The tests are assessed on the scale of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) (levels A1 to C2). Level <A1 is awarded to candidates who do not demonstrate that they have achieved level A1.
Here you will find the expected skills for each CEFR level and for each test item.
The TEF score scale has been mapped to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), and TEF Canada certificates indicate the CLB level achieved for each test.
Reading, listening comprehension, vocabulary and syntax tests
The reading and listening comprehension tests and the vocabulary and syntax test are in the form of multiple choice questionnaires. Only one answer is possible.
The scale is as follows:
Correct answer = + 1 point
No answer / Wrong answer = 0 points
The total number of correct answers does not constitute the final score. This total is converted into a calibrated score that takes into account the differences in difficulty of the questions making up the test.
Written and oral expression tess
The written expression test consists of writing two everyday texts. It is assessed by two independent, trained and experienced assessors.
The oral expression test consists of two role-plays based on real-life situations. It is assessed by two independent examiners: the test leader and a second examiner, on the basis of the recording of the test.
Oral and written expression tests are assessed using standardized evaluation grids that include a set of criteria: communication skills, vocabulary, grammar, organization, fluency, etc.
The final score takes all these criteria into account. The results of these assessments are also converted into a calibrated score.
