TEF Canada: how it works, where to take it and how it is scored
Why do you need TEF Canada?
TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation du français) is one of two French-language tests taken for immigration to Canada or Canadian citizenship. The other is TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français), which I’ve covered in another article.
TEF Canada includes four required parts:
- Compréhension orale (60 questions) – 40 minutes
- Compréhension écrite (50 questions) – 60 minutes
- Expression écrite (2 tasks) – 60 minutes
- Expression orale (2 tasks) – 15 minutes
I described in detail what each part consists of in another article on link. The tasks are arranged according to the principle - from simple to complex.
How are points calculated?
Before October 1, 2019 for each part in TEF Canada, test takers received from 0 to 450 points. The tables below clearly show how scores were previously converted into the pan-European system of foreign language proficiency from A1 to C2 (Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR) and into the Canadian grading system - Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) / Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). It has 12 levels.
From October 1, 2019 the assessment system has changed. Now it goes according to the table below. To score the coveted 7s, you need to get 450 points in all parts of the exam.
Points will not be deducted for incorrect answers in tests. Just like in TCF, there is a chance to guess the correct answer.
Where can I submit TEF Canada?
At any of the examination centers that are represented on the official website. As for large cities in Russia, unfortunately, at the time of writing this article - June 2020 - this test was not accepted in St. Petersburg, but in Moscow in two places: Cref and HSE. Find the cost, session schedule, and registration conditions on their websites or send them an email. They usually respond promptly.
How quickly will the exam results arrive?
The official website says that 4-6 weeks after passing, the results arrive at the exam center, which is obliged to notify you immediately. Practice has shown that the center receives specific figures much earlier. But the paper certificate may be delayed.
By the way, this is what he looks like. Valid for two years.
How often can I take TEF Canada?
Until you get the score you need. But at least 30 days must pass before retaking the test. A year ago it was written - 60. In any case, it is better to clarify this point at the examination center. All parts are due on the same day. Parts cannot be retaken separately. I paid 22,000 rubles for my exam in September 2019 at the Higher School of Economics. At that time, it cost 17,000 in Cref, but the places were booked two months in advance.
Can I appeal?
Yes, if the exam conditions were violated. If you are simply not satisfied with the result, then you can’t count on an appeal. This has not yielded “fruit” before. I don’t know of any cases where the score was increased as a result of an appeal. But I know several people who wasted time and money in the hope of leniency from the commission.
What if you have DELF or DALF on hand? Is it possible not to take TEF?
In the article about TCF, I already wrote that, unfortunately, DELF/DALF does not replace TEF Canada. If you are immigrating to English-speaking Canada, you only have a choice between TCF and TEF. As for immigration to Quebec, it has its own subtleties and its own immigration policy. Find all the information about this on the official website of the Quebec government.
For a detailed description of another exam for immigration - TCF Canada, read link.