What is TCF or Test de Connaissance du Français Exam?

The TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) is an official French language proficiency test administered by France Éducation International (FEI), under the supervision of the French Ministry of Education. It’s designed for non-native speakers of French who need to demonstrate their language level for academic, professional, or immigration purposes.

The TCF is recognized internationally and is often required for:

• Admission to French universities.

• Immigration to Canada or Quebec.

• French nationality or long-term residency applications.

• Assessing general language proficiency for personal or professional development.

TCF Exam types

The TCF comes in various forms, depending on your goal:

1. TCF Tout Public (General TCF): For anyone who wants a general evaluation of their French skills. Useful for job applications or personal interest.

2. TCF for Quebec (TCF Québec): Required by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) for immigration to Quebec. Focuses mainly on oral and written comprehension and expression.

3. TCF Canada: Required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Accepted for Express Entry and other Canadian immigration programs.

4. TCF ANF (Access to French Nationality): Mandatory for non-French nationals applying for French citizenship. Only oral comprehension and expression modules are required.

5. TCF DAP (Demande d’Admission Préalable): Required for non-EU students applying to undergraduate programs in French universities or architecture schools.

TCF Exam Structure

The structure of the TCF varies slightly depending on the version, but most include:

✅ Compulsory Sections:

• Listening Comprehension (Compréhension Orale): 29 questions – 25 minutes

• Reading Comprehension (Compréhension Écrite): 29 questions – 45 minutes

• Use of Language Structures (Lexique et Grammaire): 18 questions – 15 minutes

✅ Optional Sections (Depends on the Version):

• Speaking Expression (Expression Orale): 3 tasks – 12 minutes, face-to-face with an examiner

• Written Expression (Expression Écrite): 3 to 4 tasks – 60 minutes

Each section is scored on a scale that maps to CEFR levels (A1 to C2).

Why Take the TCF Exam?

• It's officially recognized by the French government and institutions.

• It’s valid for 2 years.

• It offers flexibility with different versions suited for various purposes.

• You don’t pass or fail—your level is simply assessed.

How to Register for the TCF

1. Visit the official website of France Éducation International or your local authorized testing center.

2. Choose the right TCF version.

3. Pay the fee (varies depending on the version and center).

4. Receive your attestation de résultats typically within 3 to 6 weeks.

How to Prepare for the TCF

Here are practical ways to improve your score:

• 📚 Understand the exam format through sample papers.

• 🧠 Strengthen grammar and vocabulary with apps or textbooks.

• 🗣️ Practice speaking and listening with native speakers or language partners.

• ✍️ Take mock tests to manage time and reduce stress.

• 🎓 Join a TCF preparation course, the one offered by Simply FRENCH, which focus on all exam components.

Conclusion

The TCF exam is a flexible, globally recognized tool to measure your French proficiency. With multiple versions suited for citizenship, academic, or immigration purposes, it’s one of the most accessible paths to prove your language skills.

Start your preparation early, choose the right version, and stay consistent. And remember—language learning is a journey, not a race!