TEF & TEF Canada in Calgary

TEF Canada

The TEF  (Test d'Evaluation du Français) is an internationnal assessment of proficiency in the French language. It is in particular used by Citizenship and Immigration Canada to assign points for the language factor when applying for citizenship or permanent residency. The test is suitable for individuals aged 16 and above. For immigration inquiries, please visit the CIC website.

About the TEF Canada

TEF Canada

Directed specifically at candidates wishing to assess their level of French for immigration to Canada, the TEF Canada comprises two compulsory tests, totaling 1 hour and 40 minutes, in multiple-choice question format (QCM), assessing:

  • Reading: 60 minutes, 40 questions, 300 points
  • Listening: 40 minutes, 40 questions, 360 points

Additionally, there are two optional tests, totaling 1 hour and 20 minutes:

  • Writing: 60 minutes, 2 subjects, 450 points
  • Speaking: 20 minutes, 2 subjects, 450 points.

The Alliance Française Calgary offers the TEF Tout Public, which includes five mandatory tests, on select dates. For more information or looking to do an other version of the TEF, please contact us at tests@afcalgary.ca


Your certificate will be valid for 2 years. This date of validity will be indicated on your certificate. 

You may take the TEF as many times as you wish, with a mandatory waiting period of at least 20 days between 2 takes in any location.


You will get results within 6 weeks: an electronic version will be sent on your e-mail address from CCI-Paris.

About our exam centre


The TEF exam will take place at the Testing Centre by Alliance Française @ Kahanoff Centre: #315, 105 12 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1A1.

It is your responsibility to verify the address on your official invitation.



$390 for the TEF Canada exam.
$240 for the TEF Canana - Listening and Speaking only.

Please note that no refund or deferment is possible


A few days before your exam, you will receive an official convocation with your schedule.
It is essential you arrive at the time indicated on your convocation as you will not be granted access to the room after the examination starts.


The TEF Canada exam is open to all candidates, regardless of where you live. However, as these exams involve multiple partner institutions, rare technical issues may occur and could lead to last-minute cancellations beyond our control.

The Alliance Française of Calgary is not responsible for any travel or accommodation expenses, whether the session takes place or is cancelled. We strongly recommend registering at the authorized test centre closest to your place of residence whenever possible.


Please note that each exam session is limited to 10 seats only.

We’re working on increasing capacity in the coming months—thank you for your patience!

As registrations and scheduling are managed online, our team is unable to provide additional information about dates or openings.
Kindly avoid contacting reception regarding availability.


  REGISTRATION PROCESS REGISTRATION PROCESS

Exam Day Guidelines

1. Timely check-In: Candidates must present a valid ID (passport, permanent resident card, or driver’s license) and their schedule notification to the supervisor. Without valid ID, entry is denied. Late arrivals are not allowed, and there will be no refunds or deferments.

2. ID Verification and Documentation: Post-ID check, candidates sign necessary documents for each test  and have an identification photo taken. They will then be requested to wait in the library area.

3. Entering Exam Room: Candidates will be guided to the exam room. Personal items like phones and watches must be stored away.

4. Pre-Test Briefing: The supervisor will provide final instructions.

5. Exam Format: The exam, including written and oral comprehension and written expression, is computer-based. Aside from the oral expression test, all tests are completed on computers using a QWERTY keyboard. French accents will be accessible through the plateform designed by CCI.

6. Exam Conduct: No exits or communication among candidates are allowed, except for medically documented emergencies. Latecomers will be denied entry.

7. Misconduct Consequences: Fraudulent or inappropriate behavior will result in immediate removal and potential future test bans, as decided by CCI Paris - Île De France.

8. Results Notification: Official certificates of results will be sent via email within 6 weeks post-exam.