If you are planning to move to the province of Quebec in Canada, the French language tests you choose shape both your timeline and score. Most candidates I work with confuse TEFAQ with other versions of the Canadian tests, leading them to book the wrong exam. They pay twice, wait months, and still don’t get the desired result due to differences in formats and practice methods.
The TEFAQ is built specifically for Quebec immigration. It is not interchangeable with TEF/TCF Canada, and the differences matter for your application and your preparation strategy. I have spent over 15 years coaching French language in Noida and offering online French instruction for the TEF, TCF, and DELF exams. This page pulls together everything you need to know about the French TEFAQ exam.
Why does the French test TEFAQ matter for Quebec immigration
French is the only official language of the province of Quebec in Canada. According to the 2021 Census, 93.7% of the population speaks French, of whom 74.8% are native speakers. This makes Quebec primarily Francophone, unlike the rest of Canada, where English dominates.
Quebec requires a French test to ensure newcomers can integrate into its French-speaking society, economy, and culture. It’s not just a preference; it’s the law that French is the “language of integration for immigrants.” To live permanently, you need a “Certificat de sélection du Québec” (CSQ), the province’s official invitation to settle.
The province accepts 4 French tests: TEF Canada, TCF Canada, TEFAQ, and TCF Quebec. Today, we will cover TEFAQ.
You can check our complete guide on (i) TEF and TCF exams guide, (ii) TEF French Exam in India, and (iii) TCF French test in India.
What is the TEFAQ, acceptance, & Who Conducts it?
The Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) recognizes TEFAQ (Test d’évaluation de français adapté pour le Québec) for residency and citizenship purposes. Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Paris IDF), through Lefrancaisdesaffaires, manages the test. Alliance Française conducts the test in India.
The new PSTQ (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés) raised the bar for skilled workers in TEER categories 0, 1, or 2. You need an oral level of 7 and a written level of 5. MIFI requires advanced intermediate French. It is like B2 on the Échelle québécoise in oral comprehension and oral expression.
TEFAQ scores feed directly into the Quebec selection grid pathway. Under the PSTQ, French isn’t scored as a small points bonus, as it was under the previous program. It’s a requirement you either meet or don’t. Stream 1 and regulated professions in FEER 0, 1 and 2 need oral French at level 7 or higher and written French at level 5 or higher on the Échelle québécoise. Streams for intermediate and manual skills need spoken French at level 5 or higher. An accompanying spouse needs spoken French at level 4 or higher.
Check the current selection criteria on Québec.ca before you book, since Québec has been revising its programs. Without French, earning the minimum points for a CSQ is difficult. These points decide if you receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec in the next draw or wait six months.
TEF Quebec test format and structure
TEFAQ is modular. You pick the sections you need, not all four. You can sit for any 1, 2, 3, or 4 parts, depending on your immigration program. Most Quebec programs require only the two compulsory oral parts. But you can take all four tests to collect more points.
The four sections are:
| Section | Duration | Questions/Tasks | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (Compréhension orale) | 40 minutes | 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer | Face-to-face interview with the examiner |
| Speaking (Expression orale) | 15 minutes | 2 tasks (25 minutes – 80 words) and (35 minutes – 200 words) | Face-to-face interview with examiner |
| Reading (Compréhension écrite) | 60 minutes | 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer | Read texts, answer questions |
| Wtriting (Expression écrite) | 60 minutes | 2 writing tasks | Listen to audio recordings, choose the correct answer |
If you sit all four, the total exam time is around two hours and 55 minutes. The written and oral components run on the same day, with the speaking interview scheduled by the test center.
Oral Comprehension (Listening)
This section tests your ability to understand spoken French in everyday situations. You will hear conversations, announcements, news reports, and interviews. Each recording plays only once. You choose the correct answer from four options.
Oral Expression (Speaking)
You will have a one-on-one interview with an examiner. The speaking test has two parts:
- Task 1: A structured conversation where you talk about yourself, your family, your work, and your reasons for moving to Quebec. In short, to obtain information in 5 minutes.
- Task 2: An interactive exercise where you obtain information in a common everyday situation (like asking for directions or making a request). In short, express an argument to convince in 10 minutes.
The examiner scores you on pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and your ability to communicate clearly.
How the TEF pour Québec scoring works
TEFAQ uses a 0-699 score per section. That score maps to a CEFR level from A1 to C2. Most Quebec programs require B2 in oral skills (speaking and listening), which is roughly 361-540 points for listening and a similar band for speaking.
- A1–A2: Basic user
- B1: Independent user (lower intermediate)
- B2: Independent user (upper intermediate) – minimum for Quebec immigration
- C1–C2: Proficient user
You receive an electronic certificate from CCI Paris IDF, usually within 2 to 4 weeks after the exam. The certification stays valid for two years. If your immigration application is filed after that window, you have to retake the TEFAQ test.
TEFAQ Test Centers in India
You can take the TEFQAQ at over 200 authorized test centers worldwide. In Canada, you can take courses at McGill University (Montreal), Dawson College (Montreal), LeaderCSA (Montreal), Edu-inter (Quebec City), and Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup.
In 2026, candidates can take the TEF Quebec in 4 cities across India through the Alliance Française network.
- Bhopal: Alliance Française de Bhopal
- Chennai: Alliance Française de Madras
- Lucknow: Alliance Française de Lucknow
- Mumbai: Alliance Française de Bombay
To find the full list of official test centers, visit the Lefrancaisdesaffaires website. You can filter by country and test type. On the other hand, you can also take the TCF Quebec test in India.
TEFAQ fees
Fees vary by country and center. McGill University in Montreal charges CAD 145 each for oral comprehension and oral expression, and CAD 73 for each written section in 2026.
In India, the fee for speaking and listening in 2026 is ₹ 13,000. Candidates need to pay ₹6,500 for reading or writing. So, if you take all 4 sections, it would cost ₹26,000, including GST. All fees are non-refundable once you register, so confirm your section choices before paying.
TEF Quebec exam dates 2026
Test dates vary by center, and most Indian centers hold monthly TEFAQ sessions. Slots fill quickly during the peak immigration months of April to August, so book early and confirm cut-off dates with your center.
Want to compare TEFAQ dates and fees side-by-side with TEF Canada, TCF Canada, and TCF Québec? See our guide to TEF and TCF test dates in India.
How to Register for the Quebec version of TEF
Registration is done directly through an approved test center. You cannot register directly with the test administrator. Here’s how the process works:
- Find a center. Use the CCI Paris website to locate an approved TEFAQ center.
- Contact the center. Ask about available test dates, fees, and registration deadlines.
- Complete the registration form. Each center has its own registration process, often online.
- Pay the fee. Payment is usually required at the time of registration. Fees are non-refundable.
- Receive confirmation. The center will send you a confirmation email with your test date, time, and location.
You should register at least two to three weeks before your desired test date, as seats are limited and fill up quickly.
How TEFAQ compares with TEF Canada & TCF Canada
This is where most candidates trip up.
- TEF Canada: all four sections are compulsory on the same day, are accepted by IRCC, and have been accepted by MIFI since 2022.
- TCF Canada: all four sections are compulsory, accepted by both IRCC and MIFI, and follow a slightly different format with progressively increasing difficulty.
If your goal is exclusively Quebec and you want maximum oral-section points, TEFAQ and TCF Quebec are good choices. If your file may move to other provinces or involve federal programs, TEF Canada or TCF Canada is better, as they cover both routes.
TEF Québec vs. TCF Québec: What’s the Difference?
MIFI accepts both TCF Quebec and TEFAQ for immigration purposes, but IRCC does not accept them for the rest of Canada. Check our guide comparing TCF Quebec and TEFAQ.
TEFAQ focuses more on practical French, while the TCF Quebec varies the tasks and timing. Both are modular, and you can pick the sections you need. Other than format, testing centers, exam dates, and fees also vary.
Both are equally good; it depends on your strengths and immigration circumstances. The French tests for Quebec can help you maximize your language points, so choose the one that best suits your comfort level.
We run dedicated TEFAQ and TCF Quebec coaching at LanguageNext. It is available as part of the online TEF Canada programs and online TCF Canada courses. We also have offline sessions at our Noida center.
TEFAQ preparation tips that actually work
Most candidates need 4 to 6 months of focused prep to reach B2 from a B1 base. Plan from scratch for 12 to 14 months. A few habits and regular preparations make a big difference. Here are some practical ways to get ready.
- Understand the test format inside out. Know how many questions each section has, how much time you get, and what types of tasks to expect. For example, a 15-line “argument template” for the oral expression Task B, where you have to convince your interlocutor.
- Practice listening to Quebec French. Quebec pronunciation and expressions can differ from those of European or metropolitan French. Listen to Québécois accents on Radio-Canada, Télé-Québec, podcasts, and news broadcasts to train your ear. Focus on vocabulary related to work, health, housing, family, transport, and current affairs.
- Practice speaking out loud. Record yourself answering common interview questions. Then listen back and check your pronunciation and grammar.
- Use official preparation materials. The ABC TEFAQ book is a popular resource. It includes downloadable audio, exercises, and a digital online version. Other useful guides include “Préparation au TEFAQ”, “Le TEFAQ: tout pour réussir”, “Le Devoir”, or “La Presse” for 20 minutes a day to absorb formal Quebec French.
- Take practice and mock tests. Simulating the real exam experience helps you manage your time and reduce anxiety on test day. The pace, not the word list, is what most candidates fail at.
For a more detailed comparison of preparation routes, see our TEF/TCF and DELF prep course page, which provides a strong foundation before TEFAQ.
Final word on taking the French TEFAQ test
TEFAQ is the right exam when Quebec is your only target, and you want to maximize points on the oral sections. The modular format saves time and money for candidates who only need to take the listening and speaking modules.
Please confirm with MIFI whether your specific program requires the written sections, as the rules differ for PSTQ and citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions about TEFAQ
Let’s look at some common questions about the TEF Quebec test.