Take the TEF Exam with TFA to Live in France.
The TEF Integration, Residence, Nationality (IRN) is a test recognized by the French Ministry of the Interior and is crucial for anyone seeking a residence card or applying for naturalization in France. Candidates must be at least 16 years old to register.
The TEF Integration, Residence, Nationality offers several ways to validate a candidate's level of French in different contexts:
Enhance your French level within the framework of the citizen integration pathway of the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII): Candidates participating in this pathway must reach an A1 level, demonstrating their ability to understand and use simple, everyday expressions, thus facilitating their integration into French society.
Certify your French level for a long-term resident card application: An A2 level is required for this application. This means the candidate must be able to understand common phrases and expressions in daily situations, which are essential for living and working in France.
Certify your French level for a French nationality application: In this case, a B1 level is required. This level indicates that the candidate can understand the main points of conversations on familiar topics and produce simple texts on known subjects. It is critical to prove that the candidate can actively engage in civic and social life in France.
Take the TEF Exam to Live in France
Written Comprehension:
Format: Computer-based.
Duration: 30 minutes.
Description: Candidates must answer 13 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on various written texts, such as articles, emails, or announcements. This test measures the ability to understand written information and identify main ideas.
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The TEF Integration, Residence, Nationality consists of four mandatory tests, each aiming to assess different French language skills:
Oral Comprehension:
Format: Computer-based.
Duration: 10 minutes.
Description: This section includes 17 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from audio recordings, such as dialogues or speeches. Candidates need to listen carefully to answer correctly, assessing their ability to understand spoken French in different contexts.
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Written Expression:
Format: 30 minutes.
Duration: 10 minutes.
Description: Candidates must address 2 different topics. The first part lasts 10 minutes and requires a short response, while the second, lasting 20 minutes, demands a more detailed writing. This test evaluates the ability to organize ideas and express thoughts clearly and coherently in writing.
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Oral Expression:
Format: In-person evaluation with an examiner.
Duration: 10 minutes.
Description: Candidates need to discuss 2 topics, each lasting 5 minutes. The examiner asks questions and assesses the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in French. This test evaluates not only pronunciation but also fluency and the ability to structure an oral response.
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The total duration of the tests is 1 hour and 20 minutes, including possible breaks between the different sections. This comprehensive format allows for an in-depth evaluation of candidates' language skills, covering various aspects of the French language.
TEF Score for Residency in France
A1 level not reached:
0 to 99 points. This means the candidate has not yet acquired the basic language skills necessary for A1 level.
A1 level:
100 to 199 points. The candidate can understand and use common expressions and simple sentences to meet concrete needs, although their skills remain limited.
A2 level:
200 to 299 points. At this level, the candidate can communicate in frequent situations and express simple needs with more fluency.
B1 level:
300 points and above. This level reflects an intermediate mastery of French. The candidate is able to understand discussions on familiar topics, express opinions, and adapt to various everyday situations.
The TEF IRN assesses your French level up to B1, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) established by the Council of Europe. Each test is scored separately, and the score obtained determines the level achieved according to the following criteria: