Taking TEF Canada: my experience
For our family, TEF Canada was the exam that earned us the largest share of our Express Entry points. Read our full story at this link. And in this article I will tell you about my personal experience and how my TEF Canada exam took place in Moscow at the Higher School of Economics in September 2019.
I went to Moscow for this exam because it was the only opportunity to pass French quickly. In St. Petersburg, TCF was expected, but only in mid-November, plus they promised to wait at least a month for a certificate. There was no longer any time or energy to wait.How to sign up for TEF?
At the end of August, I sent two emails - to Cref and to HSE to get an appointment at the earliest date. There were no more places in the first center in September. They suggested the end of October. In the second, registration was open, and although there were already a lot of applicants, they were happy to see me at the end of September. Registration at the HSE closes 10 days before the exam. No one else proposed such terms. Therefore, despite the fact that HSE was 5,000 more expensive and cost 22,000 rubles, I chose this option. Further instructions from the organizers came by email. Already two weeks before the test, I knew what time everything would start and what plan it would follow. This is relevant for renters from other cities who need to buy tickets.On the day of the exam
By 10 am we were gathered at the audience, our documents were checked and we signed the contract. There were 7 people renting. The schedule was approved on the spot:- listening and reading on the computer (without break) at 11.00
- written part
- oral
It was decided to make the oral part the last test, since there was only one examiner and those who answered could leave early.
Someone was in a hurry to catch a train, plane or bus. It’s nice that this fact was taken into account, our opinion was asked, and the center agreed to the meeting.About reading and listening
We were taken to the computers in a large but terribly cold auditorium, seated away from each other and allowed to sit in outerwear. Everyone had their own headphones and laptop. The sound was adjustable, as was the size of the headphones. There was no break between reading and listening. Whoever finished first could leave the audience for a break.True, this was a little confusing. Imagine when people suddenly start standing up around you, chairs are moving - extraneous sounds were very distracting, especially when there are only five minutes left until the end and you want to double-check everything.Where to eat?
Unfortunately, there was nowhere to have lunch at HSE: I didn’t even find vending machines with snacks on the floor. I recommend bringing snacks and water with you. You will have to chew right in the corridor.About the written part
After a short break, we returned to the same classroom, received our forms for the written part, and were given 60 minutes. When the time was up, no one was in a hurry, and they even kindly gave us a couple of minutes so that we had time to go over the text before handing it in.Check in the center which pen you can use – ballpoint/gel, blue/black.
I wrote with erasable ink. This is convenient, but I advise you to get used to it at home in advance.Topics that came across to me in the letter:
- The old lady's house was put up for sale. The realtor shows the house, and in it...
- Essay on the topic “It is better to gain experience in life through traveling or getting diplomas.”
About the oral part
We ourselves agreed on the order in which we would answer. One person at a time came in, the rest waited in the recreation area. I answered at the end. Among the tasks I came across:- Ask questions about going to the forest.
- Convince a friend to use a service like “husband for an hour.”
About the results
On the 6th day after the exam, the results arrived in the mail. The letter contained a table with points for each part. I didn't expect such speed. And on the tenth day you could pick up the certificates. I sent a courier to the HSE. It is better to agree on this in advance with the examiner, Irina Vyacheslavovna Maltseva, because the courier will be allowed through until the shift at most, where a certificate should be waiting for him. I should mention that the centre was always reachable by phone and email. Either Irina Vyacheslavovna herself or her assistant replied to messages. That helped me out more than once.In general, the atmosphere was friendly, no one stood over my soul, did not rush, did not frighten or “overwhelm”. Everyone did their job, the process was organized clearly, all instructions were given. I passed with the score I needed, and even higher. Naturally, I don’t regret one bit that I overpaid slightly. This saved me a lot of nerves.Read other articles about TEF and TCF Canada:
How the exam works and how points are awarded in TEF Canada
How I passed TCF Canada in St. Petersburg
Good luck on your exam!