How to Calculate Your TEFAQ Score for the Arrima Portal
If you want to use your TEFAQ results in Arrima, you need to do more than look at one score and guess what it means. The process works in three steps: reading your official TEFAQ score for each skill, converting that score into a Québec French level, and translating that level into immigration points under the current Québec selection criteria.
It is also important to remember that Arrima does not evaluate your French results in isolation. Under Québec’s current Skilled Worker Selection Program, invitations are issued through Arrima based on a broader scoring system, and French is only one part of that system, even though it remains a major factor.
In this guide, you will learn exactly how to read your TEFAQ results and estimate the points they may bring to your Arrima profile.
Everything About Arrima Immigration Score
What is Arrima ?
Arrima is Québec’s online immigration and French-learning services platform. It is designed for individuals, employers, and representatives who need to access certain immigration-related services online. Arrima matters because it is the platform used to manage key steps tied to economic immigration in Québec.
For many candidates, Arrima is where their immigration project becomes concrete. It is the place where they create an account, manage an expression of interest, and interact with Québec’s immigration system online. That is why understanding how your TEFAQ result fits into Arrima is so important if your goal is permanent immigration through Québec.
What is Arrima used for?
Arrima is used for several online immigration services, including the Skilled Worker Selection Program, the electronic submission of documents for students, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the Employer Portal, and certain French learning services. In other words, it is not just a profile page. It is a broader online service hub used by Québec for multiple immigration-related processes.
For skilled workers, one of its most important functions is the submission of an expression of interest. Québec states that this expression of interest is filed online in Arrima, free of charge, and remains valid for 12 months. Once it is in the Arrima database, candidates whose profiles match Québec’s needs and who meet the required French level for their profession may receive an invitation to apply.
All Steps to Calculate Your Arrima Score Using TEFAQ Scores, Québec Levels, and Immigration Points
Arrima does not read your TEFAQ result as a random number.
The logic is always the same:
- Reading your TEFAQ score
- Converting your TEFAQ score into Québec level
- Translating your Québec Level level into Arrima points
Once you understand that sequence, the calculation becomes much easier.
Step 1: Analyse your TEFAQ results
Your TEFAQ certificate shows a separate result for each test you completed. Each section is scored on a scale from 0 to 699 points, and the certificate also indicates your CEFR level, from A1 to C2.
That means you should not try to calculate your Arrima points using one global average. The reading must be done skill by skill.
Find your Score for each TEFAQ section
Start by taking your official certificate and identifying your score for each completed section:
- Listening comprehension
- Oral expression
- Reading comprehension
- Written expression
For Arrima purposes, each one can matter separately. Under the current Québec invitation criteria, listening, speaking, reading, and writing are all assigned their own point values according to the Québec level reached.
It is also important not to confuse your raw performance with your official reported result. The official TEF/TEFAQ documentation explains that the certificate shows the calibrated final score, not simply the number of correct answers you think you got. For comprehension modules especially, the number of right answers is not the number you will enter into an immigration calculation.
The validity for the TEFAQ
Your TEFAQ results certificate is valid for two years from the date of issue. Québec’s current invitation criteria also state that, to receive French-language points, the test date must be no more than two years old when the information is extracted from the declaration-of-interest bank for invitation purposes. Also notes that candidates usually receive their results within about one to three weeks.
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Step 2: Convert your TEFAQ Score into a Québec level
A TEFAQ score on its own is not enough to estimate Arrima points. You must convert it using Québec’s official correspondence table between standardized test scores and the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français. For TEF and TEFAQ (Québec), the same score bands apply to comprehension and expression modules.
For example, a TEFAQ score between 400 and 499 corresponds to Québec level 7–8, which is generally equivalent to B2. That is why so many candidates use tefaq b2 score as a reference point when planning their target result.
TABLE – TEFAQ score chart to Québec level conversion
| TEFAQ score band | Québec level | CEFR equivalent | What it generally means for Arrima |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100–199 | 1–2 | A1 | No French points in most Arrima calculations |
| 200–259 | 3 | A2 | Usually still below point-awarding thresholds |
| 260–299 | 4 | A2 | Usually still below point-awarding thresholds |
| 300–399 | 5–6 | B1 | First point-awarding threshold |
| 400–499 | 7–8 | B2 | Stronger point level |
| 500–599 | 9–10 | C1 | Maximum point band |
| 600–699 | 11–12 | C2 | Maximum point band |
Step 3: Convert your Québec level into Arrima points
Once you know your Québec level, the next step is to convert it into Arrima points. Québec’s current invitation criteria assign separate points for :
- oral comprehension
- oral production
- written comprehension
- written production.
For a main applicant without an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, levels 5–6 receive 38 points, levels 7–8 receive 44 points, and levels 9–12 receive 50 points per skill. A separate, lower column applies when a spouse or partner is accompanying the candidate.
TABLE – Québec level to Arrima points (main applicant)
| Québec level | Listening points | Speaking points | Reading points | Writing points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 5–6 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 38 |
| 7–8 | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 |
| 9–12 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
If you have an accompanying spouse or partner, do not use the main-applicant table above. Québec publishes a separate spouse column, where the maximum is 40 points per skill instead of 50.
Step 4: Calculate your total TEFAQ points for Arrima
Now you can move from interpretation to calculation. The simplest formula is:
Total TEFAQ points = Listening + Speaking + Reading + Writing
This means you calculate points for each skill separately, then add them together.
Example 1: B2 in listening and speaking only
Imagine you completed only the oral modules and got the following results:
Listening: 430 → Québec level 7–8 → 44 points
Speaking: 460 → Québec level 7–8 → 44 points
Total French points from these TEFAQ sections: 88
This is already meaningful, but it also shows that written skills can add more points if your immigration path requires them and if you take those modules.
Example 2: Tefaq b2 level in all four sections
Now imagine a candidate who reaches B2 in all four TEFAQ skills
Listening: 420 → level 7–8 → 44 points
Speaking: 450 → level 7–8 → 44 points
Reading: 410 → level 7–8 → 44 points
Writing: 430 → level 7–8 → 44 points
Total TEFAQ points: 176
This example makes the logic very clear: a candidate who reaches B2 across all four skills can present a much stronger French-language profile in Arrima than someone who only completed the oral sections.
Equivalency Table for TEFAQ score and Arrima
| CEFR | A1 | A2 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Québec scale levels | 1–2 | 3 | 4 | 5–6 | 7–8 | 9–10 | 11–12 |
| TEFAQ listening and reading scores | 100–199 | 200–259 | 260–299 | 300–399 | 400–499 | 500–599 | 600–699 |
| TEFAQ speaking and writing scores | 100–199 | 200–259 | 260–299 | 300–399 | 400–499 | 500–599 | 600–699 |
| Arrima points per skill (main applicant) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 44 | 50 | 50 |
Common Mistakes when Calculating TEFAQ points for Arrima
Confusing raw answers with the official TEFAQ score
Your Arrima calculation must be based on the official score shown on your certificate, not on the number of questions you think you answered correctly.
Using one overall impression instead of checking each skill separately
Arrima awards points by skill, so listening, speaking, reading, and writing must each be reviewed individually.
Mixing up CEFR levels, Québec levels, and Arrima points
A CEFR level such as B2 is not the same thing as a Québec level or a final Arrima score, so each step must be converted properly.
Assuming B2 means the same outcome in every immigration situation
B2 is an important benchmark, but the impact of that level depends on your full profile and the program rules in place.
Forgetting that TEFAQ results are only valid for two years
If your test results are expired, they may no longer count toward your Arrima profile.
Ignoring reading and writing when they could add points
Written comprehension and written expression can also contribute to your Arrima score, depending on your situation.
Using the wrong scoring table
Main applicants and accompanying spouses do not receive the same French-language point values, so it is important to use the correct grid.
Not confirming which TEFAQ modules you actually need
Before registering, you should always confirm with the relevant authorities which test sections are required for your immigration objective.
How to Improve your TEFAQ score before updating Arrima ?
Aim for at least B2 if possible
Reaching B2 can make a significant difference because it places you in a stronger Arrima point band.
Focus on the skill that is holding you back the most
Improving your weakest section first is often the fastest way to raise your overall immigration score.
Train with the real TEFAQ format
Practising the actual test format helps you improve both your French and your exam performance.
Work on speaking and listening strategically
For many candidates, stronger oral skills can have a major impact on their final profile.
Do not ignore reading and writing
Written skills can also earn Arrima points, so they should not be overlooked if they apply to your case.
Set a clear target score before retaking the test
Knowing the level you need helps you prepare with a specific and realistic objective.
Give yourself enough time to improve
A short preparation plan may be enough for some candidates, but others need more time to move up a full level.
Consider a preparation course instead of studying alone
A structured course can help you identify weaknesses, practise efficiently, and feel more confident on test day.
Update Arrima only once your new result is ready
Waiting for a stronger official result can help you present a more competitive profile.
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Is TEFAQ accepted in Arrima?
Yes. Québec lists TEFAQ among the accepted French tests that can be used to demonstrate knowledge of French under the Skilled Worker Selection Program.
Can I calculate Arrima points with one total TEFAQ score?
No. The score must be read and converted separately for each skill, because Québec awards French points by listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
What TEFAQ score gives you B2?
A score of 400 to 499 in the relevant TEFAQ section corresponds to Québec level 7–8, which is the B2 band in the official correspondence table.
How long is a TEFAQ result valid?
Your results certificate is valid for two years from the date of issue. Québec’s current invitation criteria also require French test results to be no more than two years old at the relevant moment of extraction for invitation purposes.
Do I need reading and writing for Arrima?
Yes, they can matter! Québec’s current scoring document includes separate point values for written comprehension and written production, so reading and writing can contribute to your French score in Arrima. However, you should still confirm which modules are appropriate for your situation before registering.
What happens if I have an accompanying spouse?
You must use the spouse/accompanying-partner column in Québec’s official point table, not the main-applicant values. The spouse column awards fewer points per skill, with a maximum of 40 per competency.
