What is the TEF IRN?
The TEF IRN, short for Test d’Évaluation de Français pour l’Intégration, la Résidence et la Naturalisation, is an official test that measures your level of French for your procedures with the prefecture. Recognised by the State and administered by the CCI Paris Île-de-France, it is now essential.
An official test for your procedures
Since the 2024 law, which became applicable in 2026, proving a level of French is mandatory to obtain a residence permit or French nationality. The TEF IRN is one of the two tests recognised by the State to prove this level (along with the TCF IRN).
It concerns three main procedures: the multi-year residence permit (A2 level), the 10-year resident card (B1 level) and naturalisation (B2 level). Without a valid certificate, your application is not admissible at the prefecture.
The 4 papers of the TEF IRN
- Listening comprehension: listen to and understand audio documents.
- Reading comprehension: read and understand everyday texts.
- Spoken expression: express yourself and interact in everyday situations.
- Written expression: write simple messages and texts.
The levels: A2, B1 or B2?
The TEF IRN places your level on the CEFR scale. The level required depends on your application: A2 for the multi-year residence permit, B1 for the resident card, B2 for naturalisation. A free level test lets you find out where you stand before you prepare.
Where and how to take it?
The TEF IRN is taken at a centre approved by the CCI Paris Île-de-France. At MYSTORY, you prepare with us and take the exam at our exam centre: our exam sessions are held in Rosny-sous-Bois (93). The certificate, issued by the CCI Paris Île-de-France, is valid for 2 years.
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Frequently asked questions
Your questions
Who must take the TEF IRN?
Any foreign national applying for a multi-year residence permit or a resident card, or applying for naturalisation, must prove their level of French with a test such as the TEF IRN.
How long does the TEF IRN last?
The TEF IRN is an adaptive exam lasting 1 hour 30 minutes, in its new format in force since 1 April 2025: reading comprehension (20 questions, 30 min), listening comprehension (20 questions, 20 min), written expression (2 tasks) and spoken expression (2 sections of 5 minutes). The comprehension papers are taken on a computer; spoken expression takes place as an interview.
Is the TEF IRN recognised by the State?
Yes. The TEF IRN is administered by the CCI Paris Île-de-France and recognised by the French State for residence permit and naturalisation procedures.
How long is the certificate valid?
The TEF IRN certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of the exam. Plan ahead so that it is still valid when you submit your application.