TEFAQ and TCF-Québec for the PEQ and PSTQ: the level 7 scores, what each programme asks, and the two-year rule
Québec does not ask for a test score. It asks for a level on its own 12-level French scale (Échelle québécoise), and each test's score is converted to that scale. Level 7 is B2 and level 5 is B1: on the TEFAQ, 400 and 300 out of 699.
The PEQ graduate stream wants level 7 in speaking and listening and level 5 in reading and writing. The PSTQ gives points for each skill instead. Everything below is from Québec's immigration ministry (MIFI) documents and the test body's own page, read on 5 November 2026.
Which score counts as which level
This is the ministry's own correspondence table (version of 29 November 2024). The TEFAQ and the TEF use the same bands in all four skills. The TCF-Québec uses a different scale for speaking and writing: marks out of 20.
- Level 5–6 (B1)TEFAQ 300–399TCF listening/reading 300–399; speaking/writing 6–9
- Level 7–8 (B2)TEFAQ 400–499TCF listening/reading 400–499; speaking/writing 10–13
- Level 9–10 (C1)TEFAQ 500–599TCF listening/reading 500–599; speaking/writing 14–17
- Level 11–12 (C2)TEFAQ 600–699TCF listening/reading 600–699; speaking/writing 18–20
- Level 4 (A2)TEFAQ 260–299TCF listening/reading 260–299; speaking/writing 4–5
What each programme asks
PEQ, graduate stream: level 7 in speaking and listening, and level 5 in reading and writing.
PEQ, worker stream: level 7 in speaking and listening. The ministry's summary of the reopened programme lists no written level for this stream.
A spouse or partner on a PEQ application needs level 4 in speaking and listening.
The PEQ window. It was reactivated for two years from 2 July 2026, and the first intake closed on 31 October 2026. The ministry says further intakes may open, depending on the number of applications received.
PSTQ: the French score is points in a ranking, not a single pass line. Each skill earns the same: levels 1 to 4 earn nothing, 5–6 earn 38, 7–8 earn 44, 9 or above earn 50. With an accompanying spouse or partner the figures are 30, 35 and 40.
Our reading: in the PSTQ table, going from level 4 to level 5 in a skill is worth 38 points. Going from 5–6 to 7–8 is worth 6. Check the current rules for your stream, then prepare the skill that is still at level 4.
Which tests count, and for how long
The ministry accepts the TEFAQ, TEF, TEF Canada, TCF-Québec, TCF, TCF-Canada, DELF and DALF. Holding a DELF B2 diploma with 12.5 or more of 25 in the relevant part puts you at level 7–8 in the table; a DELF B1 puts you at level 5–6.
Two years, measured from different moments. For the PEQ, the result must be under two years old when you submit. For the PSTQ, the test date must be two years old or less when your details are pulled from the bank of declarations of interest. So a result that is fine on the day you file a PSTQ profile can stop counting while you wait.
The test body says a TEFAQ certificate is valid for two years from the date of issue.
What the TEFAQ looks like
You take one, two, three or four of these, depending on your programme, and each can be taken separately.
Reading: 40 questions, 1 hour. Listening: 40 questions, 40 minutes. A wrong or blank answer scores zero, so guess rather than leave a blank.
Writing: 1 hour. Continue an article in at least 80 words (25 minutes), then justify a point of view in at least 200 words (35 minutes).
Speaking: 15 minutes. Getting information (5 minutes), then arguing to convince (10 minutes).
The trap: Québec and Ottawa are different lists
The TEFAQ does not work for federal immigration. The test body says so: it is not recognised by IRCC for an application to immigrate to Canada. A TEF Canada certificate under two years old does work for Québec. So if both are possible for you, that difference decides which to book.
Citizenship is a separate case. For a citizenship application the test body gives level 4 in speaking and listening; see our Canadian citizenship language guide.
For federal scores, see TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Booking TEFAQ for a federal Express Entry profile.
Booking TEF Canada or TCF Canada if Ottawa is also part of your plan.
The test body says IRCC does not recognise the TEFAQ for immigrating to Canada.
Reading a TCF speaking mark as if it were on the 699 scale.
Using the table: level 7 is 10 of 20 in TCF speaking and writing.
The TCF marks those two skills out of 20, not 699.
Assuming a PSTQ score stays valid because it was valid when you filed.
Checking its date against the time your profile could be drawn.
The PSTQ measures the two years at the extraction from the bank, not at filing.
Questions
What TEFAQ score is level 7?
400 to 499 is level 7–8 (B2) in the ministry's table, in all four skills.
What French level does the PEQ require?
Graduate stream: level 7 in speaking and listening, level 5 in reading and writing. Worker stream: level 7 in speaking and listening. A spouse or partner needs level 4 in speaking and listening.
Does the TEFAQ work for Canadian federal immigration?
No. The test body says IRCC does not recognise it for an application to immigrate to Canada.
Is TEF Canada accepted by Québec?
Yes, for immigration to Québec, if the certificate is under two years old.
How long is a TEFAQ result valid?
Two years from the date of issue, according to the test body. Québec measures the two years at submission for the PEQ and at extraction for the PSTQ.
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