This article gathers all the information that you need to know about official French exams in Canada. There are 3 French language tests available in Canada that you could take for you to assess your French writing and speaking skills.
- Test d’évaluation du français (TEF)
- Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française (DELF) / Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF)
- Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF)
Most people get all these tests mixed up so here we gonna go deep on the basics about what you need to know about TEF, DELF/DALF, and TCF exams:
TEF EXAM
What is the TEF exam?
Test d’évaluation du français or TEF is a general assessment examination that determines the level of knowledge and skills in French of both francophones and non-francophones.
The objective of this test is to evaluate your French skills from the scale of level 1 (most basic skills) to level 12 (complete fluency). According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), This scale consists of:
6 competency levels that are divided into three level groups
- A (Basic User): A1 (Beginner) and A2 (Elementary)
- B (Independent User): B1 (Intermediate) and B2 (Upper-intermediate)
- C (Proficient User): C1 (Advanced) and C2 (Proficiency)
12 levels of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB/NCLC)
Click below to see what are you expected to know regarding Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing from each level.
What do you need to know about TEF?
This benchmark test can be conducted either electronically or on paper depending on the testing center. There is no prior qualification required. Exam candidates need to be at least 16 years of age to register.
The exam has 5 parts
3 written examinations consisting of:
- Reading Comprehension (60 minutes – 50 items – 300 points)
- Written Expression (60 minutes – 2 topics to complete – 450 points)
- Vocabulary and Structures (30 minutes – 40 items – 240 points)
2 oral examinations consisting of:
- Listening Comprehension (40 minutes – 60 items – 360 points)
- Oral Expression (15 minutes – 2 topics to complete – 450 points)
If you are planning to immigrate to Canada, these are the mandatory examinations:
Compulsory Section for Immigration
- Listening Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
Compulsory Section for Canadian Nationality:
- Listening Comprehension
- Oral Expression
As per the official Government of Canada’s website, find below the test score equivalency chart:
Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF Canada)
Test score equivalency chart
Why should I take the TEF test?
To immigrate to Canada (TEF Canada)
To obtain Canadian citizenship (TEF Canada)
To immigrate to Quebec (TEFAQ)
Knowing all the basics and specifics of the TEF test, you now must deal with the logistics of taking the real examination. Firstly, you need to decide which test center would you prefer. You can find the center nearest you in CCI Paris Ile-de France’s directory.
Where can I take the TEF assessment?
If your location is near Vancouver, you could prepare the TEF exam with Learn French in Vancouver, and take the TEF exam at:
Alliance Française de Vancouver
Address: 6161 Cambie Street
Code Postal (zip code): V5Z 3B2
Phone: + 1 604 327 0201
Email: info@alliancefrancaise.ca
DELF/DALF EXAM
What is the DELF/DALF exam?
DELF/DALF EXAM
What is the DELF/DALF exam?
Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française or (DELF) / Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française or (DALF), are official lifelong diplomas awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify the capabilities of candidates living outside France in the French language.
In this test, you are the one to choose which level are you going to take the examination in. Basically, DELF becomes DALF when you choose the C1 and C2 levels.
All in all, these are composed of 6 independent certificates that correlate to the 6 levels of language proficiency determined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
DELF – A (Basic user)
- A1 (Beginner) – students can introduce themselves by talking about where they live, their relationships, and their hobbies, etc.
- A2 (Elementary) – students can communicate about familiar subjects.
DELF – B (Independent user)
- B1 (Intermediate) – enables students to interact easily using French on familiar topics with native speakers.
- B2 (Upper intermediate) – students can now easily communicate on a whim.
This is also the language proficiency level most French universities require undergraduate foreign students.
DALF – C (Proficient user)
- C1 (Advanced) – students can convey themselves with spontaneity fluently when it comes to social, professional, and academic scenarios.
- C2 (Proficiency) – students have an effortless understanding of what they read or hear; they can express themselves as if they are native French speakers.
There are no prerequisites required to register, and the diploma you will earn is valid for life!
What you need to know about DELF / DALF?
After familiarizing the levels given by CEFR, we can now proceed to the detailed content of the DELF/DALF exams. There are collective and individual tests for each of these levels.
Here’s a simplified table of the specific content of each type of exam for each level:
DELF – A1 (Beginner):
The total duration of all tests: 1 hour 20 minutes
Listening
– Comprehension questionnaires dealing with three or four very short recordings on everyday life (played twice).
– The maximum duration of recordings: 3 mins
– Duration: 20 Minutes
– Number of Points: 25
Reading
– Comprehension questionnaires dealing with four or five written documents on everyday life.
– Duration: 30 Minutes
– Number of Points: 25
Writing (2 parts)
1. Filling in a record, a form
2. Writing simple phrases (postcards, messages, stories, etc) on everyday topics.
– Duration: < 30 minutes - Number of points: 25
Speaking (3 parts)
1. Guided conversation
2. Exchanging information
3. Role-play
– Duration: 5 to 7 minutes (preparation of 10 minutes)
– Number of Points: 25
DELF – A2 (Elementary)
The total duration of all tests: 1 hour 40 minutes
Listening
– Comprehension questionnaires dealing with three or four short recordings on everyday life (played twice).
– The maximum duration of recordings: 5 mins
– Duration: 25 Minutes
– Number of Points: 25
Reading
– Comprehension questionnaires dealing with three or four short recordings on everyday life.
– Duration: 30 Minutes
– Number of Points: 25
Writing (2 parts)
– Two short pieces of writing (letter to a friend or message):
1. Describe an event or personal experiences
2. Invite, thank, say sorry, ask for something, give information, congratulate in writing…
– Duration: 45 minutes
– Number of points: 25
Speaking (3 parts)
1. Guided conversation
2. Exchanging information
3. Role-play
– Duration: 6 to 8 minutes (preparation of 10 minutes)
– Number of Points: 25
DELF – B1 (Intermediate)
The total duration of all tests: 1 hour 45 minutes
Listening
– Comprehension questionnaires dealing with three or four short recordings on everyday life (played twice).
– The maximum duration of recordings: 6 mins
– Duration: 25 Minutes
– Number of Points: 25
Reading
– Comprehension questionnaires dealing with two written documents:
1. Extract useful information concerning a particular task
2. Analyze the contents of a document of general interest.
– Duration: 35 Minutes
– Number of Points: 25
Writing
-Express personal opinions on a general topic (essay, letter, article, etc).
– Duration: 45 minutes
– Number of points: 25
Speaking (3 parts)
1. Guided conversation
2. Interactive exercise
3. Expressing an opinion on a document designed to elicit a reaction
– Duration: 15 minutes (preparation of 10 minutes only for the third part)
– Number of Points: 25
DELF – B2 (Upper Intermediate)
The total duration of all tests: 2 hours 30 minutes
Listening
– Comprehension questionnaires dealing with two recordings :
1. Interview, news bulletin, etc. (played once)
2. Presentation, lecture, speech, documentary, radio or television program (played twice).
– The maximum duration of recordings: 8 mins
– Duration: 30 Minutes
– Number of Points: 25
Reading (2 parts)
– Comprehension questionnaires dealing with two written documents:
1. Text of an informational nature regarding France or the French-speaking world
2. Text of an argumentative nature
– Duration: 1 hour
– Number of Points: 25
Writing
– Taking a personal stand (contributing to a debate, formal letter, review of a film/book)
– Duration: 1 hour
– Number of points: 25
Speaking
– Stating and defending an opinion based on a short document designed to elicit a reaction
– Duration:20 minutes (preparation of 30 minutes)
– Number of Points: 25
DALF- C1 (Advanced)
The total duration of all tests: 4 hours
Listening
– Comprehension questionnaires dealing with recordings:
– A long recording (interview, lesson, conference…) approximately eight minutes long (played twice)
– Several short radio broadcasts (newsflashes, surveys, adverts, etc.) (played once).
– The maximum duration of recordings: 10 mins
– Duration: 40 Minutes
– Number of Points: 25
Reading
– Comprehension questionnaires dealing with a text of ideas (literary or journalistic), 1,500 to 2,000 words long.
– Duration: 50 Minutes
– Number of Points: 25
Writing (2 parts)
1. Summarize several written documents totaling approximately 1,000 words
2. Write an essay with supporting arguments on the contents of the documents
* Candidate can choose between two fields: humanities and social studies, science
– Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
– Number of points: 25
Speaking
– A presentation based on a series of written documents, followed by a discussion with the examiners.
* Candidates can choose between two fields: humanities and social studies, science
– Duration: 30 minutes (preparation of 1 hour)
– Number of Points: 25
DALF – C2 (Proficiency)
The total duration of all tests: 4 hours 30 minutes
Listering and Speaking (3 parts)
1. Write-up the contents of a recording (played twice)
2. Personal development based on the problem given in the recording
3. Debate with the examiners.
* Candidates can choose between two fields: humanities and social studies, science
– Duration: 30 Minutes (preparation of 1 hour)
– Number of Points: 50
Comprehension and Writing
– Writing a structured text (article, editorial, report, speech, etc.) based on several documents totaling approximately 2,000 words.
* Candidates can choose between two fields: humanities and social studies, science
– Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
– Number of points: 50
How can I prepare for my DELF/DALF exam?
Noting the content of DELF/DALF, you now must study and prepare for the exam itself. It’s a good thing the Centre international d’études pédagogiques, also know as the CIEP, got your back. Here is a bibliography of reference books that will help you hone your skills and knowledge in French.
How can I prepare for my DELF/DALF exam?
Feel free to also visit these helpful websites where you can find more reviewers:
Thanks to the advancement of technology, you can now also take courses online to prepare for DELF/DALF. You can now study for the exams without leaving the comforts of your home. Take a look at our French Skype Classes for more info! We follow the ABC French books, which are one of the best options for preparing for DELF/DALF
Destination DELF-DALF is an online prep course with the National Center for Distance Education or CNED. They help prepare candidates starting from level B1. CNED offers an online evaluation exam that will help you find a program that will best suit your learning process. You can also request a free information kit from the CNED.
Why should I take the DELF/DALF exam?
This diploma certified by the French Ministry of Education is recognized worldwide along with an increasing number of administrative bodies, employers, and educational institutions.
Here are more things that DELF / DALF has to offer:
International recognition of French proficiency:
- Lifelong certification obtained in either the applicant’s country or another.
- Based on identical international standard used in 164 countries (CEFR).
- Promotes interprovincial dialogue across Canada
A testimony to your success in learning the French language:
- Recognition of one’s accomplishments on the road to French proficiency.
- Constitutes an official document that is (1) recognized internationally, (2) that enhances the candidate’s school or professional portfolio.
Advantages for those seeking higher education
- Recognized worldwide by francophone postsecondary education institutions
- Acceptance into a university in France (Needs to be at B2 lever or higher).
- Promotes interprovincial dialogue across Canada
Improves one’s resume
- A description of terms of what the candidate is capable of in French.
- An assistance for professional advancement.
- Helps widen the range of career and recreational opportunities throughout the world.
Where can I take the DELF/DALF assessment?
Now that you have all this new information about DELF/DALF, we can now move on to planning when and where are you going to take the actual examination. CIEP’s website directory of DELF/DALF centers is your starting point. Find the nearest center to you.
* Collective exam starts at 9am.
* Individual oral tests take place thereafter or within two weeks of the collective test.
* Please note that candidates cannot choose the time of their individual test.
* Some levels have limited seats.
Address: 6161 Cambie Street
Zip code: V5Z 3B2
Phone: + 1 604 327 0201
Email: info@alliancefrancaise.ca
Address: 14033 – 92 Avenue Surrey, BC
Zip Code: V3V 0B7 Surrey
Téléphone: + 1 604 595 6049
Email: logie_a@surreyschools.ca
DELF – DALF levels Prices*
DELF A1 – $125
DELF A2 – $125
DELF B1 – $195
DELF B2 – $195
DALF C1 – $275
DALF C2 – $275
TCF EXAM
What is the TCF exam?
Test de Connaissance du Français is a French language proficiency test for nonnative French speakers who wish to assess and certify their level of proficiency for professional, academic, or personal reasons.
Like DELF/DALF, this certification was designed by the Centre international d’études pédagogiques or CIEP and authorized by the French Ministry of Education.
Similar to TEF, this test grades and ranks candidates at one of the six levels on a scale determined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
- A (Basic User): A1 (Beginner) and A2 (Elementary)
- B (Independent User): B1 (Intermediate) and B2 (Upper-intermediate)
- C (Proficient User): C1 (Advanced) and C2 (Proficiency)
A candidate’s grade result will be a useful measurement for evaluating French proficiency. The certificate awarded will be valid for two years.
TCF Canada, specifically, is a French language capability exam that reaches the standards of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Results of this test are accepted for economic immigration or for acquiring Canadian citizenship.
What you need to know about TCF?
The exam proper is probably the most stressful part of registering for this certification. Fret not, here are the specifications of the TCF test:
3 compulsory examinations (76 items – 1 hour 25 minutes)
Listening Comprehension
- 29 items
- 25 minutes
Grammar and Vocabulary
- 18 items
- 15 minutes
Reading Comprehension
- 29 items
- 45 minutes
2 optional tests
Written Expression
- 1 hour
Oral Expression
- 12 minutes
The purpose of this test is to assess one’s ability to:
• Communicate clearly
• Provide information as instructed
• Describe, recount, and explain
• Justify a decision, choice, position, etc.
• Connect ideas and use consistency in discourse
• Compare two points of view
• Express opinion and assert it
• Use correct vocabulary and grammar in the relevant task
• Be capable of rewording and summarizing
As per the official Government of Canada’s website, find below the test score equivalency chart:
Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF Canada)
Test score equivalency chart
How can I prepare for my TCF exam?
Studying is a huge part of taking the TCF. You can start by hitting the books. CIEP has graciously provided a bibliography of books and websites that you will find useful as you prepare for the examination.
Here are some sample tests to help launch you into study mode
Compulsory examinations
Optional examinations:
What if you prefer resources other than books? Don’t worry, the Internet is your own study buddy. You can train for the oral speaking examination on the Radio France Internationale website. Also, TV5Monde can help you familiarize the questions given in TCF exam sessions through their website.
Why should I take the TCF test?
Why go through all this hassle to take an exam, you ask? For the benefits and the opportunities that you can receive if you have a TCF certification:
Personal:
This exam focuses on your French oral and written comprehension and expression; it is a record of how far you have come in learning a new language
Professional:
It provides an official statement that the candidate can present to an institution looking for a recruitment or promotion
Academic:
This test provides reliable assessment of the linguistic abilities of the candidate that can be used for enrollment in a postsecondary education institution.
As of 2018, the IRCC has recognized TCF Canada as the second French language exam next to TEF Canada. This means the results from both tests will be honored by the IRCC which in turn will make one eligible for immigration to Canada.
Where can I take the DELF/DALF assessment?
Let’s say you’re now ready to take the examination, if so, you can visit CIEP’s website to look for approved test centers near you.
If you live in or near Vancouver, this is the address of the test center nearby:
Address: 6161 Cambie Street
Zip code: V5Z 3B2
Phone: + 1 604 327 0201
Email: info@alliancefrancaise.ca
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