Getting your French certification in Canada is an exciting choice to make. Canada has two official languages - English and French - so being able to communicate proficiently in both gives you an advantage in the school and the workplace.
However, there are so many French programs, diplomas, and certifications out there that it is not uncommon to wonder which one you should pursue. Are you looking to study French to earn degree credits? Is it immigration or permanent residency in Canada that is your goal? Do you want to find out where you are at in your learning so you can pursue the next level of proficiency?
Understanding your goals is key to determining which French language certification you should pursue. This article is all about figuring out what choice is appropriate for you.
Let’s do a quick review of the different varieties of French certification in Canada you can pursue.
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 the Different Types of French Certification in Canada?
The DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) and DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française)
The DELF and DALF are two French proficiency exams developed by the French Ministry of Education, which supports non-native French speakers in moving to France for work or story. These exams differ slightly in terms of what they assess.
The DELF assesses your language levels in French, from beginner to intermediate (A1, A2, B1, B2). The DALF assesses advanced French speakers for C1 or C2 level proficiency. You should take these tests to see what level you are at for your own personal reasons, or if you want to verify your language ability for study in France or French-speaking institutions in Canada.
DELF and DALF test the categories of listening, reading, writing and speaking. The more advanced you are in your French, the longer the tests become. The DALF is approximately of 3.5-4 hours long.
The Test d’Évaluation du Français (TEF Canada) and the Test de connaissance du français (TCF)
The TEF and TCF exams are designed to assess your French language skills through questions of increasing difficulty. They are quite similar, and the results may be used to apply for permanent residency or citizenship in Canada or France.
For those interested in migrating to Canada, the TEF and TCF Canada are purpose specific. The TEF Canada has an extra oral component for listening and speaking in French. The results are valid for 2 years.
The TCF exam tests students in Listening Comprehension, Command of Lexical and Grammatical Structions, and Reading Comprehension. The TEF has 5 sections on oral comprehension, written comprehension, oral expression, written expression, and vocabulary and syntax.
Professional Diplomas and Degrees
For some people, simply having a degree or diploma in French from a recognized postsecondary institution or school is sufficient to meet their career goals. It signals to employers that you have linguistic abilities in French, which are excellent if you will work with or serve other French speakers.
If you are going into an area like teaching, you may have to take a proficiency exam administered by a Faculty of Education to earn your French teaching qualification. You will also find plenty of courses and programs related to business, tourism, and other professions where you will learn a specific type of vocabulary that will help you to succeed on the job.
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.
How do I Prepare for a French Language Certification?
Getting ready for whatever exam you choose to take can require a significant investment of time and resources. Of course, it will all be worth it considering the different pathways that can open up through being a certified in your French language and literacy skills.
Learn as Much as You can About the Exam You Choose
French proficiency exams vary from one another, and there are specific strategies you might use in certain tests. Find others who have taken the test and get their insight on what the experience was like so you can feel ready.
You will also likely find plenty of test preparation books that will give you sample questions and answers that have appeared on the test in previous years. Follow these examples so you are ready for whatever the test has in store for you and you can get the greatest amount of points.
Speakers of both of Canada’s official languages, particularly French, can make you stand out as a professionals. Find out about career opportunities with French certifications in Canada.
Visualize Your Goals
When you are trying to achieve a specific goal or objective in life, visualize yourself in the future as much as possible. Is it living in France or Canada? Is it having economic opportunities in a city like Toronto or Vancouver?
Always keep in mind the bigger picture so you stay motivated even when you are most frustrated. Create a vision board, or write down your goals so you can look back at it when you need a boost.
Focus On Your Greatest Areas of Need
When learning a new language, it is common to have areas of learning we would prefer to avoid. Some people dislike writing in any language; others find reading exhausting and time consuming.
Complex grammatical forms and irregularities of language are another common area of frustration for language learners!
Whatever your most challenging area of French is, be sure to prioritize that area in your learning first. This way, you will feel extra confident when it is time to take the test!
Immerse yourself in French as Much as Possible
Immersing your self in French speaking culture is a fun and exciting way to prepare for your test. If possible, schedule a trip to a French community like Montreal or Quebec City, or spend time in France where you will be fully exposed to French every day.
If travel is out the question and you are not in a French speaking area, subscribe to French media channels on Youtube, read French books, and join a social French meetup group to get lots of conversation and listening practice in.
Make Time to Read and Write in French Every Day
Reading and writing are two literacy activities that you will become more fluent in the more you engage in them.
When it comes to reading, start with texts that are at the right level of complexity for your skill level, and keep increasing the difficulty. You will find plenty of lists online that will recommend books and texts for different skill levels. You do not want to read anything too easy, or too difficult.
Writing regularly and freely in French will help you to build your communication abilities. When writing, work in drafts, focusing first on expression and then editing for grammar and spelling. As you work through the drafting process, you will eventually master different spellings and morphology.
Finally, get feedback from your reading and writing from a French speaking peer, teacher or tutor.
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.
What are the Benefits of Hiring a Tutor to Prepare for Language Certifications?
There are many benefits to hiring a tutor to prepare for the DELF, DALF, TCF, TEF, or any language exam you choose.
First of all, the right language exam tutor should have experience I the exam you are taking. They can help you to prepare for the nuances of the specific test, and tell you how to maximize the amount of points you score in each sentence.
A tutor can give you feedback on practice questions, so you have a format in mind when answering questions in oral and written formats. They can give you reading passages that mimic exactly what you will seen on the exam.
A tutor can meet with you at a convenient time online or in person, and meet with you as much as you need to before the test. They are an efficient option, and provide one-to-one support you simply cannot get in a class environment.
To find the right tutor for you, check out Superprof Canada. You will find plenty of qualified test prep tutors that will help you achieve your goals!
Knowing which French certification is right for you takes research and serious consideration of your life goals. Learn more about French certifications in Canada.
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