Written by Gabriela Estrada

If you are already fluent in French, but are not familiar with the format of the exams TEF (Test d'Évaluation de Français) o TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français)then you could make mistakes that could cost you points. Many candidates believe that just because they speak French, they will have a lucky break that will make them get a high score on the test, when it is not so, because what these tests do not only evaluate if the person can communicate, but also how how he or she does it and if he or she follows the specific format they are looking for.

The TEF/TCF should not be confused with the DELF and DALF. TEF/TCF with the DELF and the DALF for your goals in Canada. In this blog, we will talk about the differences between these exams, the format and the importance of knowing it and how a strategic plan can help you get the score you want. Let's get started!

Importance of knowing how to differentiate the exams and their purposes (TEF/TCF vs. DALF/DELF).

It is essential that you know the difference between the TEF/TCF and other well-recognized French diplomas such as the DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) and the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française).. Although they all certify your level of French, their objectives, formats and validity are different, especially if your goal is Canada:

• TEF and TCF:

These tests are timely, standardized assessments designed specifically for immigration and Canadian citizenship immigration and Canadian citizenship purposes (there are versions such as TEF Canada and TCF Canada), as well as for employment or rapid mobility processes. The time results are quick (weeks) and are valid for two years. two years. This is ideal for the speed of the immigration process. As for the formatThey are usually modular (you can choose which sections to take depending on the migration processes you want to perform) and are focused on evaluating your ability to use the language and your understanding in specific contexts.

• DELF and DALF:

These are official diplomas issued by the French Ministry of Education, which certify a specific level of French (A1 to C2) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Their approach is more academic and with validation of a general and deep level of the language. of the language. Once obtained, the validity is lifelong.. They are excellent for university admissions in France or Quebec, or for a lasting recognition of your level of French.

Although they are accepted by IRCC for immigration, their lower frequency of sessions and diploma issuance time often make them less practical for the speed required for immigration filings if you do not already have them.

Understanding that the TEF and TCF are the tests most geared to Canadian immigration requirements is the first step to effective preparation.

Ready to choose the right exam?Contact us at at Planeta Immiland Education and find out about upcoming TEF/TCF course dates!

The format of the exam and why it is important to know it

Know the exam format is as important as mastering the language. This implies understanding the precise structure, types of questions, evaluation criteria and time management for each test. Ignorance of these elements leads to losing valuable points, not for lack of knowledge of French, but for lack of strategy. It is very different to talk to a friend in fluent French than to construct a structured response at the level expected by a TEF or TCF examiner.

Here I explain the format for the TEF and TCF:

Test d'Évaluation d'Évaluation de Français (TEF) format

The TEF is a modular test that assesses your proficiency in French. For purposes of immigration to Canada, you will usually take the TEF Canadawhich includes these specific sections:

• Oral comprehension (Oral comprehension): With 40 multiple-choice questions to be completed in approximately 40 minutes. Your ability to understand conversations, announcements and speeches is evaluated.
• Reading comprehension (Written comprehension ( Compréhension écrite): with 40 multiple-choice questions within 60 minutes, where your comprehension of varied written texts is assessed.
• Written expression (Written expression): this section lasts 60 minutes and consists of two tasks. One task asks you to summarize or restructure information from a given document, and the other requires you to express and argue a point of view on a specific topic.
• Oral expression (Expression orale): here you are required to complete two sections for 15 minutes. In the first, you are asked to obtain information and ask questions in a simulated situation; in the second, you must argue and defend a point of view on a given topic.

Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) format

The TCF, on the other hand, is an exam that evaluates your level of French through a series of tests, with compulsory and optional sections. For Canada, the TCF Canada version is the relevant one:

• Oral comprehension (Oral comprehension): Includes 29 multiple-choice questions and takes 25 minutes to complete. It focuses on your ability to understand spoken French in a variety of situations.
• Mastery of linguistic structures (Mastery of language structures ( Maîtrise des structures de la langue): 18 multiple-choice questions are presented here in 15 minutes to test your knowledge of French grammar and vocabulary.
• Reading comprehension (Written comprehension ( Compréhension écrite): you will answer 29 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes to demonstrate your ability to comprehend written texts.
• Written expression (Written expression - optional for Canada): consists of 3 tasks to be completed in 60 minutes. The tasks vary in complexity and ask you, for example, to describe, explain or argue about specific topics.
• Oral expression (Expression orale - Optional for Canada): this section is divided into 3 tasks and lasts 12 minutes. It assesses your ability to interact, express opinions and develop arguments orally.

Common evaluation criteria

For the sections of (oral and written) in both exams, evaluators look for coherence, cohesion, lexical richness, grammatical accuracy, fluencyThe evaluators look for coherence, cohesion, lexical richness, grammatical accuracy, fluency and clear pronunciation. Knowing these criteria allows you to to focus your preparation strategically.How? with expert guidance. A certified teacher can help you prepare a strategic and effective plan.

Speaking under pressure before taking the exam

The section of oral expression (the "interview" in the TEF/TCF) is where many candidates feel the most nervous. This is why it is important to do practice consistently and close to the reality of the exam.. As I mentioned earlier, it's not just about speaking French, in this case, it's about speaking under pressure, structuring a level answer and demonstrating the use of a good lexicon, with fluency and good pronunciation.

Some effective keys applied in the strategic plan that we implemented in Planeta Immiland are:

• Simulate the exam environment, with limited time and assisted by the teacher, who will act as an examiner, but who will help you manage your nerves and maintain fluency.

• Structure a level response with the support of a certified teacher so that your answers are not improvised. This involves teaching you to structure your ideas, use logical connectors and develop arguments clearly and concisely, demonstrating an advanced level of thinking in French.
• Identify what real examiners see in your answers. You have to know that the examiner does not only listen to words; he evaluates the complexity of your sentences, the variety of your lexicon, the correctness of your grammar and the naturalness of your pronunciation. Good preparation focuses on polishing all these aspects.

Why is the strategic plan for TEF/TEC working?

In principle, strategy makes all the difference. Web resources, tutorials and language apps are incredibly useful tools that you should take advantage of; however, to achieve the scores you need on standardized tests like the TEF or TCF, and to make your French truly useful immigration to Canada, you need a strategic plan and the the guidance of a certified teacher..

A good teacher doesn't just correct your mistakes. He offers you a personalized study planThey train you specifically for the exam format, teach you how to handle time pressure, and give you the right feedback you need to polish your expression and comprehension. An experienced teacher can guide you in the development of characteristic accents (if necessary for your objective) and, above all, focus your language training on immigration to Canada. towards immigration to Canadaunderstanding how your score translates into opportunities.

At Planeta Immiland Educationwe have French teachers with certified experience in international exams such as the TEF and TCF. They can guide your language instruction taking into account the characteristic accents and a direct approach to immigration to Canada, ensuring that every hour of study brings you closer to your goal.

Are you ready to take the TEF/TEC or do you need a strategic and customized plan?

Discover our French courses for TEF/TCF and immigrate to Canada at https://www.planeta-immiland-education.com/store-teftcf-preparation.

Meet our expert English and French teachers at https://www.planeta-immiland-education.com/nuestro-equipo.

I hope this topic will be of great help to you in successfully submitting the TEF/TEC.

Thank you very much for reading! See you in the next blog!

With love, 

Planeta Immiland Education