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TCF Québec 2026: sections, timing and practice

The TCF Québec assesses your French for immigration to Quebec. It is modular: you only take the sections you are asked for.

TL;DR

  • The TCF Québec is modular: you take 1 to 4 sections, depending on what your Québec immigration file requires.
  • Listening has 29 questions in 25 minutes and reading 29 questions in 45 minutes; writing takes 60 minutes, speaking 12.
  • Québec also accepts the TCF Canada for the PSTQ, with results 2 years old or less on the application date.

The 4 sections

SectionFormatTime
Compréhension orale (listening)29 multiple choice questions25 min
Compréhension écrite (reading)29 multiple choice questions45 min
Expression écrite (writing)3 tasks60 min
Expression orale (speaking)3 tasks, including 2 min of preparation12 min

If you take all four sections, the test lasts up to 2 hours 22. Since the test is modular, your total time depends on the sections you choose.

A modular test

Unlike the TCF Canada, you don't have to take all four sections: you choose from 1 to 4. Before you register, check which ones your application requires. There is no point paying for and preparing a section you don't need.

TCF Québec or TCF Canada?

TCF QuébecTCF Canada
SectionsYour choiceAll 4 required
Listening29 questions, 25 min39 questions, 35 min
Reading29 questions, 45 min39 questions, 60 min
Writing3 tasks, 60 min3 tasks, 60 min
Speaking3 tasks, 12 min3 tasks, 12 min

Results are issued within the same time frame as the TCF Canada and are valid for 2 years. You need to wait 20 days between two sittings of the same section. For the details of the writing and speaking tasks and how scores work, see our TCF Canada page.

What French level does Quebec ask for?

For the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ), Quebec states its requirements on its own scale, the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français. Stream 1 asks for oral French at level 7 or higher and written French at level 5 or higher. Stream 2 asks for oral French at level 5 or higher. Stream 3 follows stream 1 for FEER 0 to 2 jobs and asks for oral level 5 for FEER 3 to 5 jobs. A spouse needs oral level 4.

Quebec publishes an official table converting TCF scores into levels of this scale (see the sources below). Accepted tests include the TCF Québec, the TCF Canada, the TCF, the DELF, the DALF, the TEFAQ, the TEF Canada and the TEF, with results 2 years old or less on the date of your application.

Practise in the TCF Québec format

  • Reading and listening: choose the TCF Québec mode (29 questions, official timing).
  • Writing: 3 tasks per practice set, with model answers and our writing corrector.
  • Speaking: a timed simulator where you record yourself and listen back.

Our practice sets are original: they are not real exam questions.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the TCF Québec?+
Up to 2 hours 22 if you take all four sections: listening 25 minutes, reading 45 minutes, writing 60 minutes, speaking 12 minutes. The test is modular, so the total depends on the sections you choose.
What is the difference between the TCF Québec and the TCF Canada?+
The TCF Canada requires all four sections, with 39 questions in listening and in reading. The TCF Québec is modular: you choose your sections, and each comprehension section has 29 questions.
Can I practise for the TCF Québec for free?+
Partly. The first 5 questions of every set, the writing and speaking prompts, the lessons and the tools are free; full sets and feedback come with the 14-day free trial. Our reading and listening practice sets have a TCF Québec mode, and our writing and speaking sets follow the 3-task format. All sets are original: they are not real exam questions.

Sources