Proving French Abilities Under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

by Colin R. Singer / Saturday, 13 January 2018 / Published in Canada Study Portal, Immigration Wiki, Quebec Experience Program

How to prove your knowledge of oral French?

On this page you will find the list of the French tests or diplomas that the Quebec government will accept to prove your knowledge of French.

In order to be eligible to apply for permanent residence to Canada under the Quebec Experience Program, you must be able to show advanced intermediate knowledge of oral French.

The results must date from less than two years from the date of submission of the application.

These are the recognized tests and diplomas:

the Test d’évaluation du français adapté pour le Québec (TEFAQ) of the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris Île-de-France (CCIP);
the Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCF-Québec) of the Centre international d’études pédagogiques (CIEP);
the Test d’évaluation du français (TEF) of the CCIP-IDF;
the Test d’évaluation du français pour le Canada (TEF Canada) de la CCIP-IDF;
the Test de connaissance du français (TCF) of the CIEP;
the Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)* of the CIEP;
the Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF)* of the CIEP.

For the evaluation of French knowledge, advanced intermediate results (level B2) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are needed in oral comprehension and oral production in order to qualify for the Quebec Experience Program.

The CEFR Levels

The table below describes the language proficiency skills based on your abilities to read, write, speak and listen and can help you identify your current language level.

ADVANCED	C2	Can understand with ease everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
ADVANCED	C1	Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
INTERMEDIATE	B2	Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
INTERMEDIATE	B1	Can understand the main points of input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
BASIC	A2	Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to simple areas (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
BASIC	A1	Can understand and use familiar expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of basic concrete needs. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.