🇫🇷 Nationalité française · Niveau B1 · Oral

TEF Naturalisation — the oral B1 test for French nationality

TEF pour la naturalisation is the oral-only French test used to prove the B1 level required for French nationality. You sit just two modules — Compréhension orale and Expression orale — and the result is judged against the B1 threshold.

Naturalisation requires B1 in both oral skills. Our mock returns a clear « seuil B1 atteint / non atteint » verdict per skill, so you know whether you meet the requirement before the real sitting.

What's on the TEF Naturalisation

Compréhension orale (CO) — 60 questions · 40 minutes · listening comprehension.
Expression orale (EO) — 2 sections · ~15 minutes · Section A (obtenir des informations) + Section B (argumenter pour convaincre).
Oral-only — no reading or writing. Since 2020, French naturalisation requires proof of the oral level, so only these two abilities are tested.

The pass threshold: B1

For accès à la nationalité française, you must reach CEFR B1 in both oral comprehension and oral production. Unlike the TCF/TEF used for Canada (a positioning test with no pass mark), the naturalisation version is effectively pass/fail at B1 — fall below B1 in either oral skill and you don't meet the requirement. Our mock gives you a clear « seuil B1 atteint / non atteint » verdict per skill.

Who needs it

Applicants for French nationality by decree (naturalisation) or by marriage (déclaration) who must prove B1 oral French. If you already hold a recognised B1+ French diploma (e.g. DELF B1 or higher) you may be exempt — check the current préfecture requirements. Otherwise the TEF Naturalisation is the standard, fast route.

FAQ

What level does French naturalisation require?

CEFR B1 in the two oral skills — Compréhension orale and Expression orale. Since 2020 the oral level is what's assessed; reading and writing are not required for the language proof.

Is TEF Naturalisation pass/fail?

In effect, yes. Naturalisation requires B1, so the result matters as 'B1 reached or not' in each oral skill — unlike the TEF Canada / TCF, which are positioning tests scored by level with no pass mark.

How long is the exam?

About 55 minutes — 40 minutes of Compréhension orale plus roughly 15 minutes of Expression orale (Section A + Section B).

Can DELF B1 replace it?

Often, yes — a recognised DELF B1 (or higher) diploma is generally accepted as proof of B1 for naturalisation. Confirm with your préfecture, as accepted certificates are listed in the current règlement.

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Practise the oral B1 before your naturalisation exam

AI-graded Compréhension orale + Expression orale with a clear B1 verdict.

See TEF Naturalisation mocks

Everything about this exam

Detailed guides covering every part of the exam.