TEF

TEF stands for Test d'évaluation de français, a standardized assessment of French-language proficiency used by individuals seeking to study, work, or immigrate in French-speaking contexts. The examination is administered by France Éducation Internationale (formerly Centre international d'études pédagogiques, CIEP) and is offered in numerous test centers around the world.

The TEF comprises four compulsory sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Some variants also include optional components or are tailored for specific purposes, such as TEF Canada or TEF Québec. Scores are reported for each section and, where applicable, mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels from A1 to C2. The overall result indicates the candidate's demonstrated proficiency.

TEF Canada is accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for many immigration programs, while TEF Québec supports permanent-residency applications to the province; TEF France is used for French visa, study, or residency procedures in France.

Tests typically take two to three hours to complete, depending on the version, and results are usually issued within a few weeks. Availability is worldwide through authorized centers; costs vary by country and center. TEF preparation materials are provided by France Éducation Internationale and other publishers, including past papers and practice tests. In Canada and France, TEF results are generally valid for about two years for immigration or university purposes.

Note: TEF may refer to other terms in different disciplines; this article discusses the TEF related to French-language proficiency.