Written by Gabriela Estrada

Speaking French is a fundamental linguistic skill when emigrating to the Canadian province of Quebec, as this language is the official language in the region, although there is a minority population that also communicates in English. International students or foreigners in general who wish to work in Canada and live the enchanting experience of this first world country have a good chance of obtaining their study or work visa if they are fluent in French, However, this ability must be demonstrated through the certified French evaluation test (TEF), which, for this particular province, is called Test d'Evaluation du Français Adapté pour le Québec/Test d'Evaluation du Français Adapté pour le Québec/Test de Evaluation de Français Adapté au Québec (TEFAQ).

We are going to give important details about this test in this article from Planet Immiland, the online French and English language academy for migration and general purposes of Immiland Canada. Join me in the reading! 

TEF Quebec (TEFAQ) 

The TEF Quebec is the French evaluation test adapted to Quebec (TEFAQ) and is recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion (MIDI) for official immigration application procedures; it is also recognized by the IRCC for access to Canadian citizenship. It is valid for two years. 

There are several French tests that you need to know in order to apply them according to your migratory objective, these are:

• TEF: is an international reference test that measures your level of knowledge and skills in French. The TEF allows you to study in France and is valid for 2 years.
• TEFAQ: general French test specifically for Quebec immigration whose objective is to measure the level of knowledge and skills in oral and written comprehension and production.
• TEF Canada: is a mandatory test for economic immigration programs that require proof of language skills. The TEF Canada is essential for acquiring Canadian citizenship. It is valid for 2 years.

How is the TEFAQ exam composed?

The TEFAQ is composed of 4 modular tests, which consist of:

• Listening comprehension: it lasts 40 minutes and consists of 40 questions.

• Oral expression: it lasts 15 minutes and covers 2 topics.

• Reading comprehension: it lasts 60 minutes and consists of 40 questions.

• Written expression: it lasts 60 minutes and covers 2 topics.

The principal applicant's level of French language proficiency must correspond to at least level 7 (advanced intermediate) of the Quebec scale of French proficiency levels for adult immigrants or its equivalent (level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) to obtain points.

Similarities and differences of the TEFAQ and the TEF 

The TEFAQ and the TEF are French language proficiency tests used to assess language levels for immigration to Canada and Express Entry. Both tests are administered by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration and Cultural Communities and are used to assess the French language skills of prospective immigrants to Canada. However, there are differences. Below is a comparison chart:

Why is it important to present the TEFAQ?

Because by taking an official recognition test of spoken French in the province of Quebec you will be able to demonstrate the level of knowledge and skills you possess in terms of comprehension and oral expression, which will be very useful to adapt to the social, academic, work and economic environment of the region and the provincial government will take into account your score according to the level achieved giving you a better chance of qualifying for a provincial program.

Both the TEFAQ and TEF require similar preparation and resources. At Planeta Immiland, we specialize in online classes for international students looking to learn French. Those interested in studying, working or living in Canada through economic mobility programs should know their level of French so that they can optimize it and achieve the highest score. 

It is important to be familiar with the format of the exam and to start preparing in French courses from home, online, in person or on your own, the important thing is that you do it. 

If you wish to know our specialized methodology in French for immigration, you can write to us at this link.

With love,

Planet Immiland