TEF IRN
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Would you like to obtain a residence permit or French nationality? Want to add value to your OFII citizenship application? Would you like to certify your French language skills to work in France in the private security sector?
Certify your French language skills with the TEF Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité (IRN), recognized by the French Ministry of the Interior.
The TEF IRN is intended for all foreigners over the age of 16 wishing to:
- improve their level of French as part of the OFII citizenship program (level A1).
- certify their level of French for a long-term resident’s card application (A2 level).
- certify their level of French to apply for French nationality (level B1).
- certify your level of French to work in the private security sector (level B1).
Please note! The TEF IRN assesses up to level B1 of the CEFR.
What are the 4 compulsory TEF IRN tests?
Reading comprehension
Objective: Measure your ability to read and understand written documents.
Content: 13 questions
Duration: 30 minutes
Format: Multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ)
Scale :
Correct answer = +1 point
Wrong answer / No answer = 0 points
Listening comprehension
Objective: Measure your ability to understand spoken French by listening to audio documents.
Content: 17 questions
Duration: 10 minutes
Format: Multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ)
Scale :
Bonne réponse = 1 point.
Pas de réponse / Mauvaise réponse = 0 point
Written expression
Objective: Measure your ability to express yourself in written French.
Content: 2 sections
Duration: 30 minutes
Format: The test is divided into two sections, A and B.
- Section A – 10 minutes
Write a message to ask for news - Section B – 20 minutes
Explain your motivations to convince others
Oral expression
Objective: Measure your ability to communicate orally with an interlocutor.
Content: 2 sections
Duration: 10 minutes in total
Format: The test is divided into two sections, A and B.
- Section A – 5 minutes
Helping a friend make a decision - Section B – 5 minutes
Making a request and asking questions about services
Please note! All tests must be taken on the same day for your certificate to be recognized by the relevant authorities.
Did you know?
In France, you can use your CPF to finance your training and pass the TEF IRN.
Find out more (in French)
Further information
How long is my test valid for?
Your results certificate is valid for 2 years (from the date of issue).
What level do I need to obtain for my application to be accepted by the prefecture?
The TEF IRN evaluates up to level B1 of the CEFR. (Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Level A1 is achieved if you score 100 or more in each test.
- Level A2 is achieved if you score 200 or more on 3 tests and 167 or more on the lowest-scoring test.
► Level A2 is required to obtain a 10-year residence permit. - Level B1 is achieved if you score 300 or more on 3 tests and 267 or more on the lowest-scoring test.
► Level B1 is required for French naturalization applications.
The certificate of results also reflects your level of competence in each of the tests, according to the following rules:
| Level <A1 | Level A1 | Level A2 | Level B1 |
| 0 to 99 points | 100 to 199 points | 200 to 299 points | 300 points and more |
Are there any exemptions from the IRN TEF?
Applicants for a resident’s card may be exempted in certain cases.
For more information, please consult the Ministry of the Interior’s website or the circular dated February 26, 2018 (NOR: INTV1804752J).
In accordance with this text, exemption from taking a French test may be granted for:
- holders of an official diploma. The minimum level required is level 3 of the National Classification of Levels of Training (Brevet des collèges, CAP). However, be sure to check with the prefecture that your diploma has been accepted;
- holders of a French language diploma with a minimum level of A2 (DELF, DU, DCL);
- people with disabilities or chronic health problems (proof to be presented to the prefecture);
- people over 65.
If you think you qualify for an exemption, please contact the prefecture directly, as they are the only authorities authorized to issue exemptions.
Applicants for a new residence permit do not need to submit a language certificate.
For applicants for French naturalization, there are a number of exemptions.
For more information, please consult the Ministry of the Interior website or the circular dated February 26, 2018 (NOR: INTV1804752J).
In accordance with this text, exemption from taking a French test may be granted for:
- holders of an official diploma. The minimum level required is level 3 of the National Classification of Levels of Training (Brevet des collèges, CAP). However, be sure to check with the prefecture that your diploma has been accepted;
- holders of a French language diploma at least level B1 (DELF, DU, DCL);
- people with disabilities or chronic health problems (proof to be presented to the prefecture);
- There is NO age limit for naturalization applications.
If you think you qualify for an exemption, please contact the prefecture directly, as they are the only authorities authorized to issue exemptions.
As candidates affected by illiteracy are not mentioned in the cases of exemption in the circular of February 26, 2018 (NOR: INTV1804752J), they must pass a language level test in order to be able to present a file that meets the requirements of the decree, i.e. containing an official attestation after passing the test.
What is the policy for processing my personal data?
When you register for TEF Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité, Le français des affaires of the CCI Paris Ile-de-France collects a certain amount of information in order to process your application and in accordance with French immigration laws.
If you achieve the required level, your personal data will be made available to the French authorities. It is not communicated to other third parties. If you object to this transmission or if you modify or delete data, your application cannot be processed by the French authorities.
Your data will be kept by Le français des affaires of the CCI Paris Ile-de-France for 10 years. Data that may be transmitted to Canadian authorities will be stored in accordance with French law.
The information collected may also be processed for the purpose of carrying out studies and surveys in order to improve our services. In this context, data collected during surveys is not communicated to third parties and is kept for a period of one year.
In accordance with the French Data Protection Act of January 6, 1978, as amended, and the Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016-679, and within the framework and limits set by these texts, you may exercise your right to access data concerning you and have it rectified or deleted, which you may do by contacting francais@cci-paris-idf.fr or, in the event of difficulty, the Data Protection Officer at cpdp@cci-paris-idf.fr.
Finally, you can file a complaint with the CNIL, 3 Place de Fontenoy – TSA 80715 – 75334 PARIS CEDEX 07.