# TEF Canada vs TEFAQ

> TEF Canada vs TEF Québec (TEFAQ): same section formats, but TEFAQ is modular and isn’t accepted by IRCC, while TEF Canada counts for both IRCC and Québec.

Canonical: https://frenchtestcanada.ca/vs/tef-canada-vs-tefaq
Last updated: 2026-10-26

Both come from CCI Paris Île-de-France and use the same section formats. The difference is who accepts them, and that decides which one you should book.

|  | TEF Canada | TEF Québec (TEFAQ) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Accepted by IRCC (federal immigration) | Yes | No |
| Accepted by Québec (MIFI) | Yes, if less than 2 years old | Yes, since 2006 |
| Tests | All four on the same day (two for citizenship) | 1 to 4, depending on the Québec program; each can be taken on its own |
| Section formats | Reading 40 questions/60 min, listening 40/40 min, writing 60 min, speaking 15 min | Same |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |

## Which should you take?

- **Only Québec, and only some skills needed?** TEFAQ lets you take just the tests your Québec program asks for.
- **Federal immigration, or not sure yet?** TEF Canada. CCI Paris Île-de-France says TEFAQ isn’t recognized by IRCC for immigrating to Canada, while a TEF Canada under 2 years old is recognized by Québec.
- **Both Québec selection and later federal steps?** One TEF Canada can cover both while it’s valid.

More on Québec’s rules: [French for Québec immigration](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/for/quebec-immigration).

> We’re an independent practice site. We’re not affiliated with CCI Paris Île-de-France (TEF Canada), France Éducation international (TCF Canada) or IRCC, and our questions are our own writing, not real exam questions.

## Questions people ask

### Can I use TEFAQ for Express Entry?

No. CCI Paris Île-de-France says TEFAQ isn’t recognized by IRCC for immigrating to Canada. Use TEF Canada or TCF Canada.

### Does Québec accept TEF Canada?

Yes. A TEF Canada certificate less than two years old is recognized by Québec’s immigration ministry.

### Is TEFAQ easier than TEF Canada?

The section formats are the same. TEFAQ is modular, so you may take fewer tests, but each test is the same length.

## Sources

- [TEF Québec (TEFAQ): learn more (Le français des affaires)](https://www.lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/en/candidate/test-evaluation-francais/tef-quebec/presentation/) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [TEF Canada: learn more (Le français des affaires, CCI Paris Île-de-France)](https://www.lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/en/candidate/test-evaluation-francais/tef-canada/presentation/) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [TEF Canada: taking the test (Le français des affaires)](https://www.lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/en/candidate/test-evaluation-francais/tef-canada/examination/) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [Knowledge of French: Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) (Gouvernement du Québec, quebec.ca)](https://www.quebec.ca/en/immigration/permanent/skilled-workers/skilled-worker-selection-program/requirements/knowledge-french) (checked 2026-10-26)

Not affiliated with CCI Paris Île-de-France (TEF), France Éducation international (TCF) or IRCC.

## Related

- [French tests for Québec immigration](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/for/quebec-immigration)
- [TEF Canada: the complete guide](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/tef-canada)
- [TEF Canada vs TCF Canada](https://frenchtestcanada.ca/vs/tef-vs-tcf)