Can I fail the TFI test?

How is the TFI test scored?FAQ TFI Europe
Do I need to present identification at the testing site?
Can I take materials into the testing room?
How will I receive my scores?
What quality standards does the TFI test adhere to?
How “fair” is the TFI test?
If I take another version of the TFI test, will I receive the same scores?
How long will my scores be valid?How long will my scores be kept on record?
Are my scores confidential?
Can I have my test re-scored?

 

 

 

The Test de Français International 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 different types of French used in the workplace, the TFI measures many levels of ability. It enables people to demonstrate what they can currently accomplish in French.

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 score that consists of the sum of the Listening section and Reading section sub scores. Each sub score can range from 5 to 495. The Total score ranges from 10 to 990. The statistical procedures used to convert scores to a common scale ensure that similar TFI scores indicate similar levels of French proficiency.

 

You will be required to show photo identification (passport, identity card, etc) on the day of the test.

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. 

If you take the test through your 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.

The quality of the TFI® test is ensured by specific psychometric standards outlined in the ETS Standards for Quality and Fairness.  ETS standards have been established through stringent guidelines to ensure fairness, reliability and accountability in all assessments.

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.

• 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

 

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.

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 recommends that a TFI score be considered valid for up to 2 years.

To provide you and your employer with an historical summary of your scores, scores will be kept indefinitely. If you do not wish to have your scores kept on record indefinitely, please contact your local representative.

Your scores are confidential and will be released only to your sponsoring organisation and to ETS Europe. With your written permission, scores may be provided to other organisations.

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 re-scoring costs.