French | Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)

Proficiency Test On-site

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Issued by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Paris Île-de-France), the French Assessement Test (TEF) is an internationally recognized standard that measures written and spoken French proficiency.

This test is recognized by numerous institutions, including the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) and CEGEPs for admission applications, as well as the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) and the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for immigration or citizenship applications.

To learn more about the TEF test, visit the website Le Français des Affaires.

Why take the TEF test at CECL-UQAM?

  • Located in downtown Montreal, a few steps from the Berri-UQAM Metro station
  • A test designed for studies in a French-speaking environment or immigration projects to Canada
  • Dates during weekdays and weekends to accommodate your schedule
  • A quick and simple TEF registration process
  • Accommodations are available for candidates with special requirements

Types of TEF Test

The TEF consists of five components:

  • Reading Comprehension (CE) : 40 questions, 60 minutes
  • Listening Comprehension (CO) : 40 questions, 40 minutes
  • Writing Expression (EE) : 2 subjects, 60 minutes
  • Speaking Expression (EO) : 2 subjects, 15 minutes
  • Lexicon & structure (LS) : 40 questions, 30 minutes

Depending on your objective and the version of the test chosen, not all components are required. Here is a summary of the mandatory components (X) according to the TEF chosen:

1. Candidates are responsible for checking with their educational institution to determine which TEF test sections are required of them.

2. For Quebec immigration, you may only need certain sections. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your situation with the Quebec government.

TEF Test Formats

TEF on Computer: This test requires test takers to sit the Reading and Listening Comprehension, Writing Expression and Lexicon & Structure tests in front of a computer with the questions presented on the screen in an official TEF test location. The Speaking test is not on computer and is carried out face-to-face with a trained TEF examiner.

Currently, CECL-UQAM only offers the TEF on Computer format.

TEF Test Preparation Materials

You can prepare from home by exploring the resources available to you on the Français des affaires website:

For more comprehensive preparation, there is also the online preparation PrepmyTEF with access to course sheets, exercises and official practice tests to prepare for the exam.

How to Register for the TEF Test?

Follow these steps to complete your registration to the TEF test:

  1. You must book your TEF test on our website and click on “Add to cart”.
  2. Click “Passer à la validation de commande”/“Proceed to order validation.”
  3. Enter your contact information (name, phone number, email, etc.) and your ID number. You must also add a photo of your identity document (jpeg format) as an attachment.
  4. Review the TEF cancellation, transfer and refund policy.
  5. Check the box, click “Commander”/“Order,” and complete payment on the card payment page.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your test due to unforeseen circumstances, please contact us immediately via email. When you book your TEF test online, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by the TEF registration and test-taking conditions and our TEF cancellation, transfer and refund policy.

TEF registration and test-taking conditions

Eligibility: The minimum age to take the exam is 16 years. No diploma is required.

Test choice: It is the candidate’s responsibility to select the correct TEF exam when registering. CECL-UQAM will not be held responsible for incorrect registrations. Please note that all registrations are final and no refunds will be issued.

Punctuality: Your arrival time will be communicated to you in a invitation sent by email 2 to 3 days before your exam date. This invitation contains all the information regarding the test schedule and procedure. Registration begins 40 minutes before the start of the TEF test on computer (Reading, Listening, Writing, Lexicon & Structure) and 50 minutes before the start of the oral test (Speaking). If you arrive late, you will be denied access to the test.

Candidate identification: Please bring the same form of identification you used when registering. For the TEF, the ID corresponds to the document presented at the time of the candidate’s registration and the one that will be used for immigration or citizenship applications in Canada. If you bring a different form of identification than the one used for registration, you will not be allowed to take the test, and no transfer or refund will be issued.

Personal effects and electronic devices: No personal effects (including phones, watches, headphones, etc.) will be allowed in the test room. Only the following personal items will be allowed: eyeglasses (eyeglasses cases are not allowed) and a clear water bottle (without label).

Food: You should eat and drink beforehand. You will not be allowed to bring food into the test room. You will only be allowed to bring water in a clear bottle.

TEF Test Results

The results will be available in 1 to 10 working days following the date of test and will be sent to test taker by email. The TEF certification is valid for two years.

If you feel your results are not representative of your level, you can retake the test. However, a 20-day waiting period is required between each TEF attempt. Failure to comply with this rule will result in cancellation of your registration.