Praxis French: World Language

Plan for approximately 3 hours, which includes the unscored Listening Practice section and the optional practice with the character toolbar before Writing. There are 75 selected-response questions and 6 constructed-response questions in total, split across four sections that are each separately timed.

It differs by section. ETS states that time in the Reading and Writing sections is managed by the candidate, while timing is computer-controlled throughout the Listening and Speaking sections. That means you control your own pace for reading and typing, but audio prompts and recording windows move forward automatically with no pause.

Section 1 has 36 selected-response questions in 50 minutes. A separate unscored Listening Practice section comes first: 6 selected-response questions in 10 minutes that mirror the real question types. Questions include audio and are based on authentic material, so expect a range of regional accents and everyday or public speech in French.

Section 2 consists of 39 selected-response questions in 50 minutes. All questions and answer choices are in French, and the passages are authentic written materials drawn from various French-speaking regions. Because you manage the clock yourself, budget your 50 minutes across the passages rather than reading every text at the same speed.

Yes. Section 3 has 3 constructed-response tasks in 50 minutes, typed in French. ETS provides a built-in character toolbar for accented characters and offers an unscored 5-minute practice exercise using it before the section begins. Use that practice to locate accents and special characters so you are not hunting for them mid-response.

Section 4 has 3 constructed-response tasks in 15 minutes, and your responses are recorded. This is the tightest section of the test and its timing is computer-controlled, so there is no chance to return to an earlier prompt. Practice speaking aloud on a timer rather than composing answers in writing first.

ETS states that all sections of the test are at the Advanced Low level as described in ACTFL's proficiency guidelines. That is well above conversational competence: you should be able to narrate and describe in major time frames and handle unfamiliar topics, so prepare with authentic texts and audio rather than textbook dialogues.

Yes, cultural knowledge is built into two of the four section titles. ETS says questions are based on various genres of authentic material, written or audio, from various French-speaking regions of the world. Study beyond France and beyond metropolitan contexts, and read and listen widely rather than memorizing isolated facts.

ETS lists the test at $170.00. It is computer delivered, and candidates may test at home online or at a test center. Check your certifying state's requirements before registering, since ETS advises verifying that your state accepts this specific test.

Not necessarily. ETS notes that the test may contain some questions that do not count toward your score. You are not told which ones, so treat every question as scored and do not let one unfamiliar or difficult prompt affect your pacing on the rest.