Training for the TCF Québec (TCFQ) 2025 test
What is the TCF Québec (TCFQ) ?
The TCF Québec is a variant of the French language proficiency test (TCF), constituting an official linguistic certification placed under the responsibility of France Éducation international (a public body attached to the French Ministry of National Education).
The TCFQ (or TCF QC) is intended for anyone aged 16 and over, regardless of nationality, who wishes to certify their level of French as part of a permanent immigration procedure in Quebec. It can also be used for applications for French nationality, a French resident card, or simply to reliably validate their oral and written language skills.
Holders of the TCF Québec can leverage their certificate in various professional and Quebec immigration processes. It benefits from widespread recognition, not only by the MIFI but also by:
- The Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC);
- University establishments;
- Language training centers;
- The professional sector.
Issued in digital form, the TCF Québec is valid for 2 years.
The TCF Québec (TCFQ) exams
This version of the test offers 1 to 4 tests to choose from: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, speaking and writing.
Listening comprehension
This test involves listening once to recordings of everyday situations (conversations, radio broadcasts, etc.) and then answering multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Four options (A, B, C and D) are offered, of which only one is correct. The test consists of 39 questions of increasing difficulty and its total duration is 35 minutes.
Reading comprehension
In this test, you analyze different types of written documents (articles, messages, menus, literary excerpts, etc.) before answering multiple-choice questions with four answers, only one of which is correct. This section includes 39 progressively more complex questions and lasts 60 minutes.
Oral expression
This test consists of a one-on-one interview with an examiner who assesses your ability to express yourself orally in a continuous, clear and spontaneous manner. It consists of 3 exercises and lasts 12 minutes:
- Guided interview (2 minutes);
- Interactive exercise (3.5 minutes and 2 minutes of preparation);
- Expression of a point of view (4.5 minutes).
Written expression
This test includes several written production exercises (tasks 1, 2 and 3) which assess your ability to describe, justify a point of view, argue and structure your ideas. It includes 3 writing exercises and lasts 60 minutes:
- Message to describe, tell and explain (60-120 words);
- Short text (article, email, note, etc.) to report on an experience or a story with comments (120-150 words);
- Longer text (for a newspaper, website, colleague, superior, etc.) that compares two points of view (120-180 words).
Understanding the notation
Each TCF Québec test is subject to a separate rating:
- The oral comprehension (CO) and written comprehension (CE) tests are marked on a scale ranging from 100 to 699 points;
- The written expression (EE) and oral expression (EO) tests are marked out of 20.
At the end of the test, you will receive an official certificate indicating your scores for each test taken, as well as the corresponding level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Levels range from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency) according to the following scale:
|
CEFR level
|
TCF Quebec Score
(CO and CE)
|
TCF Quebec Score
(EE and EO)
|
|
A1
|
100 to 199 points
|
1
|
|
A2
|
200 to 299 points
|
2 to 5
|
|
B1
|
300 to 399 points
|
6 to 9
|
|
B2
|
400 to 499 points
|
10 to 13
|
|
C1
|
500 to 599 points
|
14 to 17
|
|
C2
|
600 to 699 points
|
18 to 20
|
If your score for the comprehension tests is less than or equal to 99 points, the note “A1 not achieved” appears on the certificate.
The results are communicated at the latest:
- 10 working days after the closing of a computerized TCF session including only multiple-choice tests;
- 15 working days after receipt of copies by France Éducation international for paper sessions.
How to train for the TCF Québec (TCFQ) ?
As with any language certification, the TCF Québec requires several months of advance training. The goal is to familiarize yourself with the test format and strengthen your written and oral language skills. Start by determining which tests you need to take based on your specific needs, then set a score goal. As soon as possible, develop a review schedule that includes sample exercises to integrate the test structure and practice in real-life conditions.
To optimize your training, you can use a specialized online training platform. For example, PrepMyFuture offers a complete TCF Québec preparation program including 40 study sheets, 3 practice tests, 1 TCF mini-test, and more than 1,000 exercises to familiarize you with the test format.
In addition to the TCF Québec (TCFQ), PrepMyFuture preparation also covers:
How to register for the exam ?
Registration for the TCF Québec is done directly with an approved examination center. The list of centers where you can take the TCF Québec in France and abroad can be found on the official website of France Éducation International.
After contacting the nearest examination center, they will provide you with all the necessary information:
- The schedule and locations of the next available sessions;
- The methods of administering the tests (on computer or on paper);
- Registration fees.
To complete your registration, you will need to present a valid ID (this same document will be required on the day of the exam). You can take the TCF, including the TCF Québec, as many times as you like, provided you respect a 30-day interval between each session.
Where to take the test ?
The TCF can be taken at one of 700 accredited centers worldwide. In France, the tests are held at Alliance Française (French Alliances), Instituts Français (French Institutes), Greta (French University of Applied Sciences), and numerous universities.
To identify the center closest to your home, consult the official directory available on the France Éducation international website.
Why take the TCF Québec (TCFQ) ?
The TCF Québec is a recognized and valued certification that officially attests to your level of French for immigration purposes: a satisfactory level of French is required for various immigration procedures in Quebec. The TCF Québec, recognized by immigration authorities, is therefore an essential element of your application.
It can also be used for applications for nationality, a French resident card, or to work in a French-speaking environment since it officially certifies your level of French.
Beyond the administrative requirements, taking one of the TCFs can be useful for officially recognizing your level of French in a professional and personal context: to strengthen an application file and to assess your progress in learning French.
Tips for passing the TCF Québec (TCFQ)
The TCF Québec places your French level on the CEFR scale. The more you develop your language skills, the more likely you are to obtain a higher CEFR level on your certificate.
When it comes to language learning, regular practice is the key to success! Only daily immersion in the French language will allow you to truly progress. In addition to standard exercises and practice exams, your TCF Québec preparation must include sufficient time dedicated to improving each skill:
- Listen to podcasts regularly and watch films in French;
- Read articles from the French-speaking press daily;
- Practice writing texts according to the specific test instructions;
- Practice conversation as frequently as possible with native speakers.
On exam day, make sure you understand the instructions and manage your time effectively. If you're unsure about a multiple-choice question, choose the answer that seems most plausible and continue with the test (no points are deducted for an incorrect answer). In any case, have confidence in your preparation. With methodical and targeted TCF Québec training, you can confidently achieve the goal you've set for yourself.
