French is one of the official languages of Canada: it is spoken widely by millions across the country. The ability to communicate in French is an important skill to have in the Canadian job market. Those that have multilingual skills in French can find many career opportunities across different industries.
With so many French speakers, however, many people wonder how they can show prospective employers that the possess a multilingual skillset. The answer is to get certified.
But what certifications are available to speakers of French? Which ones are appropriate for different professions? This article is all about identifying which French certification is appropriate for your career choice.
Knowing which French certification is right for you takes research and serious consideration of your life goals. Learn more about French certification in Canada.
Which French Certifications are Available in Canada?
To show to prospective employers and clients that you are ready and qualified to work French, you will need to have your certification in place. It is not enough to be able to speak French as an additional language: as a multilingual professional, you must be able to show that your communication skills are relevant to the industry or sector you will work in.
Diplôme de Français Professionnel (DFP)
The DFP certification demonstrates you are ready to communicate in French in a business setting. To get this certification, you will need to take written and oral language tests to show your proficiency in French. This certification is particularly useful for government personnel.
Diplôme Initial de Langue Française (DILF), Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française (DELF) And Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF)
The DILF, DELF, and DALF are three different levels of French certification. These qualifications are offered worldwide by the Centre International d'Études Pédagogiques (CIEP). The DILF is an introductory certification, the DELF is intermediate certification, and the DALF is advanced certification.
Even children can earn their certification. It can be a great goal to work toward whether or not you plan on using French in the workplace, though you will want to earn your DALF certification if you want to show your employer you have achieved the highest standard.
Test d'Évaluation de Français (TEF)
TEF is a certification designed for non-native speakers of French that are over the age of 16. The test can be taken online, or in person. You will receive a certification on a seven level continua showing different levels of proficiency.
Certifications for French Teachers in Canada
French speakers that see themselves working in public education may require a proficiency test to show that they have the communication skills to teach French to children, in addition to their teaching certification. In many provinces, French teachers also have to take specific courses to have French as a teachable subject on their teaching certificate.
In addition to communication proficiency, you may also need to have an undergraduate degree or a specific amount of credits in French. Requirements may vary from one province to another, so be sure to do your homework and ask the right people in your university or school!
Next, let’s explore which career options you can have as a certified French speaker.
Are you looking to immigrate, work, or study in Canada? Find out which French proficiency certification is right for you.
The Best Jobs for French Language Speakers
What are French Teacher Jobs Like?
One of the most popular jobs in Canada for those that speak French is to become an educator. Becoming a French educator is an important role, as students in English speaking schools are required to have a certain amount of hours in French instruction each year.
Teaching is a challenging and highly rewarding career. As a teacher, your role is to educate students in a specific area of knowledge while also managing classroom behaviour and planning exciting learning experiences for children, teens, and adults to embark on.
Luckily, there are so many more ways to engage students in French learning than in the past. There are fun and interesting videos, apps, and even workbooks that are geared toward teaching French in a modern, tech-savvy world.
Is it Easy to Become a French Tutor?
Many French speakers that are considering a teaching career get their start in tutoring. As a teacher, French tutoring is also an excellent way to earn additional income!
Tutoring is all about working with individual students to help them achieve their learning goals. Some students may be struggling in French, while others may want to enhance their skills or learn specific vocabulary for work or an upcoming trip.
To start as a French tutor, you can set up an account on the Superprof site. Superprof is a site that connects tutors of all different backgrounds with interested students. Share a brief bio that includes relevant elements of your academic and professional background, and your rate of pay.
Prospective students can then reach out to you if they are interested.
What are French Translation Jobs Like?
Another intriguing career options for multilingual, certified French speakers is to become a translator. Translators are required in many fields, especially in Canada’s official languages and those that are spoken by its diverse residents.
Translators can perform a range of services, from translating important medical and legal documents to interpreting spoken languages at meetings. They work in the justice system, with police officers, doctors, nurses, educators, and other government personnel.
To become a certified translator, you will need to get additional certification to work in different fields. You may also take coursework where you will learn the vocabulary of a specific area, whether it is medical or legal.
French to English Translation Jobs
If your multilingualism is in French and English, then you will certainly find many opportunities to work as a translator. With French and English as Canada’s official languages, there is a high demand for professionals to be able to help translate documents, websites, and other forms of content from English to French, and French to English.
There are a lot of French language certifications out there, from the TEF to the DELF and the dozens of programs available in universities and colleges. Learn all about the different French exams in Canada.
What are some Other French Jobs in Toronto and other Canadian Cities?
Beyond teaching and translation, you will find plenty of opportunities where your multilingualism in French and other languages will be a highly valued asset.
It is no secret that Canada is a multicultural and multilingual country. As such, many industries such as banking and finance want multilingual speakers that can communicate with their clients. Customer service, consulting, and departments that deal with multinational organizations need people that speak French.
French speakers are also much needed in business and the private sector. The possibilities in this area can be truly endless, since there are French and English speaking teams across the country. Being able to lead or organize projects in both of Canada’s official languages is an essential skill.
Here are just a few of the job titles you can find where French speaking is required.
- Customer Service Representative, French speaking
- French speaking Buyer
- French Payment Experience Associate
- French Communications Specialist
- Bilingual Account Executive
- Hotel Sales Manager - Bilingual
- Business Development Representative - French Speaking
Planning to apply for permanent residency to Canada? Do you have goals to immigrate to Canada permanently? Find out which French certifications can give you an advantage.
How Can I Improve My French to Earn Certification?
If the idea of earning your French certification to bolster your career entices you, then you may be wondering how to get help in preparing for certification exams.
French certification exams can be rigorous, and you may also want help in preparing for job interviews that take place in French. Speaking any new language, particularly one that you are not native in, is a lifelong journey where you are continuously practicing and upgrading your skills.
Continuous language improvement is particularly challenging if you live in an area of Canada that is predominantly English speaking.
Why not get a French tutor to help you out?
A French tutor will help you by providing their insight and knowledge on the certification process. They can work on your greatest areas of need, and give you the much needed spontaneous conversation practice that you can only get from engaging in conversation with other French speakers.
To find a French tutor, visit the Superprof site! You will find plenty of tutors that can help you reach your goals.
Visit Superprof today!
Getting ready for a French proficiency exam can be stressful, especially if many of your future goals depend upon your success. Find out some strategies for French exam preparation.
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