logo ETS
FAQ
ABOUT THE TFI™ TEST
- What is the TFI test?
- What is the format of the TFI test?
- How much does the TFI test cost?
- How can I register to take the test?
- How often can I take the TFI test?
- How do academic institutions use the TFI test?
- How do language schools use the TFI test?
- How do companies use the TFI test?
- How do public service organisations use the TFI test?
- From what contexts are TFI questions taken?
- If I have a disability, can I still take the TFI test?
- What quality standards does the TFI test adhere to?
- How "fair" is the TFI test?
- Can I fail the TFI test?
- Do I need to present identification at the testing site?
- Can I take materials into the testing room?
ABOUT THE TFI SCORES
- How is the TFI test scored?
- How long does it take to receive TFI scores?
- How will I receive my scores?
- How long is my score valid for?
- For how long will the scores be kept on record?
- Are my scores confidential?
- Can I have my test rescored?
- If I take another version of the TFI test, will I receive the same scores?
ABOUT THE TFI TEST
What is the TFI test?
The TFI™ test (Test de français international™) is a French language proficiency test for non-native speakers of French. It certifies the French skills (both academic and business) of test takers, from beginner to advanced levels.
What is the format of the TFI test?
The TFI test lasts for around 110 minutes and comprises of 180 questions, which are divided into listening and reading sections. Points for each section range from 5 to 495 points; the total score, hence, ranges from between 10 to 990 points.
How much does the TFI test cost?
To find out how much the TFI test costs in your country, please visit our online store or contact your local ETS Global office or partner for more information.
How can I register to take this test?
You can register online to take a TFI test at an ETS Global authorised test centre.
How often can I take the TFI test?
One month should lapse between each TFI test. If you take the test more than once a month, your test will not be scored and you will not receive a refund. You will need to pay again to re-take the test once one month has lapsed.
How do academic institutions use the TFI test?
Academic institutions include the TFI test in their curriculum as a graduating criterion. This helps facilitate students’ access to the international job market, since a TFI score on their resume is internationally recognised proof of their French language competence.
How do language schools use the TFI test?
Language schools use the TFI test to place incoming students at the right learning levels, and to show student progress during language training. Additionally, the test functions as an external and objective tool to measure effectiveness of language instruction.
How do companies use the TFI test?
Companies use TFI scores as a criterion in their recruitment process, to identify candidates who fit the job profile in terms of language requirements. They also use the TFI test as a part of their language training programmes to identify candidates who require language training, and then to monitor their progress. The TFI test can finally be used to set in place a standard system of measurement across multiple company locations, and to assess international mobility of employees.
How do public service organisations use the TFI test?
Public service organisations use the TFI scores as a selection criterion to recruit people to work in various departments. They also use this test to set language training goals and to monitor and evaluate their employees’ progress.
From what contexts are TFI questions taken?
TFI test questions are taken from real-life work settings, including:
- Corporate Development: research, product development
- Dining out: business and informal lunches, banquets, receptions, restaurant reservations
- Entertainment: cinema, theatre, music, art, exhibitions, museums, media
- Finance and Budgeting: banking, investments, taxes, accounting, billing
- General Business: contracts
- Health: medical insurance, visiting doctors, dentists, clinics, hospitals
- Housing/Corporate Property: construction, specifications, buying and renting, electric and gas services
- Manufacturing: assembly lines, plant management, quality control
- Offices: board meetings, committees, letters, memoranda, telephone, fax and e-mail messages, office equipment and furniture, office procedures
- Personnel: recruiting, hiring, retiring, salaries, promotions, job applications, job advertisements, pensions, awards
- Purchasing: shopping, ordering supplies, shipping, invoices
- Technical Areas: electronics, technology, computers, laboratories and related equipment, technical specifications
- Travel: trains, airplanes, taxis, buses, ships, ferries, tickets, schedules, stations and airport announcement, car rentals, hotels, reservations, delays and cancellations
If I have a disability can I still take the TFI test?
If you require special testing arrangements because of a disability, please contact your local ETS representative office to discuss your needs at least six weeks in advance of the test date. Your representative will make every effort to accommodate you. There is no additional cost for special accommodations.
What quality standards does the TFI test adhere to?
All ETS designed tests, including the TFI test, are developed in accordance with the ETS Standards of Quality and Fairness. These standards function as stringent guidelines and reflect ETS’ commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability and fairness in testing. Used on a regular basis by ETS staff and external evaluators, our quality guidelines are prescriptive and exhaustive.
How "fair" is the TFI test?
Like all ETS tests, each new version of the TFI test undergoes a stringent “fairness review”. This review is conducted by ETS testing experts, in collaboration with outside reviewers, to be certain that all items (questions) are exhaustive and appropriate.
The TFI test questions:
- Choose contexts that are not specific to one culture, or that may be foreign to candidates from some cultures
- Ensure the balanced use of names from different nationalities
- Refer to locations, people or events that would be recognised in many different countries
- Avoid situations that are too specific to one occupational area
Can I fail the TFI test?
The TFI test is not the kind of test that one "passes" or "fails." Not every job or task requires the same level of French proficiency. Because it was developed specifically to measure the types of French used in the workplace, the TFI test measures many levels of ability. It enables people to demonstrate what they can currently accomplish in French.
Many companies use the TFI test to set their own standards and may require that employees have a certain minimum TFI score because the corresponding level of French is needed on the job. This does not mean that an individual will pass or fail the TFI test—it simply means that he or she will meet or not meet, the standards set by a specific company or language school.
Do I need to present identification at the testing site?
You will need to show photo identification (passport, identity card, etc.) at the centre on the day of the test.
Can I take materials into the testing room?
Books, dictionaries, papers, notes, rulers, calculators, watch alarms, listening devices, recording or photographic equipment, highlighters or aids of any kind are not allowed in the testing room. You may be dismissed from the testing room or have your scores cancelled if you do not follow these rules.
ABOUT THE TFI SCORES
How is the TFI test scored?
Scores on the TFI test are determined by the number of correct answers. The number of correct responses on each section is converted to a scaled score. Three TFI scaled scores are given for each examinee: a Listening section sub score, a Reading section sub score and a Total section score that consists of the sum of the Listening and Reading section sub scores. Each sub score can range from 5 to 495. The total score ranges from 10 to 990. The statistical procedure used to convert scores to a common scale for each section ensures that TFI section test scores can be compared across different forms of the test. There is no penalty for wrong answers.
How long does it take to receive TFI scores?
Scores are available in 7 working days for standard scoring, and 3 working days if you request for express scoring (not including postal shipment time).
How will I receive my scores?
If you take the test through a sponsoring organisation, your sponsor will receive your score and inform you of it. If you take the test independently, you will receive your score report directly.
How long is my score valid for?
Your scores are valid as long as your level of French proficiency remains the same. Your proficiency can, however, improve or decline over time. For this reason, the more recent the score, the more likely it is to be a valid indication of your proficiency. ETS Global recommends that a TFI score be considered valid for up to 2 years.
For how long will the scores be kept on record?
TFI scores are valid for 2 years and are kept on record for the same length of time. After that period, we consider that your level is likely to have changed and we recommend that a new TFI test be taken to reflect your actual current level. Accordingly, ETS Global does not keep a record of your score beyond that period of 2 years.
Are my scores confidential?
Your scores are confidential and will be released only to your sponsoring organisation and to ETS Global. With your written permission, scores may be provided to other organisations.
Can I have my test rescored?
If you feel that your scores are not an accurate reflection of your ability in French, you should contact your representative. The representative will re-score your answer sheet and will give you a second score report. If a discrepancy is found between the first score report and the second one, the representative will pay for re-scoring your answer sheet. However, if a discrepancy is not found, you may be charged a small fee to cover the cost of rescoring.
If I take another version of the TFI test, will I receive the same scores?
If you take another version of the TFI test, you will probably obtain slightly different scores from those you received the first time. The TFI test is a highly reliable test, but no test measures performance with perfect accuracy and consistency. If you took several versions of the test within a short period of time, you would obtain a number of scores that centre on an average value known as your “true” score. Two-thirds of the time, your total score would be within 35 points of your true score.
Copyright © 2012 by Educational Testing Service. All rights reserved
