Written by Gabriela Estrada

Do you have to take the TEF or TCF French tests, but you don't feel prepared? Well, if you are a French speaker and need to prove your level of the language to study or work abroad, I invite you to read this blog to the end, as you will find interesting facts that will help you excel in these tests, even if you want to emigrate to Canada.

How to prepare for the EFT/TCF successfully? Let's take a look below!

The French exams: TEF and TCF

Before mentioning the key to success for these tests, it is necessary to know a little about their definition and usefulness. The TEF (Test d'évaluation de français) is an exam that evaluates the level of French in different skills, such as listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written expression and oral expression. This test is widely recognized by educational institutions and immigration agencies.

The TCF (Test de connaissance du français) is a test similar to the TEF, as it also evaluates French proficiency through tests of listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written expression and oral expression, and is used by the Canadian government to assess the language skills of foreigners in applications for employment, immigration or personal use.

What are the TEF and TCF used for in Canada?

Both tests are used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in order to assess a foreign national's level of French and determine eligibility for immigration programs, such as Express Entry or Mobilité Francophone (French-speaking mobility). See further reading: What is Express Entry for Canada and what are its requirements? y What is Mobilité Francophone?

A good score on these tests can significantly improve your results in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), increasing your chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence, if it is fast-track entry, for example. It also helps you demonstrate your ability to integrate and contribute to French-speaking communities in Canada, if it is the Mobilité Francophone. 

What is the key to success in TEF/TCF testing?

The solution is to familiarize yourself with the test you are taking, whether it is the TEF or the TCF, the key is preparation! 

Taking these international recognition tests goes beyond answering the questions one after the other on the day of the exam. The common problem of many French speakers in Canada is precisely the lack of preparation, since it is not enough to speak the language. To be successful in these exams, it is essential to be familiarized for a few months beforehand with the format of the test, the time to answer each question, the development of specific skills according to the request that the student is making, whether it is work, study or immigration proceedings.

Many students underestimate the true value of proper preparation, take the test without having studied hard enough, and end up frustrated because they do not achieve a good score. At our language school, Planeta Immilandwe have helped a large number of people who expressed unfamiliarity with the test format, anxiety and little or no practice before the test date and after a disciplined study plan and focus on a high score, they were able to pass the test.

Planeta Immiland's recommendations to approve the TEF or the TCF

Success in these tests lies in familiarizing yourself with the test format. How? Follow these recommendations from our certified teachers:

1. Know the sections of the exam and the type of questions asked. You can practice with previous tests (mock tests) to better understand the format.

1. Practice regularly. Spend time each day practicing each of the skills you will be tested on: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking.

1. Share your concerns with people who have already taken these tests and ask for opinions and advice that can serve as a starting point for your own evaluation. and ask for opinions and advice that can serve as a starting point for your own evaluation.

1. Enroll in a preparation course. This decision can make a difference, as there are certain key points to know, such as, for example, recognizing the most commonly used idioms in Canada, for which you have to develop very good listening skills, this is very common in taking the citizenship test. Fluency in speaking is also considered, which favors a solid score to get a job in French-speaking companies.

Normally, a TEF or TCF preparation course requires the student to have an intermediate level of French. If you do not yet know your level of French, you can take the free Planeta Immiland test with instant results and a special discount at the end of the test.

TEF/TCF Preparation Course

Planeta Immiland is the first language school focused on preparing students to learn French or English for immigration purposes to Canada. All our programs are based on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).

• TEF/TCF PREPARATION COURSE

• Test d'évaluation de français/Test de connaissance du français

• Requirement: intermediate level
• Description: This course is designed to prepare you effectively for all sections of the TEF, TCF or TEFAQ, improving your skills in listening and reading comprehension, vocabulary, speaking and writing. In addition, we reinforce the key grammar and vocabulary points of the B1 and B2 levels, so that you are ready to achieve the best results in your exam.
• Duration: 48 hours
• Maximum: 8 students per class

To take the TEF/TCF preparation course, visit: https://www.planeta-immiland-education.com/store-teftcf-preparation and follow the instructions.

I hope this topic has been useful to you and that you have a good preparation for the French exam. Trust yourself and your learning process, practice regularly and do not hesitate to seek professional help if you have doubts about the exam. 

Thanks for reading, see you in the next blog!

With love,

Planet Immiland