The TEF (Test d’Evaluation du Français) is a language test used to assess the French proficiency of non-native speakers of French.
This test can be used forthe Quebec Skilled Worker Programme (SWSP)and is the only French language test accepted forThe Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
Contents
About the TEF
Broadly speaking, the TEF is required to demonstrate 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 study in France).
- To obtain French citizenship (TEF for naturalisation).
- To certify French language ability for work purposes.
- To enrol in certain programmes and study abroad as an international student.
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TEF structure
In general, the test comprises three written sections:
- Reading
- Writing
- Vocabulary and structure
And two communicative sections:
- Nghe
- Speaking
The table below sets out the mandatory and optional sections of the TEF Canada and TEFaQ tests. Test takers must complete certain sections depending on their circumstances.
| Test section | TEF Canada (Canadian immigration) | TEF Canada (Canadian citizenship) | TEFaQ (Quebec immigration) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Mandatory | Not required | Optional for the principal applicant |
| Writing | Mandatory | Not required | Optional for the principal applicant |
| Nghe | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory for the principal applicant and optional for the common-law partner |
| Speaking | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory for the principal applicant and optional for the common-law partner |
| Vocabulary and structure | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
TEF Canada for Canadian immigration purposes
The table below gives details of the sections required for those seeking to demonstrate French language ability for Canadian immigration.
| Test section | Number of questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 50 questions | 60 minutes |
| Nghe | 60 questions | 40 minutes |
| Writing | 2 topics | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 2 topics | 15 minutes |
TEF Canada for Canadian citizenship purposes
The table below gives details of the sections required for those seeking to demonstrate French language ability when applying for Canadian citizenship.
| Test section | Number of questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Nghe | 60 questions | 40 minutes |
| Speaking | 2 topics | 15 minutes |
TEFaQ for Quebec immigration purposes
The TEFaQ (Test d’Evaluation du français adapté pour le Québec) is a test for those who need to demonstrate French proficiency specifically for Quebec immigration purposes. Although the TEFaQ is aimed more directly at Quebec immigration, candidates may choose to take the TEF or any other French language test approved by the Quebec government.
The TEFaQ comprises the following four test sections:
| Test section | Number of questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Nghe | 60 questions | 40 minutes |
| Speaking | 2 sections | 15 minutes |
| Reading | 50 questions | 60 minutes |
| Writing | 2 sections | 60 minutes |
How the TEF and TEFaQ are scored under the Quebec Skilled Worker Programme
| Test section | TEF Canada (Canadian immigration) | TEF Canada (Canadian citizenship) | TEFaQ (Quebec immigration) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Mandatory | Not required | Optional for the principal applicant |
| Writing | Mandatory | Not required | Optional for the principal applicant |
| Nghe | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory for the principal applicant and optional for the common-law partner |
| Speaking | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory for the principal applicant and optional for the common-law partner |
| Vocabulary and structure | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
The TEF and TEFaQ points system for the QSWP
| TEF score | 0+ (0–68) | 1 (69–203) | 2 (204–360) | 3 (361–540) | 4 (541–698) | 5 (699–833) | 6 (834–900) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CECR equivalent | 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 equivalent | – | 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 equivalent | – | A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 |
| Quebec skilled worker language points for speaking ability | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the TEF
To receive points for French proficiency under thethe Quebec Skilled Worker Programme (SWSP), individuals applying for Quebec immigration must demonstrate their language proficiency by providing results from a French language test approved by Quebec’s immigration ministry.
The principal applicant may receive up to 16 points for oral and written knowledge, and a further 6 points for oral and written knowledge if applying together with a common-law partner.
Candidates must take the Listening and Speaking sections. The Writing and Reading sections are not mandatory, but additional points are available for them.
The cost of the test depends on where it is taken. Contact the test centre for specific prices athere.
The TEF/TEFaQ/TEF Canada test comprises four to five sections. Please refer to the tables above for details of test timings.
Test results are sent 6 to 8 weeks after the test date.
Candidates may retake the test as many times as necessary, but must leave two months between test sessions.
TEF and TEFaQ results are valid for two years from the test date.
Registration depends on your country. Select the country of your choice to see a list of the nearest test centres athere.
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