Overview
In Quebec, students at a CEGEP (a public college that sits between high school and university) must pass the Épreuve uniforme de français (EUF), a province-wide French exam, to obtain their Diplôme d'études collégiales (DEC). It is a Ministry of Higher Education requirement, not a school-set test.
Who can take it
At French-language institutions, students take the EUF once they have completed two of the three required common French language-and-literature courses. At English-language institutions, it follows completion of two of the three preparatory French courses. In both cases, it applies to students working toward a DEC.
Structure or exam pattern
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Task | Write a critical dissertation (essay) of about 900 words, based on given literary texts |
| Duration | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Criteria assessed | Quality of comprehension and argumentation; text structure; command of language — each graded, with a minimum grade of "C" required on each |
| Sessions per year | Three: May, August and December |
Scoring and results
A student must reach at least a "C" grade on each of the three assessed criteria to pass. The DEC cannot be awarded until the EUF has been passed.
Dates and fees
For 2026–2027, the Government of Quebec lists EUF sessions on 13 May 2026, 12 August 2026, 16 December 2026, and continuing into 2027 with sessions on 12 May 2027, 4 August 2027 and 15 December 2027.
How to register
Students register for a session through their own CEGEP; students studying at a distance can prepare through Cégep à distance, and each college's own coordinator manages local registration and support.
Preparation tips
Colleges typically offer their own EUF preparation support alongside the course sequence that leads up to the exam; Cégep à distance also provides preparation resources for students studying remotely.
FAQs
Do I need to pass the EUF to graduate from a CEGEP?
Yes. Passing the Épreuve uniforme de français is required to obtain the Diplôme d'études collégiales (DEC).
What does the EUF exam involve?
Writing a roughly 900-word critical dissertation based on given literary texts, within 4 hours 30 minutes, graded on comprehension and argumentation, text structure, and command of language.
How many times a year is the EUF offered?
Three sessions a year — in May, August and December.
What happens if I fail the EUF?
Students may attempt the exam again at a later session; there is no stated limit on the number of attempts.