TEF Québec
Understand your results

Need help understanding your certificate?

Discover below how to understand your results: TEF score, CECRL level, EQNCF level (TEF Québec) and correspondence tables.

Understand my TEF Québec results

Your certificate shows your results for each test:

  • Your TEF score, from 0 to 699 points; 
  • your CECRL level, from A1 to C2;

Cross-reference table
The table below your results shows the cross-reference between:

  • TEF scores; 
  • CECRL levels ; 
  • EQNCF levels. 

EQNCF levels

The EQNCF (Quebec Scale of French Proficiency Levels) is used by Quebec authorities for certain immigration procedures.
It allows you to determine the EQNCF level corresponding to your score.

→ In the Useful Links section, see: 

  • the table of correspondence between TEF scores and EQNCF levels; 
  • the grid to better understand the CECRL levels

Further information

How is the test evaluated?

The tests are assessed on the scale of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) (levels A1 to C2). Level <A1 is awarded to candidates who do not demonstrate that they have achieved level A1.

Here you will find the expected skills for each CEFR level and for each test item. 

Reading and listening comprehension tests

The reading and listening comprehension tests are in the form of multiple choice questionnaires. Only one answer is possible.

The scale is as follows:
Correct answer = + 1 point
No answer / Wrong answer = 0 points

The total number of correct answers does not constitute the final score. This total is converted into a calibrated score that takes into account the differences in difficulty of the questions making up the test.

Written and oral expression tests

The written expression test consists of writing two everyday texts. It is assessed by two independent, trained and experienced assessors.

The oral expression test consists of two role-plays based on real-life situations. It is assessed by two independent examiners: the test leader and a second examiner, on the basis of the recording of the test.

Oral and written expression tests are assessed using standardized evaluation grids that include a set of criteria: communication skills, vocabulary, grammar, organization, fluency, etc.

The final score takes all these criteria into account. The results of these assessments are also converted into a calibrated score.

What TEF Québec level do I need?

For immigration to Quebec:

The level required differs depending on the immigration program. Refer to the MIFI Quebec ministry website to check the conditions that apply to a particular program: www.quebec.ca/immigration/permanente.

For applications for Canadian citizenship:

A minimum level of EQNCF 4 is required for the speaking and listening tests.

I had a problem during my TEF. What should I do?

If you had an important technical problem during your test, contact the test centre where you took your TEF.

Your test centre will check the situation and tell you what to do.

If an appeal is possible, the request must be made within 30 days of the date on your results certificate.

More information about submitting appeals here.

I am not happy with my result. Can I ask for my test to be marked again?

No. You cannot ask for your test to be marked again to try to get a better result.

Multiple-choice tests are marked automatically by a secure computer system. The written and speaking tests are assessed twice.

You cannot ask for another assessment of your results.

More information about submitting appeals here.

What happens if an important technical problem is confirmed?

You may take the test or tests concerned again free of charge.

Your current results will not simply be changed. After you take the test again, your previous results certificate and scores will be permanently cancelled, even if your new results are lower.

More information about submitting appeals here.