The year 2021 seemed to be coming to an end quietly for the Tefists as news, apparently coming out of nowhere, arrived in early December:

the TEF Resident Card and TEF Naturalization are dead… Say hello to TEF IRN (Integration, Residence & Nationality).
Oral and written expression have completely changed format and if you take the TEF to obtain residency or naturalization, you must prepare for these changes!

I am writing this article just a few weeks after this news, and there is still relatively little guidance on the subject. I will therefore complete this article according to the new information available. If you have any further questions, feel free to write a comment below this post or send me a message.

1) Presentation of the tests

The TEF " Naturalization "And the TEF" Resident Card "Were deleted on January 3, 2022 to be replaced by the TEF "Integration, Residence and Nationality". He is recognized by the Ministry of the Interior for administrative procedures.

This new TEF has 3 objectives :

• Level A1: enhance your level of French within the framework of OFII citizen course (French Office for Immigration and Integration).
• Level A2: certify your level of French to obtain the long-term resident card.
• Level B1: certify your level of French for a naturalization process and thus obtain French nationality.

2) Presentation of the tests

The TEF IRN comprises 4 tests:

• Reading comprehension: 13 questions in multiple choice format (30 minutes)
• Oral comprehension: 17 questions in multiple choice format (10 minutes)
• Written expression: 2 sections (30 minutes)
• Oral expression: 2 sections (5 minutes each)

The 4 events are obligatory.
All the tests, with the exception of oral expression, are computer-based.
The exam lasts 1 h 20 in total. All tests must be taken on the same day.

If your score is not sufficient, it is necessary to wait at least 30 days and retake all the tests.

3) Taking the exam

You can take the exam by registering with a approved test center or to a session at the CCI Paris IDF. The cost of the TEF is 130 euros at the CCI Paris IDF.

You will receive your results 2 to 4 weeks after passing your exam. The results will be online and accessible through a link that you will receive in your mailbox.  

4) Oral expression

Example of Section A topic:

“Help a friend make a decision: your friend is going on vacation soon. He / she hesitates between taking the plane and the train. ”

> You must help your friend to make his decision.

> You can give your opinion, talk about your real or imagined personal experience, ask questions and give ideas.

Advice :

• Read the instructions carefully and identify the theme.
• Locate the task. What should you do ?
  • You have to give advice, but also ask questions to be in the dialogue. You need to be the most active in the conversation (largely).
• Use standard language and familiarity as you are speaking to a friend.

Example of Section B topic:

“You want to book a hotel room. Call the hotel. Specify your request. Ask as many questions as possible about the services. ”

Advice :

• Read the instructions carefully and identify the theme.
• Locate the task. What do you have to do?
• Use all the information on the poster.
  • Some questions will seem inevitable such as price or location.
  • Others will be more optional. It's up to you to determine.
• Use standard or supported language as well as formal address because you are addressing a stranger.

5) Written expression

Example of Section A topic:

“Your friend has moved. You write him a message to get news. You ask him / her about their new accommodation, their neighborhood. 40 words minimum. ”

Advice :

• Read the instructions carefully and identify the theme.
• Locate the task. What should you do ?
• Use standard language and familiarity as you are speaking to a friend.
• Favor short, direct sentences. Express yourself naturally.
• Consider using connecting words such as "but", "or", "and" ...
• Write and reread your Section A in 10 minutes.

Example of drafting of section A:

Hi Lucie!
Marc told me that you had moved and I wanted to hear from you.
I know your previous apartment was a bit dark, is this one brighter? How many square meters is it? And what neighborhood do you live in?
We should call each other soon!
I kiss you,
Jen.

Example of Section B:

“You are interested in the announcement below. Describe your motivations for being chosen. 80 words minimum.

“My homework” association

We are looking for people to help the neighborhood children with their homework twice a week. Are you interested?

Describe your motivations! ”

Advice :

• Read the instructions carefully and identify the theme.
• Locate the task. What do you have to do?
• Use standard or supported language as well as formal address because you are addressing a stranger.
• Favor short, direct sentences. Express yourself naturally.
• Consider using connecting words such as "but", "or", "and" ...
• Write and reread your Section B in 20 minutes.

Example of drafting of section B:

Dear,
Je contacts you following your advertisement in the newspaper concerning homework help for neighborhood children. I am very interested and would like to apply for this position.
I have always loved working with children, and I am a summer camp counselor every summer.
In addition, I am very available and I would really like to obtain more qualifications in this field. This announcement therefore seems perfect to me.
Pending a positive response from you, please accept, Madam, Sir, my sincere greetings.
Cordially,
Jennifer.

Sources:

TEF Integration, Residence and Nationality - Business French (lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr)
https://www.facebook.com/lefrancaisdesaffaires/videos/3011553865761547

Other examples of written expressions:

https://www.lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/TEFIRN-Exemples-epreuves_EE.pdf

Other examples of oral expressions:

https://www.lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/TEFIRN_Exemples-epreuves_EO.pdf