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The TEF IRN is evolving: what you need to know!

Monday 17 March 2025

As of April 1, 2025, the French Language Assessment Test for Integration, Residence and Nationality is changing.

It will certify proficiency in communicating in the French language at levels from A1 to B2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), in everyday situations.

This development makes it possible to anticipate the new French language proficiency requirements set out by the French government following the promulgation of law no. 2024-42 of January 26, 2024, which aims to ensure more effective integration of foreign nationals through the language.

What changes are in store? How can we prepare for these changes?

In this article, we provide all information on the changes in the TEF IRN and how to better prepare for April 1, 2025.

What is the TEF IRN test?

The TEF Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité (IRN) test is for any foreign nationals over the age of 16 who wish to:

  • assess their level of French as part of the OFII citizenship program (A1 level required);
  • certify their level of French for an application for a long-term Resident’s Permit (A2 level required);
  • certify their level of French to apply for French nationality (B1 level required);
  • certify their level of French to work in the private security sector (B1 level required).

The use of these results is not appropriate to demonstrate language skills suitable for pursuing higher education.

Increased language standards required: what will change?

On January 1, 2026, new language requirements will come into effect in France for applications for multi-year residence permits, long-term residence permits, and naturalizations:

  • to apply for a French naturalization, you will need to demonstrate a B2 level in written and spoken French;
  • to apply for a long-term residence permit, you will need to demonstrate a B1 level in written and spoken French.
  • to apply for a multi-year residence permit, you will need to demonstrate an A2 level in written and spoken French.

Find more information in the two decrees published on July 15, 2025, in the Official Journal:

– Decree No. 2025-648 of July 15, 2025, on nationality
– Decree No. 2025-647 of July 15, 2025, on the republican integration contract (multi-year residence permit and long-term residence permit) 

Application Current required level Required level from the 1st of January, 2026
Multi-annual Residence Permit – A2
Long-term Residence Permit A2 B1
French Naturalization B1 B2

 

What are the changes for each test?

Following the evolution of the TEF IRN, the total duration of the test will be 1h30 instead of 1h20. Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming changes.

Reading comprehension

The test will consist of 20 questions and will last 30 minutes.

The test will consist of 2 parts:
Part 1: 10 questions of different levels (15 minutes)
Part 2: 10 questions adapted to your level (15 minutes)

 

What’s changed: the format and number of questions.
What’s new: you’ll have to read more documents from real-life situations, including administrative documents.

Listening comprehension

The test will consist of 20 questions and will last 20 minutes.

The test will be divided into 2 parts:
Part 1: 10 questions of varying levels (10 minutes)
Part 2: 10 questions adapted to your level (10 minutes)

 

What’s changed: the format and the number of questions.
What’s new: you’ll hear more audio from everyday life, such as answering machine messages, announcements, on-the-street interview clips and interviews.

Oral expression

The test will consist of 2 sections and will be held for 10 minutes.

For each section, the examiner will read out the topic to you.

Section A : A telephonic conversation with a friend to obtain information (5 minutes)
Section B: Helping a friend to make a decision (5 minutes)

What’s changed: Sections A and B are interchanged.

Written expression

The test will consist of 2 sections and will be held over a 30-minute period.

Section A: Write a message to a friend inquiring about him (10 minutes – 40 words)
Section B: An essay to convince someone about your motivations (20 minutes – 100 words)

What’s changed: the number of words for Section B.

How to prepare?

Let’s get practical! Below you’ll find all the tools you’ll need to prepare for the exam.

  • A new practice tutorial lets you start practicing right away on the exam platform.

 

  • You can practice with the sample tests for written and oral exams in paper version
  • New preparation workshops as well as a video simulation of the oral exam are available to help you discover the tests:

 

  • You can also practice with the TEF Test d’évaluation de français preparation book and the revised PrepMyTEF platform:

 

We wish you all a good preparation!

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