Is TEFAQ accepted for Canadian federal immigration?

No, TEFAQ is only accepted for Quebec immigration programs. For federal immigration (like Express Entry), you need TCF Canada or TEF Canada.

Can I take only the listening and speaking modules for TEFAQ?

Yes, TEFAQ allows you to register for any combination of the four modules. Many Quebec immigration streams only require listening and speaking, but check the specific requirements.

Which is easier: TEFAQ or TCF Canada?

Both are similar in difficulty as they assess the same CEFR levels. The choice depends on your target immigration program, not ease.

How long is the TEFAQ score valid?

TEFAQ scores are valid for 2 years from the date of the test. This is the same for TCF Canada and TEF Canada.

Are TCF Canada and TEF Canada accepted for Quebec immigration?

Yes, both are accepted by Quebec for immigration. They are also accepted for federal programs, making them more versatile.

How much does TEFAQ cost in 2026?

The cost varies by country and centre, but typically ranges from $250 to $350 CAD. Check the official CCI Paris website for exact fees.

TEF Québec vs TCF Canada vs TEF Canada

Introduction

Are you planning to immigrate to Quebec or study in a French-language institution? If so, you'll likely need to prove your French proficiency. For Quebec, the TEF Québec (TEFAQ) is the most common choice, but you may also consider TCF Canada or TEF Canada. This guide compares these three exams to help you decide which one suits your goals.

Overview of the Exams

TEF Québec (TEFAQ)

Administered by: CCI Paris Île-de-France
Purpose: Specifically for Quebec immigration programs (Arrima, PEQ, CSQ) and integration.
Format: Four modules: Compréhension orale (listening), Compréhension écrite (reading), Expression orale (speaking), Expression écrite (writing). You can take all or only the required modules.
Scoring: B2 level required for most immigration streams. Scores are mapped to CEFR levels.
Validity: 2 years.

TCF Canada

Administered by: France Éducation international
Purpose: For Canadian immigration (Federal and Quebec) and citizenship. Accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Quebec.
Format: Four compulsory modules: Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing.
Scoring: CEFR levels, with a maximum of C2.
Validity: 2 years.

TEF Canada

Administered by: CCI Paris Île-de-France
Purpose: For Canadian immigration (Federal and Quebec) and citizenship.
Format: Four modules: Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing.
Scoring: CEFR levels, from A1 to C2.
Validity: 2 years.

Comparison Table

| Feature | TEF Québec (TEFAQ) | TCF Canada | TEF Canada | |---------|--------------------|------------|------------| | Acceptance for Quebec immigration | ✔️ (specifically designed) | ✔️ (accepted) | ✔️ (accepted) | | Acceptance for Canadian federal immigration | ❌ (not accepted) | ✔️ | ✔️ | | Modules | Choose among 4 | All 4 compulsory | All 4 compulsory | | Listening | 40 min, 40 questions | 35 min, 39 questions | 40 min, 40 questions | | Reading | 60 min, 40 questions | 60 min, 39 questions | 60 min, 40 questions | | Speaking | 15 min, 2 tasks | 12 min, 3 tasks | 15 min, 2 tasks | | Writing | 60 min, 2 tasks | 60 min, 3 tasks | 60 min, 2 tasks | | Scoring | /699 per section | /699 per section (approx) | /699 per section | | Difficulty | Moderate | Similar | Similar | | Cost (2026 estimate) | ~$300 CAD | ~$300 CAD | ~$300 CAD | | Registration | Directly via CCI or approved centres | Via France Éducation international or approved centres | Directly via CCI or approved centres | | Results time | 2-3 weeks | 2-3 weeks | 2-3 weeks | | Validity | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |

Which Exam Should You Choose?

Choose TEF Québec (TEFAQ) if:

Your primary goal is Quebec immigration (Arrima, PEQ, CSQ).
You want flexibility to take only the required modules (e.g., only listening and speaking for some programs).
You prefer a test designed specifically for Quebec's requirements.

Choose TCF Canada or TEF Canada if:

You are also considering federal immigration (Express Entry) or Canadian citizenship.
You need a test accepted by both Quebec and the federal government.
You don't mind taking all four modules (they are compulsory for these tests).

For University or Career in Quebec:

Many universities and employers in Quebec accept TEFAQ, but some may require TCF Québec (a variant) or DELF/DALF. Always check with the institution.
TEF Canada and TCF Canada are also widely accepted for academic and professional purposes in Canada.

Difficulty and Acceptance

All three exams are comparable in difficulty and assess the same CEFR levels. The key difference lies in acceptance: TEFAQ is not accepted for federal programs, while TCF Canada and TEF Canada are accepted for both federal and Quebec immigration. If you are certain about Quebec only, TEFAQ is the most direct choice. If you want flexibility, choose TCF Canada or TEF Canada.

Costs and Registration in 2026

In 2026, exam fees are expected to remain similar, around $300 CAD per full test. Registration is done through official centres. For TEFAQ, you can register via the CCI Paris Île-de-France website or approved local centres. For TCF Canada, use the France Éducation international portal. For TEF Canada, use the CCI portal. Always book well in advance, as slots fill quickly.

How to Prepare

Regardless of your choice, thorough preparation is essential. At LanguageTest.in, we offer mock tests that simulate the real exam format and timing. Practice with our TEFAQ, TCF Canada, and TEF Canada mocks to build confidence and improve your score.

Conclusion

Choosing the right French test depends on your immigration goals. For Quebec-only, TEFAQ is ideal. For broader Canadian options, TCF Canada or TEF Canada are better. Evaluate your needs, compare formats, and prepare effectively.

Ready to start? Take a free mock test at LanguageTest.in today and ace your French exam!

TEF Québec (TEFAQ) vs TCF Canada vs TEF Canada: Which French Test for Quebec in 2026?