Education

International testing and certification

To obtain external certification in French as a foreign language, you can take one of the tests or work towards one of the diplomas listed below. The test you choose will depend on what you plan to do: whether you continue your studies, the sector where you want to work, and on the geographic area.

These tests are held at authorised testing centres listed on the various web sites. All are organised based on the proficiency levels defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

TCF – French Knowledge Test

Test of the Ministry of Education, developed by CIEP (Centre international d’études pédagogiques).
Compulsory tests: oral and written comprehension, mastery of language structures. Multiple-choice questions.
Optional tests: oral and written expression.
Goal: to enhance one’s skills in French for personal or professional reasons; admission to a French university.
Validity: 2 years.

TEF – French Evaluation Test

Test developed by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Compulsory tests: oral and written comprehension, vocabulary and structure.
Multiple-choice questions.
Optional tests: oral and written expression.
Goal: to evaluate one's level and measure one’s skills; work in Canada.
Validity: variable, most often, one year.
This test is available in an electronic version:

TFI – International French Test

ETS (Educational Testing Service) test, this agency has also developed the SAT, GMAT, TOEFL, TOEIC, and GRE.
Tests: oral and written comprehension. Multiple-choice questions.
Goal: to measure and certify one’s skills regardless of one's level and profession.
Validity: 2 years.

BULATS

Test of the Business Language Testing Service, available in four languages (English, German, French and Spanish) by four European partners, including the Alliance Française.
Compulsory tests: oral and written comprehension and mastery of the language.
Optional tests: oral and written expression.
Goal: enhance one’s skills in French in a professional context or in a hiring situation, incorporate and validate training.
Validity: 2 years

DELF and DALF –French Language Diploma, and Advanced French Language Diploma

Diplomas of the Ministry of Education, developed by CIEP.
Levels: DELF A1, A2, B1, B2 - DALF C1, C2.
Oral and written comprehension and expression tests
Goal: enhance one's skills in French for personal or professional reasons; admission to a French university.
Validity: unlimited.