sections – 40 questions
  • 1 hour
  • Multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ)

Written expression

  • 2 sections 
  • 1 hour
  • 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)
PRICES

TESTS TAKEN FROM THE REAL TEF EXAM

Make your choices, register, and get started today

BASIC

$ 24
99
Access: 15 Days
  • 5 Listening Comprehension Tests
  • 5 Reading Comprehension Tests
  • 30 Written Expression Topics
  • 40 Oral Expression Topics
Join Now
version 2025

STANDARD

$ 39
99
Access: 1 Month
  • 10 Listening Comprehension Tests
  • 10 Reading Comprehension Tests
  • 70 Written Expression Topics
  • 100 Oral Expression Topics
Join Now
version 2025

PREMIUM

$ 59
99
Access: 2 Months
  • 20 Listening Comprehension Tests
  • 17 Written Comprehension Tests
  • 100 Written Expression Topics
  • 160 Oral Expression Topics
Join Now
version 2025

Registration

STEP 1

500 authorized centers available in over 110 countries.
To find your nearest test center,
CLICK HERE.

Follow this link:

Find a Center

STEP 2

After your registration is confirmed, your test center will email you more details. For further questions,
CLICK HERE.

Follow this link:

Further Questions

Practice through FREE Sample PDFs

Oral expression

Speaking Sample Test
CLICK HERE
Sample PDF

Reading Comprehension

Reading Sample Test
CLICK HERE
Sample PDF

Listening comprehension

Listening Sample Test
CLICK HERE
Sample PDF

Written expression

Writing Sample Test
CLICK HERE
Sample PDF

Free Mock Test Practice

Written expression

Writing Sample Test
CLICK HERE
Sample Test

Oral expression

Speaking Sample Test
CLICK HERE
Sample Test

Reading Comprehension

Reading Sample Test
CLICK HERE
Sample Test

Listening comprehension

Listening Sample Test
CLICK HERE
Sample Test

Candidates

The TEF Canada is ideal for individuals looking to assess their French proficiency for immigration applications to Canada or Quebec, as well as for Canadian citizenship applications.

Both the IRCC and the MICC acknowledge this exam as an official measure of language skills.

Exam Details

Basic computer skills (familiarity with a mouse) are required to take the exam.

The TEF Canada consists of four modules:

  • Reading Comprehension: 60 minutes – 40 questions – 699 points
  • Listening Comprehension: Approximately 40 minutes – 40 questions – 699 points
  • Written Expression: 60 minutes – 2 topics – 699 points
  • Oral Expression: 15 minutes – 2 topics – 699 points

Want to apply for Canadian citizenship?

Two mandatory tests must be taken:
Listening comprehension

Oral expression

– IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)

Get ready for the TEF Canada exam ahead of your session!

Prepare in advance to boost your chances of success on the test.

You can choose to study at home, online, or even at a test center, depending on your time and available resources.

This page offers a variety of tools to help you familiarize yourself with the test format and practice effectively.

On the Day of the Exam

  • Late arrivals will not be permitted to enter the examination room once the exam has begun.
  • Candidates must present a convocation notice and a valid photo ID with date of birth (e.g., passport, driver’s license, national ID card).
  • A photo will be taken of each candidate before the exam starts, as required.
  • During the multiple-choice section (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes) and the written expression exam (1 hour), exits are not allowed, except in emergencies or health issues verified by a medical certificate.
  • Communication between candidates is prohibited throughout the exam.
  • Any candidate found engaging in fraud or misconduct will be removed from the examination room and may face a ban from future tests, as determined by CCI Paris Île-de-France.

Results

  • Candidates will receive a detailed and personalized certificate of completion, including points earned, French proficiency level, and comments on their general French knowledge.
  • Certificates are issued 2 to 4 weeks after the exam, typically via email.
  • Candidates can retake the test, provided there is a minimum 30-day waiting period between registrations.

Recommendation for Success

  • Assess your current French level to better understand your starting point.
  • Candidates at the B2 Advanced level can focus on targeted study strategies for the TEF Canada exam.
  • Beginner and Intermediate candidates should focus on foundational skills and review available resources on TEFCanada.ca for effective preparation.

Further Questions? We got You.

Your certificate of results is valid for two years from the date of issue.

For the latest official information on immigration to Canada, visit the IRCC website.

For immigration to Canada:

The minimum required level depends on the program you’re applying for. For instance, the Express Entry program requires a CLB level 7 for all tests, while the Mobilité Francophone program requires a CLB level 5.

To learn more about the required levels for each program, visit the Canadian IRCC website.

For citizenship procedures:

A CLB level 4 is required for both the speaking and listening tests.

For more details, refer to the Canadian IRCC website.

For immigration to Canada:

The French test may not always be mandatory, depending on the immigration program. For more information, visit the Canadian IRCC website.

For citizenship applications:

To learn about TEF Canada exemptions, visit the Canadian IRCC website.

When you register for TEF Canada, Le français des affaires of the CCI Paris Ile-de-France collects certain personal information to process your application in accordance with Canadian immigration laws.

If you meet the required level, your personal data will be shared with Canadian authorities. It will not be disclosed to other third parties. If you object to this transmission or wish to modify or delete your data, your immigration or citizenship application may not be processed by the Canadian authorities.

Le français des affaires of the CCI Paris Ile-de-France will retain your data for 10 years. Any data shared with Canadian authorities will be stored in compliance with Canadian law.

The information collected may also be used for studies and surveys to improve our services. In such cases, data from surveys will not be shared with third parties and will be retained for one year.

In accordance with the French Data Protection Act of January 6, 1978, as amended, and the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679, you have the right to access, rectify, or delete your personal data. You can exercise these rights by contacting francais@cci-paris-idf.fr or, if necessary, the Data Protection Officer at cpdp@cci-paris-idf.fr

Lastly, you may file a complaint with the CNIL, 3 Place de Fontenoy – TSA 80715 – 75334 PARIS CEDEX 07.

To take the exam, you must be at least 16 years old. No educational qualifications are needed.

Each test center determines its own registration fees. Costs may differ depending on the location and the number of tests taken.

The TEF Canada offers several options to accommodate candidates with disabilities or those experiencing challenges with digital literacy.

To request special accommodations, you must provide your test center with a medical certificate before registering. This certificate should:

  • Describe the nature of your disability, and

  • Include your doctor’s recommendations for necessary adjustments during the test.

If the test center identifies difficulties related to digital literacy, it may offer support and/or alternative arrangements, such as completing the written expression test manually.

Le français des affaires will review your request promptly and inform the test center about any approved adjustments.

If you are exempted from one or more sections of the exam, you will only be charged for the parts you complete.

Once submitted, your registration is final, and any fees paid are non-refundable.

If you need to cancel before the test date or are absent on the day of the exam due to serious reasons (such as illness, work obligations, or the death of a close family member), you must provide your test center with official documentation (e.g., a medical or employer’s certificate).

Le français des affaires will review the provided evidence and may offer you the opportunity to reschedule your test at no additional cost.

If you withdraw without a valid reason or fail to appear without justification, no refunds will be issued. By registering, you agree to these terms and conditions.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact us at:

TEFCanada.ca

We’re here to help! 

Useful link

Registration and test-taking conditions (in English)

Learn more
let's revise

TESTS TAKEN FROM THE REAL TEF EXAM

Make your choices, register, and get started today

BASIC

$ 24
99
Access: 15 Days
  • 5 Listening Comprehension Tests
  • 5 Reading Comprehension Tests
  • 30 Written Expression Topics
  • 40 Oral Expression Topics
Join Now
version 2025

STANDARD

$ 39
99
Access: 1 Month
  • 10 Listening Comprehension Tests
  • 10 Reading Comprehension Tests
  • 70 Written Expression Topics
  • 100 Oral Expression Topics
Join Now
version 2025

PREMIUM

$ 59
99
Access: 2 Months
  • 20 Listening Comprehension Tests
  • 17 Written Comprehension Tests
  • 100 Written Expression Topics
  • 160 Oral Expression Topics
Join Now
version 2025

Registration and examination conditions

General Conditions of Use

Applicable to all versions of the French Evaluation Test (TEF) and the Professional French Diploma (DFP).

Pre-registration conditions

The French for Business pre-registration platform (accessible at the following address) allows you to submit a request to pre-register for a TEF or DFP session offered by an authorized testing center.

This request is forwarded to the selected center, which is then responsible for contacting the candidate to complete the registration process and provide payment instructions.

Please note that registration cannot be finalized without payment. The Business French Department of CCI Paris IDF bears no responsibility for any incomplete registration, as the finalization depends on a payment agreement between the candidate and the testing center.

Personal data

The personal data provided by the candidate (surname, first name, date of birth, email address, identity document number and nationality) is collected by the CCI Paris Île-de-France for the purpose of processing the pre-registration request. This is done in accordance with the legal requirements of the relevant governmental authorities concerning applications for immigration, citizenship, naturalization, or residence permits.

The data collected during pre-registration is retained by CCI Paris Île-de-France for a period of 10 years and is not shared with any third parties.

In accordance with the amended French Data Protection Act of January 6, 1978, and Regulation (EU) 2016/679 on data protection, and within the scope of these regulations, candidates have the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of their personal data. To do so, they may contact francais@cci-paris-idf.fr. In case of difficulty, they may also contact the Data Protection Officer at cpdp@cci-paris-idf.fr.

Candidates also have the right to file a complaint with the CNIL (Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés) at:
3 Place de Fontenoy – TSA 80715 – 75334 PARIS CEDEX 07.

Registration and examination conditions

General conditions of access to the exam

Candidates must be at least 16 years old.

No prior qualifications or diplomas are required to take the exam.

By registering for the French Evaluation Test (TEF) or the Professional French Diploma (DFP), the candidate acknowledges that they will be required to read simple sentences in French and confirms their ability to do so.

Registration for TEF Canada

To register for the TEF Canada, candidates must select the appropriate combination of tests within the same session:

  • For an immigration application to the federal government: candidates must register for all four components — reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression, and oral expression.

  • For a citizenship application: candidates must register for only the listening comprehension and oral expression components.

Identity verification

On the day of the session, the candidate must present an official photo ID to the approved testing center for verification. The candidate also agrees to:

  • Have their photo taken by a staff member of the center,

  • Sign an attendance sheet for each test, and

  • Be recorded during the oral expression component of the exam.

For the French Evaluation Test (TEF), the photo and signature collected will appear on the candidate’s official results certificate. Any attempt by another individual to take the test on behalf of the candidate constitutes fraud and may result in immediate removal from the test room and the disqualification of the registered candidate from all future TEF sessions.

For TEF Canada, the identity document presented must be the same as the one used during registration and the one intended for Canadian immigration or citizenship procedures.

After the session, the candidate agrees—if requested by CCI Paris Île-de-France—to participate in a verification process, which may include:

  • Copying a short text in writing,

  • Participating in a recorded oral interview, or

  • Completing one or more additional verification tests.

Failure to comply with these verification requests may result in the withholding of the official certificate of results. In such cases, no refund will be issued.

Change of civil status

When signing the attendance sheet on the day of the exam, the candidate must verify the accuracy of their first and last names, as well as their date of birth, as provided during registration. Any errors must be reported at this time.

If a correction reveals that the candidate has taken any of the tests within the 30 days preceding the current session, no certificate of results will be issued, and the candidate will not be eligible for a refund.

Please note that the CCI Paris Île-de-France will not make any changes to personal information that were not reported on the day of the exam. No corrections can be made once the certificate of results has been issued.

Compliance with organizational instructions

Any form of insult, discriminatory remark, or attack based on origin, sex, gender, physical appearance, language, or religion is strictly prohibited during the exam. Such behavior may lead to legal action and immediate expulsion from the exam session.

Candidates are required to follow all organizational instructions provided by the approved test center. They are not permitted to:

  • Use personal materials (unless explicitly authorized by the CCI Paris Île-de-France for accommodations),

  • Retain, reproduce, or share any part of the exam materials by any means,

  • Communicate with other candidates during the exam,

  • Attempt to view or copy another candidate’s answers, or allow others to view theirs.

Serious misconduct—including disrupting the session, continued cheating after a warning, or attempting to communicate with others—may result in the candidate’s immediate removal from the examination room.

In cases of attempted or confirmed fraud, the candidate will:

  • Not receive a certificate of results for the French Evaluation Test (TEF) or the Professional French Diploma (DFP),

  • Not be entitled to any refund of registration fees, and

  • Be permanently barred from taking the TEF or DFP in the future.

Setting up a session

Business French offers various accommodations to ensure the French Assessment Test (TEF) and the Professional French Diploma (DFP) are accessible to candidates with disabilities or limited digital skills. Candidates requiring specific accommodations must contact their chosen test center before registering to submit a formal request.

To receive appropriate adjustments, the candidate must provide a medical certificate from a qualified practitioner. This certificate should describe the nature of the disability and recommend suitable accommodations based on the list of possible adjustments available for the TEF or DFP (such as the provision of an assessor by the center, additional time, volume adjustment, etc.).

For candidates with electronic illiteracy identified by the test center, alternative assistance or adjustments—such as a manual written expression test—may be offered.

The test center will inform Le français des affaires at CCI Paris Île-de-France as soon as possible to review and approve the requested accommodations promptly.

  • For TEF / TEFAQ / TEF Canada: Candidates granted exemption from one or more tests will only be charged for the tests they actually take.

  • For TEF IRN: Candidates exempted from one or more tests must present their medical certificate directly to the prefecture. A dedicated certificate template, designed for candidates applying for a residence card or French nationality, is available upon request to the prefecture and must be completed by a medical professional.

Delivery of results

The only official and valid results are those appearing on the results certificate or diploma issued by the CCI Paris Île-de-France at the conclusion of the exam session. The TEF session results certificate includes only the tests for which the candidate was registered during that session.

Certificates or diplomas are issued only if the candidate attended the tests and no irregularities were detected during the exam or in the grading process.

  • For the TEF, the certificate is valid for two years from the date of issue.

  • For the DFP, the diploma is valid indefinitely.

When necessary, the CCI Paris Île-de-France may conduct verification checks on session documents. These checks may cause delays in issuing certificates or diplomas for certain candidates.

If, after issuing a certificate or diploma, the CCI Paris Île-de-France discovers irregularities in the administration or grading of the tests, it reserves the right to refer the case to the relevant ministerial authorities. Candidates may then address these authorities to contest their results.

Cancellations and postponements of registration

All registrations are final and binding, except in cases where the CCI Paris Île-de-France cancels the session. Candidates who are absent without valid justification or who withdraw will not be eligible for any refund from either the approved testing center or the CCI Paris Île-de-France.

If a candidate has a justified absence, validated by the CCI Paris Île-de-France within one month following the session, their registration may be postponed to a later session. Under this arrangement:

  • Only one postponement is permitted per candidate. If the candidate is absent again during the rescheduled session, they must pay the registration fee anew.

  • The rescheduled exam must take place within six months of the original session date. Beyond this period, a new paid registration is required.

  • Testing centers are explicitly instructed not to charge any additional fees for candidates granted a deferral.

Attempted fraud

In cases of fraud, falsification, or disruption during the examination session, the disciplinary committee of CCI Paris Île-de-France will impose sanctions.

During the exam, the following actions are strictly prohibited:

  • Viewing or copying the answers or work of another candidate.

  • Using the Internet or any communication device (including computers, smartphones, smartwatches, etc.).

  • Consulting any external materials (books, papers, electronic devices, etc.).

  • Reproducing memorized texts. Candidates must submit original work, both written and oral; plagiarism or copying of articles or memorized content will be penalized.

  • Falsifying TEF results certificates or any diplomas issued by CCI Paris Île-de-France.

Diffusion of topics

All exam questions are strictly confidential. Any reproduction or dissemination—whether in full or in part (including questions, images, sounds, etc.)—by any means (photography, photocopying, internet sharing, smartphone, social media, etc.) is strictly prohibited.

Failure to comply with this rule may result in the CCI Paris Île-de-France taking appropriate measures, including invalidation of the test, prohibition from future TEF or DFP exams, and potential legal action.

Request for appeal

If a serious anomaly or malfunction is observed and reported during the examination by the approved Business French center, candidates may file an appeal with Le français des affaires. Appeals must be submitted within 30 days from the date the results certificate or diploma is issued.

Submitting an appeal is free of charge. Candidates must log in to their user account (or access the process via the website) to submit their request. Appeals are reviewed within 30 days of receipt.

Le français des affaires handles the appeal process by consulting with the approved test center and reviewing available information, such as recordings of the oral expression test and computer logs of test administration, to verify the circumstances and legitimacy of the appeal.

If a serious anomaly or malfunction is confirmed, the candidate will be offered the opportunity to retake the affected test(s) free of charge within three months.

Once the appeal process is accepted and completed, the candidate’s previous scores—and therefore their certificate or diploma—will be permanently cancelled, regardless of the results of the retake.

Please note, due to the confidentiality of exam materials, candidates will not be granted access to their written or oral recordings. Detailed feedback on grading will also not be provided. It is important to emphasize that both oral and written expressions undergo a mandatory double assessment.

Compliance with the waiting period

Candidates are not allowed to take the same French Assessment Test (Test d’évaluation de français), in any version, more than once within a 30-day period. Violation of this rule will result in cancellation of the candidate’s registration.

Personal data

The personal data provided by the candidate—including surname, first name, date of birth, photo, signature, exam answers and results, email address, ID number, and nationality—are collected by the CCI Paris Île-de-France to process the registration application. This collection complies with the laws of the government authorities in the countries concerned regarding immigration, citizenship, naturalization, or residence card applications.

For the French Language Assessment Test (TEF), personal data may be accessed by the relevant government authorities using the TEF in immigration or citizenship procedures when a candidate submits their certificate of results as part of an official administrative process. Candidates who object to this data transmission, or who modify or delete their data, risk having their immigration or citizenship applications denied or delayed.

The CCI Paris Île-de-France retains personal data for a period of 10 years. Data transmitted to government authorities will be retained according to the laws of the respective countries. No personal data is shared with any other third parties.

Additionally, the collected information may be processed electronically to conduct studies and surveys aimed at improving services. Data collected in this context is not shared with third parties and is retained for one year.

In accordance with the amended Data Protection Act of 6 January 1978 and Regulation (EU) 2016/679 on data protection, candidates have the right to access, rectify, or request deletion of their personal data. To exercise these rights, candidates can contact francais@cci-paris-idf.fr or, if difficulties arise, the Data Protection Officer at cpdp@cci-paris-idf.fr. Candidates also have the right to file a complaint with the CNIL at 3 Place de Fontenoy – TSA 80715 – 75334 PARIS CEDEX 07.