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.

Test sectionTEF Canada (immigration to Canada)TEF Canada (Canadian citizenship)TEFaQ (immigration to Quebec)
Reading comprehensionCompulsoryNot requiredOptional for principal applicant
Written Expression CompulsoryNot requiredOptional for principal applicant
Listening comprehensionCompulsoryCompulsoryCompulsory for principal applicant and Optional for spouse/common-law partner
Oral Expression (Speaking)CompulsoryCompulsoryCompulsory for principal applicant and Optional for spouse/common-law partner
Vocabulary and StructuresN/AN/A

N/A

TEF Canada for Immigration to Canada

The table below provides details on the sections required for individuals interested in proving their French language ability for immigration to Canada.

Test sectionQuestionsDuration
Reading Comprehension50 questions60 minutes
Listening comprehension60 questions40 minutes
Written Expression2 topics60 minutes
Oral Expression2 topics15 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.

TestQuestionsDuration
Listening Comprehension60 questions40 minutes
Oral expression2 topics15 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 sectionQuestionsDuration
Listening comprehension (Listening)60 questions40 minutes
Oral expression (Speaking)2 parts15 minutes
Reading Comprehension50 questions60 minutes
Written expression2 parts60 minutes

How the TEF and TEFaQ are graded according to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program

TEF Score0+
(0-68)		1
(69-203)		2
(204-360)		3
(361-540)		4
(541-698)		5
(699-833)		6
(834-900)
CECR* equivalencyA1A1A2B1B2C1C2
Quebec Skilled Worker Language Points for listening and speaking0000567
Quebec Skilled Worker Language Points for reading and writing0000111

TEFaQ Listening Score

TEFaQ Listening Score0+
(0-27)		1
(28-81)		2
(82-144)		3
(145-216)		4
(217-279)		5
(280-333)		6
(334-360)
CECR* equivalency-A1A2B1B2C1C2
Quebec Skilled Worker Language Points for listening ability0000567

TEFaQ Speaking Score

TEFaQ Speaking Score0+
(0-33)		1
(34-100)		2
(101-180)		3
(181-270)		4
(271-348)		5
(349-415)		6
(416-450)
CECR* equivalency-A1A2B1B2C1C2
Quebec Skilled Worker Language Points for speaking ability0000567

*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

In order to claim points for French language proficiency under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, individuals applying for immigration to Quebec are required to demonstrate their language proficiency by providing test results from a Quebec Ministry of Immigration approved French language test.

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.

Applicants must take the Oral comprehension and Oral expression (listening and speaking) sections. The writing and reading modules are not required, but additional points are available for these modules.

Testing costs depend on the location where the test is being given. Contact the examination centre for specific prices.

The TEF/TEFaQ/TEF Canada examination consists of 4-5 test sections. Please review the tables above for a complete breakdown of test duration.

Generally, test results are sent six to eight weeks after the exam date.

You can take the exam as many times as necessary, however you must leave a gap of two months between the examination sessions.

The TEF and TEFaQ results are valid for two years from the date you took the test.

Registration will depend on your country. Choose the country of your choice for a list the nearest test centres.