Proving French Language Ability - Test d'Evaluation Du Français - TEF/TEFaQ
The TEF, or Test d'Evaluation du Français, is a language test that is used to assess the level of French comprehension and expression skills in people who are not native French speakers.
This test can be used for Quebec immigration purposes and is the only French language examination accepted for the Federal Skilled Worker Program
About TEF
Generally, TEF is mandatory to prove French language ability in the following cases:
- To Immigrate to Canada and become a Canadian citizen (TEF Canada)
- To immigrate to the Canadian province of Quebec (TEFAQ)
- To study in France (TEF for studies in France)
- To obtain citizenship in France (TEF for Naturalization)
- To certify one’s French language ability for work; and
- To enroll in certain programs and study abroad as an international student.
TEF Test Structure
Overall, the test consists of three written sections: Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, and Vocabulary and Structures; and two oral sections: Listening Comprehension and Oral Expression.
The table below highlights the compulsory and optional test sections for TEF Canada and TEFaQ. Test takers are required to complete certain sections depending on their case.
TEF Canada for Immigration to Canada
| Test section | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 50 questions | 60 minutes |
| Listening comprehension | 60 questions | 40 minutes |
| Written Expression | 2 topics | 60 minutes |
| Oral Expression | 2 topics | 15 minutes |
TEF Canada for Canadian citizenship
The table below provides details on the sections required for individuals looking to prove their French language ability when applying for Canadian citizenship.
| Test | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Listening Comprehension | 60 questions | 40 minutes |
| Oral expression | 2 topics | 15 minutes |
TEFaQ for Immigration to Quebec
The TEFaQ, or Test d'Evaluation du français adapté pour le Québec, is an examination intended for people who need proof of French proficiency specifically for Quebec immigration. While the TEFaQ is more targeted to Quebec immigration, applicants may instead choose to take the TEF or any other French language test approved by the Government of Quebec.
The TEFaQ consists of the following four test sections:
| Test section | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Listening comprehension (Listening) | 60 questions | 40 minutes |
| Oral expression (Speaking) | 2 parts | 15 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 50 questions | 60 minutes |
| Written expression | 2 parts | 60 minutes |
How the TEF and TEFaQ are graded according to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
| TEF Score | 0+ (0-68) | 1 (69-203) | 2 (204-360) | 3 (361-540) | 4 (541-698) | 5 (699-833) | 6 (834-900) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CECR* equivalency | A1 | A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 |
| Quebec Skilled Worker Language Points for listening and speaking | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Quebec Skilled Worker Language Points for reading and writing | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
TEFaQ Listening Score
| TEFaQ Listening Score | 0+ (0-27) | 1 (28-81) | 2 (82-144) | 3 (145-216) | 4 (217-279) | 5 (280-333) | 6 (334-360) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CECR* equivalency | - | A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 |
| Quebec Skilled Worker Language Points for listening ability | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
TEFaQ Speaking Score
| TEFaQ Speaking Score | 0+ (0-33) | 1 (34-100) | 2 (101-180) | 3 (181-270) | 4 (271-348) | 5 (349-415) | 6 (416-450) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CECR* equivalency | - | A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 |
| Quebec Skilled Worker Language Points for speaking ability | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
*Cadre européen commun de référence pour les langues*Cadre européen commun de référence pour les langues
Choose the country of your choice for a list of the nearest test centres.
TEF/TEFaQ Frequently Asked Questions
A principal applicant may claim up to 16 points for oral and written knowledge and an additional 6 points for oral and written knowledge if applying with a spouse or common-law partner.
