TEF Exam
Created in 1998 by the French Language Centre of the CCI Paris Ile-de-France, the TEF, or Test d’Evaluation de Français is a set of international benchmarks that test a person’s level of knowledge and skills in French.
Officially recognized since 2004 by the French Ministry of National Education, the TEF exam evaluates the French-language skills in writing and speaking of any foreign student applying for undergraduate enrollment in France and in Canada. It can also be used to certify a person’s level of French proficiency for work and during employee recruitment, as well as for internship/training or study abroad programs.
The goal of TEF is to evaluate the French skills of the candidate using a scale of 7 levels that range from 0+ level (basic skills) to level 6 (complete control). The results for the exam are valid for two years. A candidate may take the test as many times as he/she wants, however, a two-month waiting period is required between two successive tests.
The TEF consists of 5 modular tests:
- Listening Comprehension: 40 min – 60 items
- Reading Comprehension: 60 min – 50 items
- Vocabulary & Structures: 30 min – 40 items
- Written Expression: 60 min – 2 topics to complete
- Oral Expression: 15 min – 2 topics to complete
According to the goals and the formalities you need to complete, you can choose to take any or all of the 5 tests listed above.
This test must be completed in a single session.
Please read this additional information:
PrepMyFuture
PrepMyFuture is an e-learning platform that offers autonomous exam preparation for the TEF exam. The PrepMyFuture TEF exam preparation is $39.
This program offers:
- Exam preparation covering all sections in the test
- Lessons available for each type of question
- Over 1,600 adaptive exercises
- Grammar and vocabulary reminders
- Adaptive learning for all concepts
- Mock exams to practice under exam conditions
- Platform access remains valid for one year
Exam Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Exam Date: Friday, January 31, 2025
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Exam Date: Friday, February 28, 2025
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Exam Date: Friday, March 28, 2025
Registration Deadline: Monday, March 17, 2025
Exam Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
Registration Deadline: Monday, April 14, 2025
Exam Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
Registration Deadline: Monday, June 16, 2025
Exam Date: Friday, July 25, 2025
Registration Deadline: Monday, July 14, 2025
Exam Date: Friday, August 8, 2025
Registration Deadline: Monday, July 28, 2025
Exam Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Registration Deadline: Monday, August 18, 2025
Exam Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Registration Deadline: Monday, September 15, 2025
Exam Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Registration Deadline: Monday, October 20, 2025
Exam Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
Registration Deadline: Monday, November 10, 2025
Please be available between 9 am-6 pm to take this test.
L’Alliance New York
22 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022
The tests are evaluated on a scale with 7 levels, from level 0 (most basic competencies) to level 6 (complete fluency). This scale relates to the 6 levels (A1 to C2) of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and to the 12 levels of the Canadian Language Benchmarks.
Getting Your Certificate
You should receive your certificate by email 5 to 6 weeks after the test date. The certificate of results is valid for two years, and a candidate may take the test as often as he/she wants. However, a one-month waiting period is required between two successive tests.
| Section | Fees* |
|---|---|
| All Sections | $450 L’Alliance Member/$485 Non-Member |
| Listening Comprehension | $100 L’Alliance Member/$115 Non-Member |
| Reading Comprehension | $100 L’Alliance Member /$115 Non-Member |
| Vocabulary and Structure | $100 L’Alliance Member/ $115 Non-Member |
| Written Expression only | $100 L’Alliance Member/$115 Non-Member |
| Oral Expression only | $100 L’Alliance Member/$115 Non-Member |
* Fees must be paid in full at the time of registration and are non-refundable. Please note there is a $5 administrative fee in addition to the exam fee. Payment is made by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express).
| Registration Steps | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1.) You submit your online form | 2.) We make the payment | 3.) You receive a confirmation email |
First, please complete this online form:
You will receive another email with your official notification, including precise exam times, 7 days before the exam.
Exam session transfers are subject to a $50 fee and are only permitted before the Registration Deadline of your original exam session. Any candidate who submits a transfer request after this Registration Deadline is subject to repayment of the full exam fee. Participation can only be transferred to the next session (without penalty) in the case of sickness, provided that a doctor’s note is mailed (not sent via email) within three days of the original Exam Date. If you have registered for an exam and need to transfer to another session, please email languagecenter@lallianceny.org.
L’Alliance New York reserves the right to cancel a session if the number of candidates does not exceed 10 candidates. All registrations will be moved to the next session. L’Alliance reserves the right to cancel a session for inclement weather. All registrations will be moved to the next session.
If you are having issues with the online form, please use the registration form below and email it to languagecenter@lallianceny.org.
Not sure if the TEF Exam is the right one for you? Check out our comparison of the three TEF exams available at L’Alliance New York.
Preparation Tips
The best way to get ready for this exam is to take private French lessons at L’Alliance New York. View information here.
We also have a preparation book and CD available for sale at the Language Center Office.
Additional information is available here.