Find out what examiners are looking for

Written by Gabriela Estrada

If you're trying to earn points to immigrate to Canada or certify your language proficiency, you've probably come across the TEF or the TCF, and you may also have noticed that knowing French isn't the same as passing these exams. 

Many students applying to the Mobilité Francophone program reach CLB Level 5, but when it comes time to take the test, they realize they haven't mastered one of the most important sections, so they freeze up and lose valuable points.

You're probably wondering: What is this important section, and how do you get past that little problem?

In this blog post, I'll tell you what you need to know to take the TEF/TCF with confidence, based on what the examiners are looking for in the section Speakingsection.

Strategies for Passing the TEF/TCF at CEFR Level 5

“Knowing French is a big step; learning to demonstrate it through a certified test is the real achievement.” 

The TEF Canada (Test d’Évaluation de Français) and the TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français) are exams officially recognized by the Canadian government for immigration and citizenship processes. 

Test Objectives and Selection of Examiners

These tests don't assess how much French you know, but rather how you use it in conversation.

Examiners want to know that you are a functional speaker—not that you have general knowledge of the language. They are looking for evidence that you can get by and work in Canada thanks to your level of French. 

What do they prioritize?

Below are several aspects that examiners look for during the test:

• The ability to respond while speaking: In the speaking section, they aren’t looking for grammatical perfection; rather, don’t stay silent. 

If you don't understand a word, make sure you ask for clarification. 

If you get stuck, make sure you know how to use a synonym and keep the conversation going. That's what shows you have real proficiency.

• The use of logical connectors: They look for the “bridges” between your ideas. For example, the use of words like in fact, however, therefore. This shows them that your thinking is structured and that you’re not just stringing phrases together.

• Task Completion: They evaluate whether you respond exactly to what you were asked. If the exam asks you to convince a friend to go to the gym and you end up talking about how much you like sports in general, the examiner will realize that you lost the thread of the conversation. 

• Variety, not complexity: They’re looking for a rich vocabulary and to see that you can handle different topics with ease. You don’t need to use fancy words. 

• Proper Use of Social Forms of Address: Examiners assess whether you can distinguish when to use “tú” and when to use “usted,” especially in writing and speaking tests where you must simulate social or professional situations.

Certainly, theory is the foundation for speaking French, but it is the most important element that builds upon it: the test-taking strategy. This teaches you how to show the examiner exactly what they need to see in order to give you a passing grade.

The Ideal Method (Booster) for Passing the TEF/TCF

On Planeta Immiland Education, we offer an intensive curriculum (Booster) designed to align your language knowledge with what examiners are looking for on the test. 

Our method is based on a 4-week intensive program featuring live classes, exam-prep instructors, and access to the PrepMyFuture Platform, which offers:

• POnline repair.
• Practice exams and guidelines for choosing the right test.
• Effective training.
• Maximizing Your Chances of Success.
• Practice exercises focused on the TEF/TCF.

This Booster is a boost to help you achieve certification with a score that meets immigration requirements. Here’s how it works. 

• Improve your ability to respond under time pressure during the exam.
• Build on your French foundation (CLB 5) and expand upon it so that the examiner perceives a solid and fluent command of the language.
• It provides the professional support you need to ensure your performance doesn't drop off during the most grueling sections of the TEF/TCF.

Tips for Better Results 

It operates based on:

• "How" over "what." It's not just about talking; it's about knowing what to say.
• Training in real-world scenarios using the PrepMyFuture platform.
• The ability to handle everyday situations in Canada without getting stuck.
• A complete focus on the criteria that international examiners actually evaluate.
• Certification as the ultimate goal. 
• Turn your study into an official document valid for immigration purposes.

Would you like to learn more about our TEF/TCF Prep Course? Visit Planeta Immiland Education and explore the available plans and programs. 

Learn about the course: You’ve already reached CLB 5. Now turn it into an official result.

Learn with us

Planeta Immiland Education is the first language school with immigration purposes for Canada. Our teachers are certified. We hold the Languages Canada seal of approval and are a member of EduCanada. 

Whether you're planning to immigrate to Canada, attend college abroad, find a job, ace job interviews, or much more, our courses will help you learn the language in a way that suits your interests. 

I hope this topic helps you progress beyond CLB Level 5 and achieve the best possible certification results.

Share this blog with others who might find it helpful. See you in our next post, where we’ll continue building your Canadian dream together.

With love,

Planeta Immiland Education