Can I Reschedule My TEF Exam?

Yes, but rules vary by center. Most allow rescheduling only if you request it several days in advance, and some charge a fee. Seats are limited, so new dates aren’t always guaranteed.

What Happens If I Arrive Late On Exam Day?

If you arrive after the exam has started, many centers will refuse entry, and you may lose your fee. That’s why it’s recommended to arrive at least 30–45 minutes early to avoid problems.

Do I Need To Take All Four TEF Modules?

Not always. Immigration programs usually require all four skills, but some universities or professional pathways may accept fewer. Always check the exact requirements before booking.

How Long Does The TEF Exam Take?

The full exam can take around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the modules you choose. The speaking section may be scheduled separately, so plan for possible extra time.

Can I Get A Refund If I Cancel My Registration?

Refund policies depend on the test center. Some offer partial refunds if you cancel early, while others may not refund at all. Always ask about cancellation rules before paying.

How to Book Your TEF Exam? Step-by-Step Guide

November 29, 202529 MinutesTEF, TEF

If you’ve been learning French and feel ready to take the next step, signing up for the TEF exam is the way forward. However, if you’re unsure where to begin or how the registration works, this blog will guide you through the process.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to book your TEF exam, from choosing a test center to understanding deadlines and preparing the right documents.

Step 1: Choose the Correct TEF Exam Type

Before anything else, make sure you know which TEF exam version you need, since the required modules change based on your goal. Here’s a table that’ll help you find the correct type of exam:

TEF Type	Purpose	Mandatory Components (Varies by Center)
TEF Canada	For immigration to Canada (outside Quebec) or Canadian citizenship.	Oral Comprehension, Written Comprehension, Oral Expression, Written Expression.
TEF Québec (TEFAQ)	For immigration to Quebec.	Usually, Oral Comprehension and Oral Expression are required. Written sections may be optional.
TEF IRN	For French Integration, Residence, and Nationality (France).	Oral Comprehension, Written Comprehension, Oral Expression, Written Expression.
TEF Études	For university admission in France.	Oral Comprehension, Written Comprehension, Lexicon & Structure, Written Expression.
TEF Tout Public	For personal or professional assessment.	Flexible; usually offered as a modular exam.

Now let’s see how to book your TEF exam:

Step 2: Find an Approved Center

Unlike some language exams, the TEF cannot be taken online from home. You’ll need to sit for it in person at an authorized test center, which could be a university, a language school, or a cultural institute.

There are more than 500 centers worldwide across 110 countries, so chances are there’s one not too far from you. To find the right location, use the official center finder provided by Le Français des Affaires.

Once you’re there:

Choose the exact exam type you’re registering for (TEF Canada, TEF IRN, TEFAQ, etc.).

Enter your city or country in the search bar and click search.
You’ll then see a list of approved centers, along with:
- Their email and phone number
- A link to their own website (this is the most important part, since each center manages its own registrations)
- Upcoming exam dates

Popular Alliance Française centers like Toronto, Paris, Vancouver, or Delhi usually fill up two to three months in advance. If you want to secure your spot, book early rather than waiting until the last minute.

Step 3: Preparing Your Documents

It’s better to get your documents ready before starting the registration. Most centers will ask for:

A valid passport or national ID card
A recent passport‑style photo

Some centers may also request extra items, such as a digital signature or proof of residency.

Note: The name you write on the registration form must match your ID exactly. Even small differences (like missing accents or extra spaces) can cause problems later when your certificate is issued.

Step 4: Register & Pay

At this stage, the process depends on the exam center; each one has its own system. In 2025, you’ll usually encounter one of three patterns:

Pattern A: Fully online booking

Some centers, like Alliance Française Paris Île-de-France or a few in Dubai, let you do everything online: choose your exam date, fill out the registration form, and pay by card directly on their website. This version is convenient, but it’s rare, and most centers don’t follow this pattern.

Pattern B: Download form → email → pay later (most common).

This is the standard process at most centers. In this format, once you have found an available center, you have to:

Download the registration PDF from the center’s website.
Fill it out carefully (make sure your name matches your passport exactly, and use the DD/MM/YYYY format for your date of birth).
Email the form along with a passport scan to the center.
Within 1–5 days, they’ll reply confirming your spot.
You’ll then pay by bank transfer or through a payment link they send.
Once your payment is received, they’ll issue the official convocation (exam invitation).

Pattern C: Pay first, then reserve

This pattern is common in India, Africa, and parts of Europe. In this system, centers require full payment upfront, usually via Stripe or bank transfer, before they confirm your seat.

Fees in 2025: The cost of the TEF exam ranges from €180 to €420, depending on the country and the number of modules you choose. Keep in mind that prices are set individually by each exam center, not by the CCI, so it’s always best to check directly with your chosen center for the exact fee.

Step 5: Receiving Your Convocation

After your registration and payment are processed, the test center will send you a convocation email. This is your official confirmation, and it includes your exam date, time, location, and candidate number.

If you don’t receive it within a week, check your spam folder or contact the center directly. Without this convocation, you won’t be admitted on exam day, so treat it as essential.

In Summary:

To sign up for the TEF exam, you don’t register on one single global site; you must go through an accredited test center. The official organization that manages TEF is Le Français des Affaires (part of the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry).

The starting point is their official page: Le Français des Affaires – TEF Registration

On that site you’ll find:

A search tool to locate accredited centers worldwide.
Links to each center’s own registration process (some use online portals, others use downloadable PDF forms you email back).
Information about exam versions (TEF Canada, TEFAQ, etc.) and requirements.

Once you identify your nearest center, you’ll follow their specific instructions, usually either:

Pattern A: Online portal → upload documents → pay immediately.
Pattern B: Download form → email documents → pay later (most common at Alliance Française centers).

👉 So the official website to begin is Le Français des Affaires, but the actual signup happens on your chosen test center’s site or by contacting them directly.

Key Points to Keep in Mind

Use the same passport: The passport you register with must be the exact one you bring on exam day.
Refunds are unlikely: If you cancel 8–15 days before the exam, most centers will not issue a refund (though policies vary).
Results take time: Expect to receive your results within 15–30 days. They are not available immediately after the test.
Retake rules: You cannot sit for any TEF exam (any version) within 20 days of a previous session.
What to bring: Make sure you have your convocation letter, your passport, and a pen. Phones and personal items will be stored in a locker during the exam.

Final Thoughts

Booking the TEF exam can feel overwhelming at first, but once you break it into steps, it’s actually quite simple. Many candidates run into avoidable problems during registration.

The most common mistakes include registering too late, submitting incorrect or expired documents, ignoring confirmation emails, and booking the wrong exam version.

To avoid these issues, plan ahead, double-check your paperwork, and keep a close eye on your inbox.

To wrap this up are the tips you should keep in mind: On the day of your exam, arrive at the center at least 30 to 45 minutes early. Also, bring the same ID you used during registration and your convocation letter. Good luck!