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The TFI™ Test

The international standard for assessing French-language proficiency.

Select any step below to learn more about the TFI™ Test:

 

About the TFI Test

The TFI test fairly and objectively measures the French proficiency of language learners of all levels, regardless of background. ETS uses standardized and secured testing procedures that ensure that:

  • test takers have the same testing experience no matter the place and time
  • no test taker has an unfair advantage or disadvantage  
  • test scores remain fair and comparable across administrations

Test content and format

The test examines listening and reading comprehension skills and uses common vocabulary, phrases and key expressions that reflect real-world tasks. Test takers don’t need special knowledge beyond that of a person who uses written and oral French in everyday activities.

Part 1: Listening Comprehension (Compréhension Orale)

Test takers listen to a variety of questions and answers, short dialogues and talks recorded in French, and answer questions based on what they hear.

  • Section I: Questions
  • Section II: Dialogues
  • Section III: Conversations

Part 2: Reading Comprehension (Compréhension Écrite)

Test takers read a variety of materials and respond to questions based on what they read.

  • Section IV: Text Completion
  • Section V: Incomplete Sentences
  • Section VI: Single Passages

The TFI test is a paper-and-pencil, multiple-choice assessment. There are two timed sections of 90 questions each. The total testing time is about 2 1/2 hours.

  • Listening Comprehension: 42 minutes
  • Reading Comprehension: 68 minutes
  • Biographical questions: approximately 30 minutes

Handbooks, guides and test preparation

To help test takers succeed on the TFI test, we offer free test preparation and other resources.

TFI Examinee (Manuel du Candidat) Handbook

Contains sample questions and additional information about the TFI test.

TFI™ Examinee Handbook

For test-taking strategies and sample questions, in English.

TFI Sample Test

Practice with a full sample test.

Guide for Test Takers with Disabilities

Details the accommodations made for individuals with disabilities.