Overview
The TECFÉE (Test de certification en français écrit pour l'enseignement) measures the written French of people enrolled in a Quebec university teaching programme. Passing it is required to obtain the teaching licence (brevet d'enseignement). The Centre d'évaluation du rendement en français écrit (CÉFRANC) runs and marks the test, together with the Ministry of Education and Quebec universities.
Who can apply
You must be in a university teaching programme. Except for two programmes, you need 75% or more on the Test de français Laval-Montréal (TFLM), or you must have passed the required supplementary courses. For the bachelor's programmes in teaching English as a second language (BEALS) and in vocational and technical teaching (BEPT), a TFLM mark of 55% is enough.
Exam pattern
The test has two parts, and both must be passed.
| Part | Content | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice | 60 questions on syntax, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Writing | A text of 350 words on a theme related to education | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Marking and results
The passing mark is 70% for most teaching bachelor's programmes, and 55% for BEALS and BEPT. If you fail, you retake only the part you did not pass. The TECFÉE must be passed before your third practicum.
Important dates
The Laval page lists sittings on Friday 2 October 2026 (no accommodations) and Saturday 3 October 2026 (with and without accommodations). Another sitting is planned for 26 and 27 February 2027, with registration dates to be announced. For the October sitting, eligibility is checked by email on 31 August 2026, and registration and payment of fees open on 7 September 2026, with a deadline at noon on 17 September 2026. Off-campus sittings are generally not allowed, except in a few exceptional situations.
Fees
Registration involves paying a fee, but the amount is not stated on the Laval page. Ask your faculty.
How to apply
At Laval, the faculty emails you at your university address for eligibility checks and registration. Laval's faculty of education has a TECFÉE contact address on its page for eligibility, registration and sitting questions.
Preparation tips
Laval's language skills centre offers workshops on the language code and on writing.
CÉFRANC publishes preparation guides, which Laval strongly recommends.
For the writing part, practise 350-word texts within the time limit, and become familiar with current issues in education.
Do I have to retake the whole test if I fail?
No. You retake only the part you failed.
When must I pass the TECFÉE?
Before your third practicum.