Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions about classes, exams, cultural activities or anything else?
Check the tabs below for an answer. Please feel free to email info@af.ca if you need more in-depth answers.
The AFO is a not-for-profit organization that has been present in Ottawa since 1905. It is part of the global network of Alliances Françaises, which promotes the French language and Francophone cultures around the world. A language school, cultural centre and official examination centre, it welcomes more than 1,500 learners each year.
No. The AFO is an independent, non-profit association not affiliated with the French or Canadian government, although it regularly collaborates with both in the context of cultural or educational projects.
Yes, we regularly collaborate with:
Yes, our cultural events are open to the public, unless otherwise stated. It is also possible to come and see us for information or an informal visit.
Yes, but the AFO is usually closed during the holiday season (late December to early January) and most holidays. Timetables are communicated online in advance.
Our team is bilingual in French and English. We can welcome people who do not yet speak French, with pleasure.
Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Meetup), or visit our website regularly.
It is a test that allows us to assess your level of French according to the European Framework (A1 to C1). He helps us direct you to the group best suited to your skills.
It takes place in 2 parts; first independently online, then by a 20-minute interview with a teacher via Microsoft Teams to confirm the level. A calendar with appointment slots with the teacher will be offered to the student at the end of the online test.
Yes, unless:
It depends on:
You can purchase the first part of the test online via our website. At the top, right on af.ca/ottawa, click on the red WHAT IS MY LEVEL / QUEL EST MON NIVEAU button.
You will receive the test link on your customer receipt as soon as you purchase.
This is normal, the evaluation is not finished. The second step is the interview with the teacher to confirm your level. To do this, make an appointment via the tab that will appear at the end of your online test.
Once this interview has been completed, we will send the results by email and registration will be possible in the classes adapted to your level.
The test is a tool for identification, not a judgment. If you think that the level offered does not suit you, we can discuss it before validating the registration.
Our group courses are open to anyone aged 16 or over, regardless of their level of French, nationality or objectives (personal, professional, immigration/relocation, etc.).
From the absolute beginner level (A1.1) to the advanced level (C2.2). The progression follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Each session generally lasts 8 weeks and represents an average of 26 hours. We offer 6 sessions per year: WINTER, SPRING1, SPRING2, SUMMER, FALL 1 and FALL2.
Registrations remain open during the first week of the course, subject to availability. After the beginning, it is rarely possible to join a group.
These fees cover the creation of your account, access to the educational platform (Apolearn), educational follow-up and administrative costs. They are valid for one year.
The lessons are not recorded, but the teacher can be contacted to help you catch up.
Apolearn also allows you to communicate directly with your teacher and find the exercises seen in class and the assignments for the next session.
Our courses are based on the Odyssey method (International Key) for adult courses as well as on authentic documents. The equipment is 100% digitized and virtual and must be purchased to participate in the course.
A paper version of the book can be purchased at an additional cost.
No. The price displayed covers course fees only.
Registration fees and teaching materials (textbook, workbook, etc.) are not included and are charged separately.
As a non-profit organization, however, we can issue an official receipt for tax purposes.
The invoice must be paid within 48 hours. After this period, your registration will be automatically cancelled.
Your employer pays for your registration
The invoice must be paid in full before the start of the course.
After you register:
No. To ensure educational quality, each group has a limited capacity. However, you can register on the waiting list or book for the next session.
No, courses are not systematically recorded. However, the content of each session is uploaded to the Apolearn platform, and you can contact your teacher to follow the assignments or documents.
No. Each group has its own teacher, its own rhythm and its own content. The groups are not interchangeable.
Once the course has started, no refund is possible unless there is a major medical reason. See our Terms and Conditions of Sale for any exceptions.
A change of group is only possible in the event of a level error, and within the limit of available places. Two situations are possible:
⚠️ Group changes for personal convenience (schedule, day, teacher, online/face-to-face format, etc.) are not possible less than 48 hours before the start of the course or once it has started.
For any request, please write to info@af.ca as soon as possible after the start of the course.
Yes, on request, a certificate of participation can be issued to you, subject to sufficient attendance.
Yes, an end-of-term evaluation, independently on Apolearn, is planned to measure your progress, without stress or pressure. Obtaining a 75/100 is mandatory to validate the level and register for the next level.
Discounts may exist for early bird registration, but they vary depending on the period. Visit our website or contact us to find out more.
No, the online registration periods are fixed and predefined. They generally open a month and a half before the start of the session. However, you can contact info@af.ca to register for a future session.
Our workshops are open to anyone aged 16 or over, with the required level.
Our workshops require a minimum language level beforehand. For new students, the orientation test is required to ensure that the chosen workshop corresponds to your language level.
We offer several workshops depending on the session:
Each workshop consists of 6 sessions of 2 hours per week, i.e. 6 weeks in total. We offer 6 sessions per year: WINTER, SPRING1, SPRING2, SUMMER, FALL 1 and FALL2.
Depending on the type of workshop:
Teaching is live via Zoom. We can accommodate a maximum of 8 students to promote active participation and interaction between learners. The themes change from session to session to stay dynamic and relevant.
With a credit card:
Without credit card:
The invoice must be paid within 48 hours. After this period, your registration will be automatically cancelled.
Registrations remain open until the first week of the course, subject to availability. After the beginning, it is rarely possible to join a group.
These fees cover the creation of your account, access to the educational platform (Apolearn), educational follow-up and administrative costs. They are valid for one year.
Our workshops are based on authentic documents and open-access educational resources (from Zexperts) and have been entirely designed by the AFO. The equipment is 100% digitized and virtual via Apolearn.
The workshops do not require the purchase of additional material.
No. To ensure educational quality, each group has a limited capacity. However, you can register on the waiting list or book for the next session.
No, courses are not systematically recorded. However, the content of each session is uploaded to the Apolearn platform, and you can contact your teacher to follow the assignments or documents.
Once the course has started, no refund is possible unless there is a major medical reason. See our Terms and Conditions of Sale for any exceptions.
The workshops are designed for the development of specific skills and do not lead to an official level certificate.
Yes, you can take different workshops depending on your availability and learning needs, subject to availability.
These are online group training courses, specifically designed to help current or future employees of the Canadian public service prepare for the Second Language Evaluation (SLE) required by the Public Service Commission of Canada.
The courses cover several levels and objectives depending on the tests to be passed:
These courses are aimed at:
Depending on the level chosen:
Each course combines interactive activities, group exercises, simulations, and teaching resources tailored to the requirements of these assessments.
Yes. To ensure proper placement, all new learners take an orientation test to determine their level according to our internal grid (aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference).
Each session usually lasts 4 weeks. We offer 11 sessions per year, one each month (except November and December which are grouped into a single session).
Classes are held online and teaching is live via Zoom. We can accommodate a maximum of 8 students per group.
Our courses are designed to maximize your chances of success by preparing you for test formats, question types and evaluation criteria, while strengthening your language skills.
However, success also depends on your starting level and personal commitment. We cannot therefore guarantee an accurate result in the examination.
Yes, these are the delocalised exams. We must be contacted at least 4 weeks before.
Registrations remain open until the first week of the course, subject to availability. After the beginning, it is rarely possible to join a group.
These fees cover the creation of your account, access to the educational platform (Apolearn), educational follow-up and administrative costs. They are valid for one year.
Our courses are based on authentic documents. The equipment is 100% digitized and virtual and has been entirely designed by the AFO.
These courses do not require the purchase of additional material.
It depends on your situation:
You pay yourself
The invoice must be paid within 48 hours. After this period, your registration will be automatically cancelled.
Your employer pays for your registration
The invoice must be paid in full before the start of the course.
After you register:
No. To ensure educational quality, each group has a limited capacity. However, you can register on the waiting list or book for the next session.
No, courses are not systematically recorded. However, the content of each session is uploaded to the Apolearn platform, and you can contact your teacher to follow the assignments or documents.
No. Each group has its own teacher, its own rhythm and its own content. The groups are not interchangeable.
Once the course has started, no refund is possible unless there is a major medical reason. See our Terms and Conditions of Sale for any exceptions.
A change of group is only possible in the event of a level error, and within the limit of available places. Two situations are possible:
⚠️ Group changes for personal convenience (schedule, day, teacher, online/face-to-face format, etc.) are not possible less than 48 hours before the start of the course or once it has started.
For any request, please write to info@af.ca as soon as possible after the start of the course.
Yes, on request, a certificate of participation can be issued to you, subject to sufficient attendance.
No, the online registration periods are fixed and predefined. They generally open a month and a half before the start of the session. However, you can contact info@af.ca to register for a future session.
Our group classes are interactive, fun and stimulating, combining teaching and creative activities. They are intended for young people, whether they are Francophones, Anglophones or learners of French as a second language.
We offer several formats adapted to different age groups:
To teach French in a natural, joyful and active way, with interactive activities, games, reading and creative projects that stimulate oral and written expression.
Yes! We have levels suitable for complete beginners as well as children who already have a base. We use manuals and projects designed to make learning progressive and engaging.
If your child has already studied French, they must take an orientation test in person, at our premises, to determine the most suitable group. This test must be purchased online in advance: KIDS Placement Test, TEENS Placement Test
Alternatively, beginner children can start directly in an A1.1 group.
The courses combine traditional teaching with games, creative projects and reading.
Each session of children’s lessons is composed of 12 classes of 1hr15min, i.e. a duration of 15 hours.
Each session of teen lessons is composed of 12 classes of 1hr30min, i.e. a duration of 18 hours.
We currently offer 3 sessions per year: SNOW, BLOSSOM, and LEAVES.
Face-to-face children’s classes take place at our offices at 352 MacLaren Street and can accommodate up to 8 people. Accompanying persons can wait in our gallery for the duration of the course.
Teen classes take place online via Zoom.
Registrations remain open until the first week of the course, subject to availability. After the beginning, it is rarely possible to join a group.
This fee covers the creation of your account, the pedagogical follow-up and the administrative costs. They are valid for one year.
Our children’s courses are based on the Cap sur method, while the courses for teenagers use the Imagine method, complemented by authentic documents and various educational resources.
The purchase of teaching materials is mandatory in order to participate in the course and follow the progress of the group.
No. The price displayed covers course fees only.
Registration fees and teaching materials (textbook, workbook, etc.) are not included and are charged separately.
As a non-profit association registered as a charity, however, we can issue an official receipt for tax purposes.
The invoice must be paid within 48 hours. After this period, your registration will be automatically cancelled.
The invoice must be paid in full before the start of the course.
You will receive an email confirming the opening of your course.
Children’s Lessons: Then come to our premises at the indicated time and the teacher will welcome and guide your child to his or her classroom.
Teen Course: You will then receive a second automatic email giving you access to our Apolearn educational platform. The Zoom link will be available on the Apolearn platform. All you have to do is click on the link at the scheduled time to join your course.
No. To ensure educational quality, each group has a limited capacity. However, you can register on the waiting list or book for the next session.
Once the course has started, no refund is possible unless there is a major medical reason. See our Terms and Conditions of Sale for any exceptions.
A change of group is only possible in the event of a level error, and within the limit of available places. Two situations are possible:
! Group changes for personal convenience (schedule, day, teacher, etc.) are not possible less than 48 hours before the start of the course or once it has started.
For any request, please write to info@af.ca as soon as possible after the start of the course.
Can I get a certificate at the end of the course?
There is no formal end-of-term exam for children’s courses.
The teacher evaluates the students’ progress throughout the session, through the activities carried out in class. An end-of-term assessment is then written to indicate whether the student is ready to move on to the next level.
No, the online registration periods are fixed and predefined. They generally open a month and a half before the start of the session. However, you can contact info@af.ca to register for a future session.
These are personalized lessons (individual or in small semi-private groups) adapted to your goals, your level, your needs and your learning pace. You can choose to work on conversation, grammar, listening comprehension, preparation for an exam or a specific situation (professional interview, travel, civil service, etc.).
They are particularly suitable if you have specific objectives (exam, civil service evaluation, professional communication, etc.).
These courses are usually held online, via Zoom. Some may take place in person, at our premises.
To determine your level and needs, an orientation test is mandatory if:‑
Once your orientation test has been completed, you will receive a preferences form to complete and send back to us. In it, you indicate your wishes in terms of number of hours, schedules and objectives. We process your request, make you a proposal that suits your availability and once your validation has been received, send you a quote. Once you have signed the form and paid the fees, your training will be confirmed.
If there is no response after 3 reminders within 72 hours (concerning documents, payment or confirmation of the course), the schedule is released and removed from the teacher’s schedule.
We use several teaching materials according to the needs and objectives of our students.
No, neither the registration fee nor the cost of the course materials is included in the price indicated.
However, we are a non-profit organization, and you will be able to request a tax receipt.
Rates vary depending on the number of hours purchased and the size of the group (individual, duo, trio or more). The higher the package (e.g., 50 hours +), the lower the hourly rate per person. Check out our website for more information on this.
This fee covers the creation of your account, the pedagogical follow-up and the administrative costs. They are valid for one year.
All fees (course hours, administrative fees, teaching materials) must be paid at the time of registration, no later than 72 hours before the first class. Without payment within this period, the course is postponed, and after 3 postponements, it will be cancelled.
Administrative fees and materials are payable at registration. Class hours are billed monthly or all at once and must be paid within 30 days of the invoice. Signed documents and initial payment are required 72 hours before the first class, otherwise the date will be postponed (maximum 3 postponements).
The hours are set when the contract is signed. Once confirmed (payment made and/or documents signed), they cannot be modified as a whole (slots, days, duration).
Only one-off adjustments are possible in certain cases and with adequate notice (2 working days), subject to availability and the specific conditions of your contract. Check out our website and terms and conditions for more information.
It depends, it is possible under certain conditions and by paying the related costs. See our Terms and Conditions of Sale for details.
No. Hours are nominative and non-transferable. It is also not possible to switch from one program to another (e.g. private → MCEL or group class).
Classes cannot be paused unless there is a documented medical/family emergency. In the event of an unjustified extended stoppage, the cancellation conditions apply.
A contract can be extended according to these rules:
The Alliance Française Ottawa is an official examination centre offering several internationally recognized certifications, such as the TCF and TEF tests (Canada, Quebec, etc.), as well as the DELF/DALF for elementary to advanced levels.
We also offer the DFP, the DAEFLE and the taking of delocalized exams.
No. It is the responsibility of each candidate to verify that he/she registers for the correct exam for his/her project (immigration, studies, citizenship, etc.). The AFO cannot be held responsible for the candidate’s choices.
These are two official tests recognized by IRCC for Canadian immigration.
Both tests measure your skills according to the same levels (CEFR), but have different formats, durations, and structures.
There is no difference in the format and value of the test with IRCC, only the method of taking it is different: paper or computer.
We recommend the paper version for people who are not comfortable using a computer or for people who need accommodations (For people with disabilities, upon presentation of a medical certificate).
We use French, Canadian QWERTY keyboards. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this type of keyboard before taking your test.
Remember to check our website regularly as places may become available following the withdrawals of previously registered candidates.
No. All exams offered by the Alliance Française Ottawa (TCF, TEF, DELF/DALF) take place in person, in our premises. No remote testing is allowed.
Yes. Full payment is required at the time of registration to secure a spot for the exam.
This is required to validate the registration of the TCF Canada and the TEF Canada and is requested by partner institutions.
All applications and supporting documents must be received by the registration deadline indicated at the time of registration (“see details” button). Applications that are incomplete or received after the deadline will not be accepted.
No, you must make yourself available for the full day, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Yes, but before the registration deadline and by email at info@af.ca.
Yes: a cancellation or postponement penalty of $100 applies for requests received on time.
No refunds or deferrals will be granted (except in documented medical or family emergencies).
Yes. A minimum of 20 calendar days must be allowed between two registrations for the same type of exam (e.g. TCF Canada). If this deadline is not met, the registration will be cancelled and $100 will be retained as a cancellation fee.
If the AFO must cancel a session for organizational reasons, an alternative date will be proposed, or a full refund will be granted.
Exceptions may be considered based on documentary justification, but they must be submitted as soon as possible.
You will come to our offices on the date and at the time indicated on your invitation. A person will welcome you, explain the course of the day, make you put all your personal belongings in a secure locker and then make you sign in and take your photo. You will then start with your individual or group tests. You will not be able to leave the building or retrieve your belongings for the duration of the test. Magazines are available in the waiting room, and you will also have access to our media library.
Yes. A printed invitation is mandatory on the day of the exam.
Two options
Any candidate arriving after the time indicated on the invitation will be denied access to the examination room. No refunds or postponements can be made.
TEF/TCF results are usually available a few weeks after the exam (often between 2 and 3 weeks).
DELF-DALF results certificates are generally available a few weeks after the exam (often between 3 and 4 weeks). The diplomas are published and printed in France before being sent to our center. It takes several months.
Yes. The certificates are strictly personal and cannot be sent to anyone without the candidate’s permission.
Yes, but it comes at a cost:
