Quebec Grade 6 ministry exams: what to expect and how to prepare calmly

Grade 6 ministry exams at a glance

At the end of elementary school, Quebec students write exams prepared by the Ministère de l'Éducation. In French-language schools, they cover French, language of instruction (reading and writing) and mathematics. In English-language schools, the language exam is English Language Arts, and the math exam is offered in an English version.

• Compulsory: schools are required to administer these exams in full, following the schedule set by the Ministère.
• Weighting: for the 2025-2026 school year, the exam counted for 20% of the result for the competency or competencies evaluated. The rest comes from classroom evaluation throughout the year. The Ministère confirms the weighting each year in its information documents.
• Timing: the main session is in June. In 2026, French reading took place on June 1 and 2, French writing on June 3 and 4, and math from June 9 to 11 (Alloprof). Your school will confirm the dates for the current year.

The French exam: reading and writing

According to the Ministère's information document (in French), the French exam runs over four half-days:

• Reading, day 1: a literary text, about 2.5 hours.
• Reading, day 2: an informational text, about 2.5 hours.
• Writing, day 3: planning and rough draft, about 2 hours.
• Writing, day 4: revising, correcting and writing the final copy, about 2 hours.

Students may use a French-only dictionary and, for writing, reference tools such as a grammar guide and verb conjugation tables. Personal devices (phones, smartwatches, wireless earbuds) are not allowed.

What this means for you: stamina matters. Reading a long text, going back to it for clues, justifying an answer, then methodically revising one's own writing are all skills worth practicing well before June.

The math exam: solving and reasoning

It assesses two competencies: solving a situational problem and reasoning using mathematical concepts and processes. It is spread over three days (information document):

• situations involving applications, 30 minutes each;
• one situational problem, 2 hours;
• a question booklet, 60 minutes.

Students may be given extra time for each part (roughly 15 minutes for the applications and the question booklet, roughly 30 minutes for the situational problem). For the situational problem, students may use a calculator, manipulatives, measuring instruments and a handwritten memory aid they prepare beforehand: one 8½ x 11 sheet, both sides.

That memory aid is a great review tool in itself. Deciding what goes on it (formulas, unit conversions, problem-solving steps) forces your child to sort through the material actively. Encourage them to make it themselves, over a few drafts.

Helping without adding stress

For most kids, these are their first "big exams," and your attitude sets the tone. As an Alloprof article published by Quebec's federation of parents' committees puts it, what young people remember from this period is often less their results than how supported they felt (FCPQ, in French).

• Keep the exam in perspective: it is one part of the mark, not a verdict on your child.
• Post the dates on the fridge so the whole family can see exam weeks coming.
• Don't reteach the material: in elementary school, focus on confidence and independence. Ask your child to explain how they found an answer.
• Choose short, repeated sessions over one big review the night before, and alternate subjects.
• Protect sleep: Canada's movement guidelines recommend 9 to 11 hours a night for ages 5 to 13.
• Don't hunt for the exam topics: the Ministère tightly controls these exams and prohibits exploring their topics with students ahead of time. Focus on general skills instead.

Sample practice routine, 4 to 6 weeks out

Here is a light routine to adapt to your child's energy level and the homework the school already assigns. Sessions last 20 to 30 minutes, no more.

Alloprof offers free games and a Grade 6 review guide. You can also ask your child's teacher which concepts to prioritize.

Exam week

• Stick to the usual bedtime and plan a filling breakfast.
• The night before, check the materials the school asked for: the usual dictionary and reference tools, calculator, memory aid.
• No new material: a little reading for pleasure is plenty.
• Leave phones and smartwatches at home, or follow the school's rules.
• After each day, ask "What felt easy today?" rather than "Did you pass?"

Special needs and next steps

If your child has an individualized education plan (plan d'intervention), accommodations may be available during the exams. Raise it with the school early. If a child fails, the school explains the possible options in writing with the report card (Alloprof Parents, in French).

For more ideas, read our guide on how to help your child with math. If you would like targeted support in French or math, Stellaire Académie offers tutoring: book a session.

Frequently asked questions