Where Do I Start? How to Know Your Current French Level
(Part 2 of our series for TEF Canada / TCF Canada candidates in the USA, presented by The Language Learning Institute in partnership with Doherty Fultz Immigration.)
Introduction
If you’re preparing for TEF Canada or TCF Canada to be able to submit an application through one of Canada’s Francophone programs, the smartest first question is: “Where am I starting from?” Your current French level determines your plan, what to practice first, and how confident you’ll feel on exam day. Many learners have bits of French from school, travel, or apps—but aren’t sure how it adds up. Can you handle a bakery exchange without switching to English? Follow the evening news? Write a short, formal message?
This article is part of The Language Learning Institutes continuing series with Doherty Fultz Immigration on preparing for TEF/TCF Canada. In our next post, we’ll also clarify how CEFR levels convert into Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and immigration points, so you can see how your French progress influences your Canadian Immigration application goals directly.
This guide explains:
- What CEFR levels mean (A1 through C1) and what you can actually do at each stage.
- Why accurate placement matters for Canadian immigration outcomes.
- How to self-check realistically—and the limits of self-assessment.
- How our evaluation works (baseline and post-test, including Expression Orale) and how we report progress.
- TEF vs TCF: what’s different and what isn’t, so you can choose without stress.
Most importantly, at The Language Learning Institute our approach emphasizes structured group programs that build all four skills—listening, speaking, reading, writing—together. Focusing on only one weak area rarely lifts your overall level; balanced growth does.
CEFR Levels in Plain Language (A1 → C1)
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is the standard for describing language ability:
- A (Basic User): A1, A2
- B (Independent User): B1, B2
- C (Proficient User): C1, C2 (C2 is uncommon for immigration purposes)
What each level feels like in real life (plus an immigration lens):
- A1 – Beginner
You can: introduce yourself, ask/answer simple personal questions, recognize common signs/prices.
Immigration lens: Foundation stage—not yet competitive. - A2 – Elementary
You can: manage short routine exchanges—shopping, directions, schedules—with simple sentences.
Immigration lens: Early-stage stepping stone. - B1 – Intermediate
You can: describe experiences and plans, handle most travel situations, explain a problem.
Immigration lens: Progress—but typically not competitive yet. - B2 – Upper-Intermediate
You can: interact with ease on familiar topics, sustain opinions, read standard articles, write clear paragraphs.
Immigration lens: Practical target for many candidates. Reaching B2 across all skills is the safest path to strong results. - C1 – Advanced
You can: understand complex texts and fast speech, argue nuanced points, write well-structured analyses.
Immigration lens: Strong performance that can boost competitiveness.
Key principle: Your overall performance follows your weakest skill. If speaking is B2 but writing is B1, your outcome reflects B1. That’s why integrated, group-based study is so effective.
Why Placement Matters (Strategy, Not Guesswork)
Without placement, learners often:
- Use mismatched materials.
- Misread “strengths.”
- Plan without milestones.
Motivation bonus: Placement turns vague goals into visible milestones. “I’m solid B1 now; the next step is B1→B2—here’s the plan and when we’ll re-check.”
Placement is only part of the picture. Understanding how these levels map to CLB and Canadian immigration points is equally important—we’ll be covering that in our next blog in this series.
Self-Assessment: A Useful Snapshot (With Limits)
A self-check can place you in the right range. Then, confirm with a professional evaluation.
Quick “Can-Do” Checks by Skill:
- Listening: from simple everyday clips (A1–A2) to nuanced debates (C1).
- Speaking: from introducing yourself (A1–A2) to arguing both sides of complex issues (C1).
- Reading: from short messages (A1–A2) to in-depth analysis (C1).
- Writing: from a short email (A1–A2) to a structured essay with complex connectors (C1).
Common traps: over-weighting your best skill, confusing speed with accuracy, relying on memorized phrases, or practicing only one skill area. Balanced study matters.
Our Evaluation Model (Baseline & Post-Test) — What to Expect
Here at The Language Learning Institute we use a two-stage evaluation designed to mirror exam conditions without introducing test anxiety at the start:
- Stage 1 — Baseline (about 60 minutes; untimed)
Purpose: establish your starting point across listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Output: CEFR band by skill, plus diagnostic notes. - Stage 2 — Post-Test (timed)
Purpose: simulate exam pace and stamina after you’ve begun the program.
Output: fresh CEFR snapshot by skill under time constraints, showing readiness trend.
Both stages include Expression Orale so you’re evaluated on live, organized speech—not just multiple choice.
Reporting, Decision Gates, and Communication
Your progress is tracked and communicated clearly:
- Bi-weekly, compliance-ready reports.
- Early risk alerts + Day-30 / Day-60 decision gates.
- Reports shared with students and Sponsors of Record (partners receive summaries with consent).
Scope boundaries: The Language Learning Institute delivers instruction and does not provide immigration or legal advice. If you are looking for any legal advice on the available programs or general immigration advice then get in touch with Doherty Fultz Immigration by clicking here .
Why Group Programs Outperform “Patchwork”
- Skill integration: Listening, speaking, reading, and writing reinforce each other.
- Authentic interaction: Real classmates, real follow-ups.
- Consistent calibration: Tasks at the right CEFR band.
- Momentum: Shared schedules and milestones.
TEF vs TCF: Key Differences and a Simple Choice
Both exams are accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and align to CEFR; results are interpreted using CLB. They test the same four core skills.
What’s different?
- Managing bodies: TEF → Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry; TCF → France Éducation International.
- Format flavor: TEF may include additional Lexique et Structure.
- Perception: Some find TEF more detailed; others find TCF more streamlined.
Which should you choose?
Pick the exam that’s available soonest at a convenient center. A balanced group program prepares you well for either.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Knowing where you are is the first step to getting where you want to go. For TEF/TCF success—especially for Canadian immigration—you don’t need guesswork or one-off fixes. You need an accurate starting point and a structured group pathway that steadily strengthens listening, speaking, reading, and writing together.
Start with Our Professional Placement Evaluation
- Two-stage model: Baseline (~60 mins, untimed) + timed Post-Test.
- Includes Expression Orale and produces a CEFR-aligned report.
- Evaluation fee credited toward tuition when you enroll.
After placement, you join the right group level, follow a progressive curriculum, and receive bi-weekly reports to stay on track.
And stay tuned—our next blog will clarify how CEFR levels translate to CLB and immigration points, giving you a clear picture of why each level matters and how to plan your next steps.
This article is part of our series with Doherty Fultz Immigration. Here’s the roadmap:
- Blog 1: How Long Will It Take Me to Pass the TEF?
- Blog 2: Where Do I Start? How to Know Your Current French Level
- Blog 3: From French Level to Immigration Points: Understanding CLB
- Blog 4: Inside the TEF: What the Exam Really Tests
- Blog 5: How to Structure Your Study Plan (Even If You’re Busy)
- Blog 6: Fear, Frustration, and Fluency: How to Stay Motivated While Preparing for the TEF
