Please review our updated TEF policies, as several important changes will take effect in 2026. 

Updated October 9, 2025

Tef Policies

1. Registration

• Registration is open to all candidates, regardless of the state in which they reside.
• Due to limited availability, each candidate may register for the TEF exam a maximum of two (2) times per exam session release period. This policy helps ensure fair access for all individuals who need to take the exam. 
• Masks are optional as per Washington and King County guidelines.

2. Cancellation and Refund Policy

• Cancellations made more than 10 (ten) calendar days before the test date are refundable, minus a $100 administrative fee.  
• Cancellations made within 10 (ten) calendar days of the exam are not eligible for a refund or rescheduling. Once payment has been received and registration has been confirmed, no refunds, credits, or transfers will be issued for cancellations within this 10-day period. Candidates who cannot attend must submit a new registration for a future session. 
• In exceptional cases of documented medical emergencies, rescheduling may be considered at the sole discretion of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris Île-de-France (CCIP), which oversees the TEF. A $50 rescheduling fee will apply if the request is approved. Approval from CCIP is not guaranteed. 

3. Candidate information

It is the candidate’s responsibility to check that their names and details are correct on the confirmation of enrollment, as they appear on their passport. The same details will appear on the certificate. 

4. Schedule

• Once set, the schedule of examination dates and times may not be altered.  
• The Alliance Française de Seattle reserves the right to cancel a test. In the event of circumstances beyond the control of the Alliance Française de Seattle—such as natural disasters, severe weather, public health emergencies, power or internet outages, or government-mandated closures—the exam may be postponed, rescheduled, or canceled. Such situations are considered force majeure and do not entitle candidates to refunds or compensation. Candidates will be offered the option to transfer to a future session when feasible.

5. Late arrivals

Candidates should arrive at the time indicated on their confirmation, which they have received by email. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.  

6. Proof of identity

Candidates will be required to bring official proof of identity on their examination day. Only passports, national ID cards, and photo driver licenses will be accepted. Failure to present one of the above-mentioned documents will result in denial of access to the examination room. 

7. Results

Results are usually available within 1 to 10 business days after the examination day. Candidates will be informed by email, by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Paris Île-de-France. No scores will be given by phone to candidates. 

8. Official Terms and Conditions

Please read the official terms and conditions from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Paris Île-de-France (CCIP). 

9. Belongings and equipment

AFSeattle can provide headsets for the candidates, but we recommend that candidates bring their own. The candidates are required to reduce their belongings to the minimum—ID, headsets, one water bottle.