French Exams
TCFTest de connaissance du français
A guide to the versions, skills and results — so you can check the right test before registering.
- Provider
- France Éducation international
- Levels
- A1–C2; TCF IRN assesses through B2
- Result validity
- Two years
- Assessment
- Skills and duration depend on the version
What TCF certifies
TCF measures your current French proficiency. Choose the version and skills required by your institution or authority before you register.
TCF is a proficiency test rather than a permanent diploma at a selected level. A university, employer or public authority decides which version, skills and result it accepts. TCF versions are not interchangeable.
Who is it for?
- Candidates needing a current statement of French proficiency for study, professional or personal purposes.
- Candidates following a Canadian, Québec or French administrative procedure that specifies a particular TCF version.
Choose the right TCF version
Which version does your requirement name?
Start with the university, employer or authority that will receive your result.
TCF tout public
For academic, professional and personal goals. Listening, language structures and reading form the core test; writing and speaking are additional components according to your requirement. Writing is required for the DAP university admission procedure.
Official version informationTCF Canada
For Canadian economic immigration and citizenship procedures. It includes four compulsory skills. Check the current IRCC requirements for your specific application.
Official version informationTCF Québec
A modular test for Québec immigration purposes. Confirm the required skills, current delivery format and result with the relevant authority and chosen examination centre.
Official version informationTCF IRN
Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité: for relevant French residence and nationality language procedures. It assesses four skills through B2. It is a language test, not a test of civic or historical knowledge.
Official version informationUnderstand the test format
Skills and timing depend on your version. Use the table to compare the required components.
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Scroll sideways on a small screen to read every component and timing.
| Version | Skills | Test time | Before registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCF tout public | Core: listening, structures, reading. Additional: writing, speaking. | Paper core: 1 h 25. Writing: 60 min; speaking: 12 min. | Confirm which additional components you need. |
| TCF Canada | Listening, reading, writing and speaking. | 2 h 47 in total. | Check the specific Canadian procedure. |
| TCF Québec | Modular listening, reading, writing and speaking. | Depends on the selected components and delivery format. | Confirm current requirements with the Québec authority. |
| TCF IRN | Listening, reading, writing and speaking. | 1 h 35 in total. | Check the current procedure and any applicable exemptions. |
TCF tout public computer delivery includes additional unscored questions. Exact delivery details should be confirmed with the chosen centre. TCF IRN changed in May 2025; older B1-only descriptions are no longer current.
Understand your results
The statement of results records proficiency by skill and is valid for two years. It is not a lifetime diploma. Check the validity dates on your certificate and any separate result-age or score requirement set by the receiving institution or authority.
Prepare for your version
- Identify the required TCF version and components before choosing practice materials.
- Use the organizer’s official examples to learn the task instructions and timing; distinguish IRN examples from the other versions.
- Practise sustained listening and timed reading. For writing, complete every required task and respect the stated word limits.
- Build everyday French proficiency through regular reading, listening and conversation alongside task practice.
Check before registering
Register through an approved examination centre. The centre confirms sessions, delivery format, fees and required identification. Contact CDI separately to confirm whether the relevant variant is available locally and what preparation or registration assistance is currently offered.
Provider information explains the exam; it does not establish CDI authorisation or an available local session. Confirm the version, accepted result, identification requirements, dates and fees with the relevant organiser or authorised centre.
Official practice & information
Alicante, Spain
Ask CDI about TCF
Tell us your goal, the exam or version you are considering, your current French level if known and any target deadline. We will confirm the relevant CDI service before you make arrangements.
Contact CDIExam administration, registration assistance and preparation are separate services. Availability must be confirmed for your chosen version.
Compare the examsTCF questions
Which TCF version should I choose?
Start with the requirement from your university, employer or public authority. Check the exact version and skills before registering; TCF tout public, Canada, Québec and IRN are not interchangeable.
Does TCF give me a permanent diploma?
No. TCF provides a statement of your current proficiency with two-year validity. DELF and DALF are separate diploma qualifications.
Can I use TCF for Canadian immigration?
IRCC lists TCF Canada among the approved French tests for Express Entry. Check your own programme’s current requirements; a test result alone does not establish immigration eligibility.
Can I take my chosen TCF version at CDI?
Please contact CDI to confirm the exact version and current availability, and whether the support offered is preparation, registration assistance or an exam sitting. This page does not claim authorization for every version.