French language certification can confuse a lot of people, largely because there are so many options to choose from.
Millions of Canadian speak French, and it is one of Canada’s two official languages (the other is English). While native speakers of French that attend French schools and universities would not need certification, those that attend school in English or another language may need to verify their French language proficiency for professional or academic reasons.
French has a long history in Canada, with French explorers, religious missionaries, settlers arriving en masse throughout the past 400 years. The federal government continues to encourage Francophones to immigrate to Canada to ensure French speaking communities thrive and flourish.
For Canadians, French is an essential element of the national identity. If you are a speaker of French as an additional language, it is important that you get the right certification so you can benefit professionally and support French language communities across the countries.
This article is all about understanding French certification in Canada. We will explore why people seek certification, and the many options available for people looking to demonstrate their proficiency to the government, school or in the workplace.
Knowing which French certification is right for you takes research and serious consideration of your life goals. Learn more about French certification in Canada.
Why Do People Seek French Language Certification?
There are so many reasons people pursue French language certification in Canada, and a whole slew of different exams, programs, and qualifications one can earn.
For example, if you have learned French as an additional language, you may be wondering how you can put all those years of hard work to a good purpose.
French is a subject most Canadian children start in the elementary years, and may choose to continue throughout the entirety of their secondary school career and beyond.
Those that enjoy French and are rather successful at it seek certification so they can verify their multilingualism when they enter the job market, or continue French language learning in university or a French language postsecondary school.
Others may be interested in obtaining French language certification for citizenship and permanent residency purposes. Canada is a vast, multicultural country that many choose to immigrate to.
People that want to demonstrate their French proficiency to Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will need to show the right certification to apply for residency purposes.
Finally, others may want to demonstrate their French proficiency for jobs where fluency in both of Canada’s official languages (English and French) is required. French teachers, some Government personnel, and bilingual service representatives must show proof of their French skills through a recognized exam.
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.
What are the Different Types of French Language Certification in Ontario?
Degree and Diploma Programs in College and University
Because French is such a popular language to study in Canada, you will find ample options for French degrees and diplomas at many of the country’s colleges and universities.
These programs are excellent if you are looking to build your literacy proficiency or simply to learn French as an additional language. You may choose to study French language and literature, or combine a French program with another major like history or geography.
It is important to note that while these programs will demonstrate to an employer or organization that you have a background in French, it is not sufficient for immigration purposes in Canada or France.
A diploma or degree in French is a great way to prepare for any of the language exams we will go over later in the article!
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.
Certificates from Private Schools and Institutes
There are many private schools, institutes, and continuing education schools that offer a certificate in French. Like diplomas or degrees, these certificates may work with some organizations as evidence of French language proficiency but they are not appropriate for government or postsecondary admission.
These certificates are well suited for those that want to learn the language, and may consider doing a proficiency exam once they have reached a more advanced level.
The DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française)
The DELF verifies your language levels in French, from beginner to intermediate (A1, A2, B1, B2). It is a proficiency exam developed by the French Ministry of Education, and is largely designed for non-native speakers moving to France for work or school. Canadian postsecondary institutions also recognize DELF as a way to measure language proficiency.
The DELF tests the categories of listening, reading, writing and speaking.
The DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française)
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. To do the DALF, you would need to have a high level of literacy in French, particularly in academic contexts.
Like the DELF, DALF test students in the listening, reading, writing and speaking. The DALF is longer than the DELF, taking 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 assess your French language skills through questions of increasing difficulty. The results may be used to apply for permanent residency or citizenship in Canada or France.
The TEF and TCF Canada are designed for those interested in immigrating to Canada. The TEF Canada has an additional 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.
What is the Best Way to Prepare for a French Exam?
Preparing for an exam like the DELF, DALF, TEF, or TCF can be stressful, especially if you have life goals connected with the results. You will want to enter the test as confident and ready as possible.
The most important part is to get a sense of what the test will be like. Speak to people that have taken the test already, look at test examples and practice questions. You may even want to find others who are writing the test so you can give each other feedback.
Be honest about where your greatest areas of weakness are and make time to address them and improve. Create a study schedule as far as advance as possible to ensure that you are giving the test all the attention it requires.
Don’t forget to take breaks when you need them!
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.
Where Can I Find a Tutor for French Certification in Canada?
Another fantastic option to help you prepare is to hire an exam tutor. French exam tutors are familiar with the test, and can coach you to be successful through strategic practice and insights on what the test will be like.
A French tutor can also provide you with valuable oral communication practice, which will help you to become a better speaker and listener. They will give you feedback on your writing so you are ready to submit your best work.
Finding the right tutor to help you is easy with Superprof Canada. Superprof is a site that connects tutors with students. You can find tutors that specialize in French exams like the TEF, and they can put a plan for study in place so you can pass the exam.
To use the site, simply use the search tool to look for a French tutor near you. The site will give you local options, or even remote options if you are open to online tutoring. You can read about each tutor through their profile, and contact those that interest you most.
Find a French exam tutor on Superprof today!
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.
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