Level test · Valid for 2 years
TEF: French evaluation test in Geneva
Created by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry. A level certificate from A1 to C2, valid for 2 years: we prepare you for every version of the TEF.
Official level test
Measure your French today
The TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) is a level test created by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Unlike the DELF and DALF, the TEF is a placement test: you obtain a level certificate from A1 to C2, valid for 2 years, ideal for quickly meeting the requirements of administrations, universities or immigration services.
- no level required to register;
- a result on the CEFR scale, from A1 to C2;
- versions for nationality, residence, Canada and Quebec;
- a targeted preparation at the Alliance Française de Genève.
The versions
Which TEF for your project?
Integration, Residence, Nationality
TEF IRN
For a resident card or French naturalisation application.
- French naturalisation
- Resident card
- Certificate valid for 2 years
Immigration to Canada
TEF Canada
Essential for economic immigration to Canada or Canadian citizenship.
- Economic immigration
- Canadian citizenship
- Speaking and writing tests included
Immigration to Quebec
TEF Québec
A version adapted to the MIFI requirements for immigration procedures to Quebec.
- Quebec procedures
- Tests according to the programme
- Certificate valid for 2 years
Quick result
Assess your level
When you need a quick result or an up-to-date assessment.
- Placement from A1 to C2
- University application or recruitment
- Computer-based format
When is it useful?
In which cases should you take the TEF?
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Procedures in France
Nationality or residence permit application (TEF IRN).
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Canada and Quebec
Immigration according to the requirements of each programme.
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A quick result
When you need an up-to-date assessment of your level.
Warning
A validity limited to 2 years
The TEF is generally not recommended if you want permanent proof of your skills: choose the DELF or the DALF, valid for life.
Practical details
Who is it for? Which level? Which format?
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Audience
Any non-French speaker with a mobility project or an administrative procedure: immigration to Canada or Quebec, French nationality, resident card, university application.
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Required level
No specific level: the TEF is a placement test and your score places you directly from A1 to C2.
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Exam format
Computer-based format: 3 multiple-choice tests (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, vocabulary and structure) and 2 expression tests (written and spoken), depending on the version.
The 4 skills
The skills assessed in the TEF
Compulsory multiple-choice tests and, depending on the version, speaking and writing tests.
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Listening comprehension
Understand different accents, rhythms and audio documents, with effective listening strategies.
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Reading comprehension
Quickly spot the essentials, understand instructions and manage your time.
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Written production
Structure your answers, organise your ideas and use the expected vocabulary.
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Spoken production
Organise your speech and answer clearly and confidently in front of the jury.
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Time management
Practise in real conditions with timed mock exams.
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Examiners’ expectations
Understand the marking grids to avoid pitfalls.
Preparing
How to prepare for the TEF?
Methodology, training for multiple-choice and speaking/writing tests, time management.
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Private preparation lessons
A programme focused on your exam, your level and your test date, online or in Geneva.
See private lessons -
Preparation workshops
Thematic workshops to practise speaking, writing and methodology.
See the workshops -
Group courses
Intensive or evening courses to consolidate your level before the exam.
See group courses
Please note
Where to take the test?
The Alliance Française de Genève prepares you for the TEF, but is not an exam centre: registration for the test is made with an approved centre.
Free placement test
Where does your French stand?
Estimate your level for free before preparing for the TEF.
Take the placement testFrequently asked questions
TEF: your questions
What is the TEF?
The TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) is an internationally recognised test created by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It issues a level certificate from A1 to C2, valid for 2 years.
What is the difference between TEF IRN, TEF Canada and TEF Québec?
The TEF IRN is for resident card or French naturalisation applications; the TEF Canada for economic immigration and Canadian citizenship; the TEF Québec for MIFI requirements for immigration to Quebec.
Is a minimum level required to take the TEF?
No. The TEF is a placement test: no level is required to register, and your score places you directly on the CEFR scale.
How long is the TEF valid?
2 years. For a permanent diploma, choose the DELF or the DALF, valid for life.
How does the TEF work?
The TEF is computer-based. It includes 3 multiple-choice tests (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, vocabulary and structure) and two expression tests (written and spoken); the number and duration of the tests vary by version.
Can I take the TEF at the Alliance Française de Genève?
We prepare you for the TEF, but we are not an exam centre: registration for the test is made with an approved centre.
TEF or TCF: which to choose?
Both are level tests valid for 2 years. Check which one is accepted by the body requesting your certification.
Also discover
Our other French courses in Geneva
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Our partners
Institutions, schools, festivals, cinemas and publishers: a Geneva and Francophone network at the service of our learners.
Questions?
Prepare for your TEF with us
Unsure between versions or want to know the test centres? Our advisers reply quickly.