Level in French and Tests TEF or TCF
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France has developed two tests for evaluation of the level in French as a foreign language (TEF and TCF) tests designed for non-French speakers
They include mandatory tests of written and oral understanding, grammatical structure, and syntax. TCF also includes optional tests of advanced use of the French language.
The test to get the visa
The French Embassy (French Consulate or the CampusFrance-CEF office) may ask for the results of a test to deliver the visa. You must contact the French Consulate or the CampusFrance-CEF office to know the requirements in your country.
They do not lead to a certificate or a diploma, but an assessment of proficiency.
You may take either test in your country of origin or place of residence. To get the dates and hours of upcoming sessions, contact the test centre nearest you. Outside France, the tests are often organized by the cultural service of the French embassy, Consulate or Alliances Françaises.
We encourage you to get information on upcoming sessions and begin studying the basics of French (especially grammar) before coming to France.
See below the 3 first common reference levels of the Council of Europe who has developed a European Framework:
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Level A1 Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/her self and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
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Level A2 Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar
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Level B1 Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
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Level B2 Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Note : The tests results (TEF, TCF) are valid just for a 2-year period whereas degrees DELF et DALF) are delivered for ever.
TEF, « Test d’Evaluation du Français »
For the TEF, created by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris (CCIP), levels go from "low elementary," to the “mastery” level in each mandatory test: Written Comprehension, Oral Comprehension, Vocabulary and Structure. The 0 level indicates that the candidate has not attained the minimum TEF level.
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0 to 68 = level 0+ beginners.
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69 to 203 points = Elementary level 1 i.e. level A1.
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204 to 360 points = Elementary level 2, 1 i.e. level A2,
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361 to 540 points = intermediate level 3, 1 i.e. level B1.
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541 to 698 points = intermediate level 4, 1 i.e. level B2
TCF, « Test de Compétence en Français »
The International Pedagogical Studies Center (CIEP) is responsible for developing and maintaining the TCF. The test’s evaluation scale includes six competence levels from “elementary” to “advanced superior level” (excellent mastery).
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0 to 100 = level 0+ beginners.
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100 to 199 points: Elementary level 1 i.e. level A1.
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200 to 299 points : Elementary level 2, 1 i.e. level A2,
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300 to 399 points: intermediate level 3, 1 i.e. level B1.
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400 to 499 points: intermediate level 4, 1 i.e. level B2.
|
European Framework
Scale
|
TCF
points
|
TEF
points
|
CIEP /Ministère de l’Education Nationale
|
Number of hours
|
|
A1
Elementary user |
0-199
|
0-68
69-203 |
DELF 1 A1
|
150h
|
|
A2
minimum background |
200-299
|
204-360
|
DELF 1 A2
|
300h
|
|
B1
Autonomous user
|
300-399
|
361-540
|
DELF 1 A3 - A4
|
450h
|
|
B2
Autonomy |
400-499
|
541-698
|
DELF 2 A5 - A6
|
600h
|
|
C1
Good level |
500-599
|
699-833
|
DALF B1 - B2
|
750h
|
|
C2 Fluent
|
600-699
|
834-900
|
DALF B3 - B4
|
900h
|
Table shows equivalence between test and degrees.
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