TEF test format: structure, sections and results
Understand the TEF format, the four language skills assessed for immigration, and the differences between TEF Canada and TEF Québec (TEFAQ), so you can prepare for the test that matches your goals.
For immigration to Canada and, depending on the procedure, Canadian citizenship.
For immigration to Québec. The test sections are modular depending on the program.
What is the TEF?
The Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) is a French-language proficiency test created by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It assesses French proficiency through several language skills.
For the immigration pathways covered by FTS, TEF Canada and TEF Québec (TEFAQ) assess the same four core language skills. The main difference lies in the immigration pathway and whether the test sections are mandatory or modular.
The 4 language skills assessed on TEF Canada and TEFAQ
Both versions use the same four language-skill sections. Whether they are mandatory depends on your immigration pathway.
Listening
comprehension
Reading
comprehension
Written
expression
Oral
expression
TEF Canada or TEF Québec (TEFAQ): what is the difference in format?
TEF CANADA
- For immigration to Canada, all 4 sections are mandatory.
- Listening and reading comprehension.
- Oral and written expression.
- For immigration, all four sections must be taken on the same day.
- IRCC converts the results into NCLC levels for the relevant programs.
TEF QUÉBEC · TEFAQ
- TEFAQ consists of 4 modular sections.
- Each section can be taken independently.
- You may need to take 1, 2, 3 or 4 sections depending on the immigration program.
- The required skills and proficiency level depend on the relevant Québec program.
For TEF Québec, do not choose your test sections solely based on a target level. Check the official requirements of the MIFI program to which you are applying.
Understanding TEF scores
Each language skill receives a separate result. How these results are interpreted then depends on the TEF version and your immigration pathway.
Listening and reading comprehension
The two comprehension sections use multiple-choice questions. They separately assess your ability to understand spoken and written French.
Oral and written expression
The written expression test has two sections, while the oral expression test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner and also consists of two sections.
For Canadian immigration
IRCC uses equivalency tables to determine the NCLC level corresponding to the results obtained in each of the four TEF Canada language skills.
View NCLC equivalencies ↗Now that you understand the TEF format, start practicing.
Choose a preparation pathway that matches your goals and practice the language skills actually assessed on TEF Canada or TEFAQ.
Frequently asked questions about the TEF format
What is the difference between TEF Canada and TEF Québec (TEFAQ)?
For immigration to Canada, TEF Canada includes four mandatory sections: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and oral expression. TEF Québec is modular: one to four sections may be required depending on the Québec immigration program.
How long do the four TEF Canada sections take?
The official durations are 60 minutes for reading comprehension, 40 minutes for listening comprehension, 60 minutes for written expression and 15 minutes for oral expression, for a total testing time of approximately 2 hours 55 minutes.
Are all four sections mandatory for TEFAQ?
No. For immigration to Québec, TEFAQ is modular. You may need to take one, two, three or four sections depending on the program to which you are applying.
How long are TEF results valid?
The TEF statement of results is valid for two years from its date of issue.
How are TEF Canada results converted into NCLC levels?
IRCC publishes equivalency tables that determine the NCLC level associated with the result obtained in each of the four language skills. For Express Entry, follow IRCC instructions regarding the values to enter from your TEF Canada statement of results.