Quebec Francisation Scale (1-12) vs. CEFR Scale explained (A1-C2) explained

Want to understand how French proficiency is measured in Quebec and globally? Here's a quick guide comparing the Quebec Francisation Scale (1-12) and the CEFR Scale (A1-C2):

• Quebec Francisation Scale (1-12): Used in Quebec for education, immigration, and workplace compliance. Levels are split into Beginner (1-4), Intermediate (5-8), and Advanced (9-12), evaluating skills like speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• CEFR Scale (A1-C2): A global standard for language proficiency. Levels range from Basic User (A1-A2) to Proficient User (C1-C2), focusing on practical communication skills.

Quick Comparison Table

Criteria	Quebec Francisation Scale	CEFR Scale
Levels	12 (1-12)	6 (A1-C2)
Focus	Quebec-specific needs	International standard
Usage	Immigration, workplace, education	Education, global certification
Beginner Range	Levels 1-4	A1-A2
Intermediate Range	Levels 5-8	B1-B2
Advanced Range	Levels 9-12	C1-C2

Employers and educators in Quebec often use the Quebec Scale for local compliance and the CEFR for international candidates. Both scales complement each other to assess and improve French proficiency effectively.

Quebec Francisation Scale: Levels 1-12

How the 12 Levels Work

The Quebec Francisation Scale categorizes French language skills into 12 levels, each building on the last with specific linguistic criteria:

Beginner (Levels 1-3): Learners focus on isolated words and forming simple sentences for basic daily conversations.

Elementary (Levels 4-6):

• Level 4: Basic workplace vocabulary and simple sentence construction.
• Level 5: More connected speech with an expanding vocabulary.
• Level 6: Use of complex sentences and the ability to express opinions.

Intermediate (Levels 7-9):

• Broader vocabulary, including abstract terms.
• Use of complex sentence structures.
• Participation in professional discussions.
• Smooth and natural conversational flow.

Advanced (Levels 10-12):

• Level 10: Mastery of professional-level language.
• Level 11: Fluency in idiomatic expressions.
• Level 12: Communication skills comparable to native speakers.

This structured approach ensures consistency in language assessments across Quebec, serving as a standard for both education and workplace settings.

Using the Scale in Quebec

The scale plays a key role in supporting Quebec's focus on maintaining French as the primary workplace language. It guides assessments and integration efforts in different contexts:

Workplace Assessments:

• Evaluate employees' language proficiency.
• Identify specific training needs.
• Define language requirements for various job roles.

Immigration and Integration:

• Used by immigration officials to assess language skills.
• Helps newcomers identify their current proficiency level.
• Assists educational institutions in designing tailored programs.

In professional settings, Level 7 is often the minimum required for roles involving regular client interaction. Positions that demand more complex communication, such as management roles, may require Level 9 or higher.

The scale works seamlessly with Quebec's francisation programs, enabling organizations to monitor progress and meet provincial language standards. This approach ensures workplaces align with Quebec's French-language requirements while offering clear pathways for skill development.

CEFR Scale: A1 to C2

Understanding CEFR Levels

The CEFR framework measures language proficiency across six levels, focusing on what learners can achieve at each stage.

It categorizes skills into three main groups:

Basic User (A1-A2)

• A1: Can use simple phrases to handle everyday needs.
• A2: Can exchange basic information on familiar topics like work or family.

Independent User (B1-B2)

• B1: Can navigate routine situations while travelling and discuss familiar subjects.
• B2: Can understand detailed texts and communicate fluently with native speakers.

Proficient User (C1-C2)

• C1: Can communicate effectively in professional and academic settings.
• C2: Demonstrates mastery, using language with precision and nuance.

The CEFR evaluates four key activities:

• Reception: Reading and listening.
• Production: Writing and speaking.
• Interaction: Engaging in conversations.
• Mediation: Interpreting and translating.

Thanks to its structured levels, the CEFR framework is widely used in both education and professional environments.

Where CEFR is Used

The CEFR is applied in various contexts, including:

Educational Settings

• Universities assess international students using CEFR levels.
• Language schools design curricula based on CEFR standards.
• Teaching materials and textbooks often reference these levels.

Professional Contexts

• Employers use CEFR levels to evaluate job candidates' language skills.
• Certifications for specific professions align with CEFR benchmarks.
• International organizations rely on CEFR to assess staff language proficiency.

This framework’s focus on practical language use makes it a trusted global benchmark. It complements Quebec's local assessments, enabling a detailed level-by-level comparison.

CEFR Language Levels Explained: What is A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 ...

Comparing Both Scales

This comparison outlines how each scale is tailored to meet different assessment needs.

Level-by-Level Comparison

The Quebec Francisation Scale and CEFR both provide benchmarks for assessing French proficiency, but their structures differ. The Quebec scale divides proficiency into three stages: Beginner (levels 1–4), Intermediate (levels 5–8), and Advanced (levels 9–12). It evaluates four core skills: oral comprehension, oral production, written comprehension, and written production [1]. These clearly defined levels make it easier to compare the specific strengths and weaknesses of each framework.

Benefits and Limits

Both scales have their own strengths and are suited to different contexts:

• Quebec Francisation Scale:

  • Tailored to assess French proficiency specifically in Quebec
  • Provides a detailed progression through 12 levels, grouped into three stages

• CEFR:

  • Recognized internationally as a standard for language proficiency
  • Commonly used in both educational and professional environments
  • Offers broad benchmarks for comparing language skills

The Quebec Francisation Scale is highly detailed and well-suited to its local context but may not fully address international standards. Its three-stage structure helps learners and employers set realistic goals and serves as a useful complement to the CEFR framework.

Guide for Quebec Employers

This guide helps Quebec employers navigate workplace language proficiency requirements, building on the assessment frameworks discussed earlier.

Workplace Language Assessment

Quebec employers rely on the Quebec Francisation Scale to evaluate employee French skills systematically. Both new hires and current staff are assessed across four key areas: oral comprehension, written comprehension, oral production, and written production.

The scale divides proficiency into three categories:

• Beginner (Levels 1–4): Basic communication skills
• Intermediate (Levels 5–8): Moderate proficiency for more interactive roles
• Advanced (Levels 9–12): High-level skills suitable for complex tasks and leadership

These levels are matched to job requirements, ensuring employees meet the necessary language standards for their roles.

Managing International Staff

Employers often deal with international candidates who hold CEFR certifications (A1–C2). Since the CEFR is widely recognized, it’s important to convert these ratings into Quebec Francisation Scale levels for consistency.

Job Category	Quebec Levels	CEFR Equivalent	Typical Role Requirements
Entry-Level	1–4	A1–A2	Basic communication and routine tasks
Customer-Facing/Office	5–8	B1–B2	Team collaboration and customer interaction
Management/Professional	9–12	C1–C2	Leadership and strategic communication

Francoflex for Language Training

To support employee development under Bill 96, Francoflex offers AI-based French learning solutions tailored to workplace needs. The platform adjusts to each employee's proficiency level, starting at Quebec Level 1.

Key features include:

• Custom learning paths based on assessment results
• Progress tracking aligned with the Quebec Francisation Scale
• Reports designed for OQLF certification purposes
• Flexible scheduling to fit varying work shifts
• Scalable options for teams of all sizes

This approach not only supports Quebec’s language standards but also improves communication across the workforce.

Summary

This section highlights the main points for managing language skills effectively. By understanding both the Quebec Francisation Scale and the CEFR, organizations can simplify compliance and track language proficiency. The Quebec scale focuses on workplace-specific needs, while the CEFR provides an internationally standardized framework.

Making the Most of Both Scales

To manage language assessments efficiently, consider the following:

Assessment Need	Recommended Scale	Advantages
Local Compliance	Quebec Francisation Scale	- Matches OQLF standards - Workplace-focused evaluations - Recognized by Quebec government programs
International Transfers	CEFR	- Globally accepted - Standardized framework - Simplifies credential transfers
Training Programs	Combined Approach	- Holistic skill evaluation - Tracks progress effectively - Aligns with Bill 96 requirements

For HR teams, this means:

• Using the Quebec Scale for internal assessments and regulatory compliance.
• Applying the CEFR to evaluate international candidates.
• Tracking training progress with both scales.
• Focusing on practical communication skills for workplace success.

The Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) advises structuring training programs around the Quebec scale's three levels: Beginner (1-4), Intermediate (5-8), and Advanced (9-12). This ensures employees gain the specific language skills needed for their jobs while staying compliant with regulations.

AI-powered platforms can help organizations track progress across both scales, ensuring compliance and improving workplace communication.