🇫🇷 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.
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.
Practise the oral B1 before your naturalisation exam
AI-graded Compréhension orale + Expression orale with a clear B1 verdict.
See TEF Naturalisation mocks