Training for TEF Québec (TEFAQ) 2025

What is the TEF Québec (TEFAQ) ?

The TEF (Test d'Évaluation de Français) is a language certification designed for non-French speakers who wish to assess their written and spoken French skills for administrative, personal, or professional reasons. Among its variations, the TEFAQ is specifically designed, regardless of their mother tongue:

• To candidates for immigration to the province of Quebec or for Canadian nationality;
• For non-French-speaking students and professionals who need proof of their level in French.

The TEF, including its TEFAQ variant, is issued by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) and is one of the most renowned French language certifications worldwide. It is officially recognized by various institutions, including:

• The Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration of Quebec (MIFI);
• The French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation;
• The French Ministry of National Education.

TEF results remain valid for 2 years.

The TEF Québec (TEFAQ) exams

As part of the TEF Québec, you have the option of taking the tests separately. You select 1 to 4 tests depending on the requirements of the immigration program you are applying for. For example, for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) and the application for Canadian citizenship, listening and speaking tests are required.

Reading comprehension

This test assesses your ability to read and understand various written documents (correspondence, articles, literary texts, etc.) from everyday, professional or academic contexts. Lasting 60 minutes, it consists of 40 multiple-choice questions (MCQ) with 4 options, of which only one is correct.

Listening comprehension

The test examines your ability to understand spoken French in different situations (dialogues, radio excerpts, etc.). Lasting 40 minutes, it also includes 40 multiple-choice questions with four answers, including one correct answer.

Written expression

This test assesses your writing skills in French. Lasting 60 minutes, it includes two sections:

• Section A (25 minutes): write the continuation of a press article of at least 80 words;
• Section B (35 minutes): write a text of at least 200 words to give and justify your point of view.

Oral expression

The test demonstrates your ability to communicate orally with an examiner. It lasts 15 minutes and consists of two sections:

• Section A (5 minutes): ask for information on an everyday topic;
• Section B (10 minutes): argue to convince your interlocutor.

Understanding the notation

The TEFAQ, like all TEFs, is a positioning test that places your French language skills on the scale of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR).

Each test is scored individually, on a scale of 0 to 699 points. After the test, you will receive a certificate indicating your score for each test and the corresponding CEFR level, ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency).

Here is the equivalence grid between TEF scores and CECRL levels:

Please note: The required level varies depending on each program, but a B2 level is generally recommended to optimize your chances.

Results are communicated by email within 2 to 4 weeks after the exam date.

How to train for the TEF Québec (TEFAQ) ?

Effective preparation for the TEFAQ relies on a good understanding of the test format and the specific expectations for each test. Regardless of which version you choose, you can prepare online from home. Familiarize yourself with the instructions using interactive exercises, sample tests, video tutorials, and practice exams.

In collaboration with the CCI Paris Île-de-France, a certification body, PrepMyFuture has developed the only online preparation integrating recent official practice tests, offering you:

• 1 mini TEF test;
• 2 official practice tests;
• More than 100 detailed course sheets;
• Over 2,200 practice questions.

If you are involved in an administrative process for Canada or France, consult the pages dedicated to: preparation for the TEF for all audiences , preparation for the TEF Canada , preparation for the TEF IRN and preparation for the TEF Études .

How to register for the exam ?

Registration for the TEF is done directly with an approved examination center, in France or abroad. Consult the list of centers where you can take the TCF Québec (500 centers in more than 110 countries), then contact the nearest one to find out the registration procedures, available dates, and required documents.

After completing your registration, you will receive an official invitation by email specifying the date, time, location of the exam, as well as the instructions to follow.

Where to take the test ?

The TEF can be taken in France or internationally, only at an approved center (Alliance Française, training center, etc.). The complete list of centers is available online.

Why take the TEF Québec (TEFAQ) ?

Recognized since 2002 by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI), the TEFAQ certification allows you to officially certify your French language skills. This test is required for an application for Canadian citizenship and for an immigration program in Quebec such as the PEQ (Quebec Experience Program) or the PRTQ (Regular Skilled Worker Selection Program).

Some universities, colleges, or employers may require a certified level of French for admission to a French-language study program or for hiring and professional integration. The TEFAQ allows you to add skills to your resume through official validation of proficiency.

It is also a way to measure your progress, set a personal or academic learning goal, prepare yourself to live in a French-speaking environment, or challenge yourself in a structured setting.

Tips for passing the TEF Québec (TEFAQ)

The key to success in the TEFAQ lies above all in good preparation. The more you practice, the better you understand the instructions for each test and develop the right reflexes.

For the reading comprehension and vocabulary/structure tests, practice reading a wide variety of French texts (articles, recipes, literary excerpts, etc.). This will help you read faster and expand your vocabulary. For listening comprehension, get your ear used to French by regularly listening to audio content: podcasts, videos, radio broadcasts, etc. The documents offered for reading comprehension are often from the same types of media. So familiarize yourself with these formats so you're not surprised on exam day. Finally, for writing, always allow time to proofread.

On test day, read the instructions carefully. Note that no rough drafts are allowed, including for the written expression test.

No matter the test, remember to check out our free videos and practice with the official practice tests.