French is one of the most popular languages across the world. If you want to immigrate to Canada or education in France or careers involving languages, there are plenty of reasons to learn French. There are several types of French language tests conducted across the globe. Taking a French exam preparation course at Einstro Academy will best prepare you and lead you to success.

Why learning the French language is important?

• Did you know that the French language is spoken worldwide in more than 30 countries?
• The ability to speak both French and English is an advantage for finding a job with the many multinational companies using French as their working language, in a wide range of sectors (retailing, automotive, luxury goods, aeronautics, etc.).
• France is often considered the language of culture.
• A French lesson is a cultural journey into the worlds of fashion, gastronomy, arts, architecture, and science.
• French is both a working language and an official language of the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, and NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross, and international courts. Proficiency in French is essential for anyone considering a career in any international organization.

What are the Types of Official French Exams: DELF / DALF / TEF/ TCF?

You want to study French or improve your French language skills and you would like your achievements to be recognized with a diploma such as the DELF or DALF?

Here is an overview of the main French language exams and some exam preparation courses.

Le Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française (DELF tout public)

An official diploma, also given by the French Ministry of Education, evaluates and certifies the French language skills of foreign applicants and French citizens from non-French speaking countries.

The DELF is made up of four diplomas, independent of each other (meaning that you could take level B1 even if you have not taken level A1 or A2):

• A1/ A2 corresponds to a basic level
• B1/ B2 corresponds to an intermediate level

At each level, the four language skills are evaluated. Here is a short summary of what can be expected at each level:

DELF A1  is the first level. You are capable of simple interactions. At this level, you must be able to introduce yourself and ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, people you know, and things you have.

Duration of evaluation: 1h 20 

DELF A2 is also a basic level. In addition to the skills of A1, you are able to perform simple tasks of daily life.

Duration of evaluation: 1h 40

DELF B1  is an intermediate level. You are considered an independent user capable of managing familiar situations encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. You can deal with most situations that may arise while traveling in a French speaking country. You can describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Duration of evaluation: 1h 45

DELF B2  is a higher degree of independence. You can understand the main ideas of a complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialisation. You can converse with native speakers with a degree of fluency and spontaneity. You can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Obtaining a DELF B2 level certification serves as the French level test for admission to a French university.

Duration of evaluation: 2h 30

Whatever you’re level with the French language, it is better to follow an exam preparation course than to attempt to study for the French exams on your own because each exam has its special characteristics and methodologies that can be difficult to discover and understand alone.

Then there are the more specific French exams:

• DELF junior: This is a diploma issued by the French Ministry of Education in recognition of French language studies. The exams are adapted to the teenage lifestyle and correspond to the interests of teens.
• DELF pro: This is a professional version of the DELF diploma. It specifically addresses those who wish to assimilate into a professional French speaking environment. It serves to evaluate accordingly the communication skills necessary for professional situations of everyday life.
• DELF prim: This version of the DELF is intended for children who are beginners in French as a foreign language and who are undertaking studies at the French elementary level. The tests are developed on the same model as the DELF tout public, but the subjects are adapted to the age of the candidates.
• DELF scolaire: Aimed at teenagers enrolled in a public or private schools. This diploma’s value is exactly the same as the DELF tout public. There is no specific mention on the document that differentiates it from the DELF tout public

Le Diplôme Initial de Langue Française (DILF)

This is a certification of French as a foreign language that evaluates your level when you begin to study French and corresponds to the level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, put in place by the Council of Europe. It constitutes the first step towards the DELF and the DALF.

This certification, offered only in French territories, is delivered by the French Ministry of Education. The exam evaluates the four language skills: Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Writing. Taking an exam preparation course will best prepare you for the DILF and in addition, give you the benefit of the advice and guidance of a French-language teacher.

Le Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF)

The DALF consists of two independent diplomas, C1 and C2, corresponding to an experienced usage of the French language.

At the level DALF C1, the user can express themselves fluently with ease and spontaneity. Their vocabulary range is wide; the speech is clear and well-structured.

Duration of evaluation: 4h

For the DALF C2, the candidate demonstrates a precision, fluency and ease in their manner of expression with the French language. They are able to use the French language for academic and advanced level purposes.

Duration of evaluation: 3h30

Le Diplôme de Compétences en Langue (DCL)

The DCL is a national professional diploma reserved for adults and meets the specific needs of the professional world. It specifically assesses the skills in situations that simulate as close as possible the reality of the working world.

The DCL includes a mention corresponding to the different levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, put in place by the Council of Europe.

Le Test de connaissance du français (TCF)

It is composed of three compulsory tests (oral comprehension, mastery of language structures, and reading comprehension) and two additional tests (oral and written).

The three compulsory tests consist of multiple choice tests of 76 questions with only one correct response of the four offered. The questions are presented in order of increasing difficulty, ranging from level A1 to level C2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

For listening, documents and records correspond to actual spoken communication that can be heard in France. Likewise for reading comprehension, it favours authentic documents.

In summary, this French exam aims to assess you in an environment that approximates the situations you face in everyday life in France.

The additional tests of speaking (12 minutes) and writing (60 minutes) are individual with an examiner but each exam is the subject of a systematic double correction. In these trials, difficulties are progressive and tasks are varied but it is better to contact a testing center to find out what exactly awaits you.

For this exam, the simple act of studying French will permit you to have the knowledge necessary in the areas of social life, tourism, work, or study. Thus, any French language practice is preparation for this French exam.

Test d’Evaluation de Français(TEF)

TEF is a benefit for anyone who wants to study in France. It must be taken during the first-year enrolment of the study. It is also one of the requirements of economic immigration to Canada, as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The TEF is recognized internationally by employers and universities in France, Canada, Francophone countries, and other parts of the globe.

TCF AND TEF Canada Test

FAQs

Which French language test should I take for Canadian express entry?

You can take either the Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada) or the Test d'Evaluation du Français (TEF Canada).

Both TCF Canada and TEF Canada are international assessments of proficiency in the French language. The Citizenship and Immigration Canada accept both the tests for permanent residency and citizenship applications.

Difference between TCF Canada and TEF Canada?

TCF Canada is a test of general French, recognized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency applications.

If you wish to apply for immigration to Quebec, you will need to take the "TCF for Quebec" (TCFQ) to demonstrate your knowledge of the French language.

The TEF Canada is also recognized as official proof of language proficiency by the Ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés Culturelles du Québec (MICC) for permanent residency applications, certificat de sélection du Québec applications and Canadian citizenship applications.

The TEF Canada is available in two versions: computer-based (reading and listening modules) and paper-based (reading, listening, and writing modules).

What is the format of TEF Canada?

You must take the following tests for a Canadian immigration application:

• Oral comprehension: 40 min – 60 questions
• Written comprehension: 60 min – 50 questions
• Oral expression: 15 min – 2 topics to cover
• Written expression: 60 min – 2 topics to cover

You must take the following examinations for a Canadian citizenship application:

• Oral comprehension: 40 min – 60 questions
• Oral expression: 15 min – 2 topics to cover

Who are the TCF and TEF Canada tests for?

TCF Canada is for anyone who wishes to initiate the process for permanent economic immigration or Canadian citizenship through IRCC.

TEF is for candidates wishing to assess their level of proficiency in French for immigration applications to Canada or Quebec, or Canadian citizenship applications.

How to register for TCF and TEF?

Both the tests are conducted by accredited test centers and organized throughout the year. For instance, if you wish to take the TCF Canada test in British Columbia, you can contact Ashton Testing Services (ATS) to learn more about the upcoming test session dates, the registration procedure, the exact location of the test center and the associated fees.

What is the validity of the tests?

Both TCF and TEF results are valid for a period of two years.

Why French Language training at Einstro Academy?

• French Training expert, having taught French language for more than 5 to 10 Years
• Our trainers have a Native French Accent
• Our trainers have grown up in the French Community at Pondicherry
• Trainers have French flavor in his Native
• Certified from Alliance Française of Madras
• Flexible Timings Classes available on Weekend & Weekdays
• Small batch size
• Audio-Visual classes
• Computerized practice
• Wi-Fi Enabled Centre
• Library
• Mock tests
• Free Test Registration Support

French 

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

Also, courses available for School students based on the syllabus.