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Tips for Success in TEF Quebec Exam

March 20, 2020

Tips for Success in TEF Quebec Exam

If you’re planning to immigrate to the province of Quebec in Canada, you might be considering a TEF Quebec exam as a means of validating your knowledge of French language, which is mandatory in this province. Taking a language test for immigration purposes is a task that requires great responsibility and diligence. Since your language score adds to the overall number of points in your immigration application, it’s essential to do as best as you can in TEF Quebec exam and increase your chances of coming to Canada.

What is TEF Quebec?

Test d’Evaluation de Français (TEF) Quebec, which is also called TEFAQ, is recognized as proof of French language knowledge and skills for those who are planning to immigrate to Quebec, Canada. The test is approved by Quebec Ministry for Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) and is one of the options to choose for language assessment purposes.

Although, it doesn’t really matter to the MIFI what type of French language exam you take as long as it is officially approved, there are many factors that can influence your choice. You should think about the popularity of the test, where and how often it is being offered. Before TEF exam registration, it is also recommended that you learn more about the test format and the score requirements set for the immigration applications.

TEF Quebec Registration

TEF Quebec is offered in a wide range of test centres across Canada. To make sure you have enough time to prepare, it is recommended that you complete you TEF Quebec registration well in advance. This will also ensure you meet the deadline of your immigration application even if you don’t get the required score from the first attempt and will need to retake the exam again.

TEF exam registration is done at one of the accredited test centres. They offer multiple dates and time slots throughout the year, so that it is convenient for you to choose what works best for your schedule. You will be required to provide your details, including the ID type and number, as well as pay the exam fee at the time of your TEF Quebec registration. Once you complete the form and process the payment, your seat will be reserved for the selected exam session.

Exam Format

One of the main keys to success in any exam is understanding its format well. Knowing what components the test consists of, which types of tasks are given to the test-taker, how much time is allocated to each part of the test, will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare better. TEF Quebec exam consists of the following parts:

  • Oral comprehension: 40 min – 60 questions
  • Oral expression: 15 min – 2 topics
  • Written comprehension: 60 min – 50 questions
  • Written expression: 60 min – 2 topics

The principal immigration applicant is required to take all the exam components. However, their spouse only needs to take the oral comprehension and oral expression components. The maximum score for the entire test is 16 points, and the reduced version scores for 6 points.

A lot of the accredited test centres, including Ashton Testing Services, offer TEF Quebec test on computer. Most test-takers find computerized testing environment more convenient and less stressful than paper-based exams. Make sure you get confident using the French keyboard and practice multiple-choice questions before taking this test.

How to Improve Your Score?

You’ve probably heard this many times before that practice makes perfect. Practicing a foreign language is an excellent example of how this rule works. Even if you are confident you know the language well, taking time to revise and prepare will never hurt. Pay special attention to the areas you need to improve. Aren’t quite sure you remember the rules well? Open the grammar book. Not always get everything you're listening to? Listen to the French radio and podcasts more often. Not that good in writing? Write essays on various topics you're interested in.

If you need more help or your current level of French is not high enough to receive the desired score, think about taking formal courses. There are multiple resources that offer online tutorials, sample questions and mock exams for TEF Quebec. If you feel it’s not enough, find a tutor who could help you focus on your weakest points and study according to their guidelines. It’s hard work but intensive training can help you increase your level in the shortest time possible.

Finally, don’t stress out too much. Add more fun to practicing French. Read newspapers, watch TV shows, talk to your friends and message them in French. The more you enjoy the process, the better results you’re going to achieve. And remember to take breaks between your preparation sessions. Time management, proper planning and positive attitude are your best friends during this difficult time.

Good luck!