TEF
French language test
The Test d’évaluation de Français (TEF) is a French language assessment used for immigration and citizenship applications across the country, including Quebec.
Choose your test
There are two versions of the TEF test: TEF Québec (TEFAQ) for immigration or Canadian citizenship applications through Quebec, and TEF Canada for the rest of Canada.
TEF test options
Depending on your situation, you may need to complete different sections of either the TEF Quebec or TEF Canada. Refer to the info below to help you determine the right sections.
TEF Québec for Quebec immigration
For Quebec immigration, you may only need certain sections, like oral comprehension and expression. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your situation with the Quebec government.
TEF Canada for Canadian immigration
For most Canadian immigration programs, you will likely need all four sections: oral comprehension, oral expression, reading comprehension and written expression. Be sure to confirm with Canadian government.
TEF Canada for Canadian citizenship
For Canadian citizenship, you may only need to complete the oral comprehension and expression sections. Be sure to confirm the exact requirements with the Canadian government.
Format and fees
If you’re taking the TEF Canada, Canadian authorities require all relevant sections to be completed on the same day. Test takers of the TEF Quebec can complete each section independently. Please note that all fees are tax exempt.
Refer to the table below to learn more about each section.
| Section | Duration | Format | TEF Québec | TEF Canada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral comprehension | 40 minutes | Multiple choice, 40 questions | $110 | $110 |
| Oral expression | 15 minutes | Two sections, 15 minutes total | $110 | $110 |
| Reading comprehension | 1 hour | Multiple choice, 40 questions | $85 | $85 |
| Written expression | 1 hour | Two sections, 280 words total | $85 | $85 |
Dates
TEF Quebec
TEF Canada (Immigration)
TEF Canada (Citizenship)
Get test-ready
Walk into the exam room with confidence by exploring a range of free test preparation resources, including practice tests.
Test conditions
- Minimum age: 16 years.
- No previous diploma required.
- Candidates must be able to read basic French.
- You are responsible for selecting the correct TEF exam when registering. Concordia University will not be held liable for registrations made in error. Please note that all registrations are final and that no refunds will be issued under any circumstances.
- Your precise arrival time will be sent by email 2 days before your exam date.
- On test day, candidates must provide a valid photo ID, sign in upon arrival and consent to a photo capture. The collected signature and photo will appear on the candidate’s results certificate.
- Candidates agree to be recorded during the oral expression test.
- Any impersonation attempt will be treated as fraud and may result in the registered candidate being barred from taking any future sessions of the TEF.
- Candidates agree to a possible post-exam verification from issuing organization, CCI Paris Île-de-France.
- For TEF Canada, the ID must match the one used during registration and for Canadian immigration or citizenship applications.
- Candidates must ensure that their name is correctly spelled and that their date of birth is accurate when signing the attendance sheet. Any errors must be reported on test day.
- If a requested change (such as a name correction due to a change in civil status) reveals that the candidate has taken a TEF exam within 30 days of the day’s session, certification will be voided without any refund. The issuing organization, CCI Paris Île-de-France, will not accept any correction requests made after test day nor once the certificate has been issued.
- There will be no tolerance of insults, remarks, or attacks based on origin, sex, gender, physique, language, or religion. Any related offence may result in legal action and exclusion from the exam.
- The use of unauthorized materials, communication with others or any form of cheating is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate expulsion from the examination room.
- In the event of attempted or proven fraud, the candidate will forfeit their right to receive a certificate of results, any refunds and future eligibility for TEF registration.
- The candidate must comply with the rules and regulations of the approved test centre.
- Various accommodations are available for candidates with accessibility needs. Requests for specific accommodation must be submitted to the chosen test centre, along with a valid medical certificate, prior to registration.
- In the event of exemption from one or more tests, candidate will be billed only for tests taken.
- Candidates will receive their test results within two weeks of completion. Post-session document verifications may delay results.
- Certificates may not be issued if irregularities are found during the test or post-session processing.
- TEF Québec and TEF Canada results are each valid for two years.
- Candidates who make any attempt to cheat, falsify or disrupt will be notified of the ongoing investigation within 48 hours. They will have a right to defend themselves and may be represented by legal counsel. If fraud is confirmed, sanctions may include the cancellation of test results and a ban from taking the test for up to two years. Candidates have the right to appeal the decision within two months.
- It is strictly forbidden to reproduce or share test content.
- Any breaches may lead to sanctions from the disciplinary committee of the CCI Paris Île-de-France and legal action.
- A 30-day waiting period is required between TEF test attempts.
- Violating this rule will result in the cancellation of their registration.
Contact us
Email us at language.test@concordia.ca for more information.
Official test centre
