TEF Exam Format and Structure Explained

If you’re planning to study, work, or immigrate to a French-speaking country, chances are you’ll come across the TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français). This exam is one of the most recognized ways to prove your French skills.

If you’re a beginner and don’t know how this exam works, this blog is for you. Here, you’ll thoroughly learn the TEF exam format and structure. Let’s take a look: 

What is the TEF and How Does It Work?

The TEF is an international French language test created by the CCI Paris Île-de-France. It measures your ability in:

• Reading
• Listening
• Writing
• Speaking

Also, vocabulary and grammar are tested within these sections. Here are the things you should know about this test:

Levels

The TEF exam follows the CEFR scale (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), which is an international standard for measuring language skills.

Your score will show where you fall on this scale, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (expert). At the beginner level, you can manage very basic everyday phrases. At the highest level, you can use French almost like a native speaker, with ease and fluency.

Scores

Each part of the TEF exam is marked on a scale from 0 to 699 points. Your score is then placed into one of seven levels (0–6), which match the international CEFR language levels.

If your score is on the lower end, it shows you are at a beginner stage. Higher scores mean you have stronger skills and can use French more fluently. This system helps schools, employers, and immigration offices quickly see how well you can read, listen, write, and speak in French.

Validity

TEF exam results are valid for two years. This means that once you receive your certificate, you can use it for things like immigration, university applications, or job opportunities during that time.

If you plan to submit your TEF results, make sure they are still within the two‑year window. After the certificate expires, it is no longer accepted, and you would need to retake the exam to show updated proof of your French skills.

Immigration Use (CLB Conversion)

If you’re using the TEF exam for Canadian immigration, your scores are converted into CLB levels (Canadian Language Benchmarks). The CLB is Canada’s own way of measuring language ability.

Immigration programs, such as Express Entry, set minimum CLB levels you must reach. For example, many programs require CLB 7, which means you need to score at least 310 out of 699 in each skill (reading, listening, writing, and speaking).

Modular Format

The TEF exam is modular, which means you don’t have to take every section of the test. Instead, you only sit for the modules that match your specific goal.

For example, if you are applying for immigration, you may need to complete all four main modules: 

1. TEF written expression
2. TEF reading comprehension
3. TEF oral expression
4. TEF listening comprehension

On the other hand, if you are applying to a university, the focus might be more on reading, writing, and vocabulary, with speaking as optional.

This modular design makes the TEF flexible and adaptable. It allows the exam to serve different purposes (immigration, studies, or professional requirements) without forcing every candidate to take the same set of tests.

Speaking of modules, let’s break them down and see what you’ll face in each of these sections:

TEF Exam Modules 

Here’s a clear breakdown of the modules:

Now, this is not the end. The TEF exam has different types, and people take different exams depending on their goals. Let’s explain more about this in the next section: 

TEF Variants

There are different types of TEF exams because each country or institution has different needs. For example:

• TEF Canada is used for Canadian immigration and citizenship.
• TEF Québec is for Quebec’s immigration programs, which have their own rules.
• TEF Études is for students applying to French universities.
• TEF IRN is for people applying for residency or naturalization in France.

Here’s a comparison table:

TEF Exam Preparation Tips

The best way to prepare for the TEF exam is to practice with official resources. It’s also important to work on time management. The exam is timed, so try simulating full sessions at home. 

Also, online mock exams can completely change your language level. Platforms such as mocko.ai  let you take practice tests that feel very close to the real TEF. 

Doing mocks regularly is one of the best ways to improve your language skills, because they help you find your weaknesses and track progress over time.

If you’re taking the TEF for immigration, make sure you study with CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) targets in mind. Immigration programs often require a minimum CLB level, so knowing the score you need will guide your preparation.

Before registering, always check which TEF variant you need. For example, TEF Canada, TEF Études, and TEF IRN all have different module requirements. Preparing for the wrong version could waste time and effort.

And lastly, book your exam through an authorized center such as Alliance Française. 

Wrapping Up

So, to wrap it up: we’ve looked at the TEF’s five possible modules, the differences between the main versions (Canada, Études, Québec, IRN), the timing for each section, and how the scores line up with CEFR levels.

The exam is predictable, the topics are everyday stuff, and everything is done in one sitting. With that clear picture, a few practice runs, and decent time management, you’re all set.

FAQs