Training for TCF Canada 2025

What is TCF Canada ?

The TCF Canada, a version of the Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF), is administered by France Éducation international (a public institution under the Ministry of National Education). Accessible to anyone aged 16 and over, this certificate certifies your mastery of the French language to complete your economic immigration or Canadian citizenship applications. It can also be used to apply for a French resident card or nationality, for immigration to Quebec, as well as to practice a profession in a French-speaking environment, particularly in the medical field.

TCF certificates benefit from widespread recognition by numerous institutions: the IRCC, the Quebec Ministry of Immigration (MIFI), universities, language training centers and businesses.

Your certificate is valid for 2 years after the results are issued.

TCF Canada exams

This version of the test includes four compulsory tests: oral comprehension, written comprehension, oral expression and written expression.

Listening comprehension

The candidate listens, once only, to audio documents on everyday topics (conversations, radio broadcasts, etc.) before answering comprehension questions in the form of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). For each question, 4 answer options (A, B, C and D) are offered, of which only one is correct. Lasting 35 minutes, the test includes 39 questions of progressive difficulty.

Reading comprehension

The candidate reads different types of written documents (articles, messages, menus, extracts from literary texts, etc.) and answers multiple-choice questions (4 proposals, one of which is correct). This assessment includes 39 questions of progressive difficulty over a period of one hour.

Oral expression

The test is a face-to-face interview with an examiner. It assesses the ability to present oneself, interact, argue clearly, express one's opinion, and address complex topics in a structured and context-appropriate manner. It consists of three tasks and lasts 12 minutes.

• Task 1: Guided interview (2 minutes);
• Task 2: Interactive exercise (3.5 minutes and 2 minutes of preparation);
• Task 3: Expressing a point of view (4.5 minutes).

Written expression

This test is presented in the form of writing exercises of progressive difficulty (tasks 1, 2 and 3) which assess your ability to describe, justify a position, argue and structure your ideas. This test consists of 3 writing tasks over a period of one hour:

• Task 1: Descriptive, narrative and explanatory message (60-120 words);
• Task 2: Short text (article, email, note, etc.) relating an experience or story, with comments (120-150 words);
• Task 3: Longer text (for a newspaper, website, colleague, superior, etc.) comparing two perspectives (120-180 words).

Understanding the notation

Each test receives an individual mark:

• The oral comprehension (CO) and written comprehension (CE) tests are marked from 100 to 699 points;
• The written expression (EE) and oral expression (EO) tests are marked out of 20.

The comprehension tests are automatically corrected. For the written expression tests, the essays are independently corrected by two correctors. Similarly, the oral expression tests are subject to double-blind correction. If you believe there is a discrepancy in the grade obtained, you can request a new correction.

At the end of the test, you will receive an official certificate indicating your scores for each test taken, as well as the corresponding level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR). The levels range from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency). The CEFR is aligned with the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), which is the reference scale used by the IRCC. Here is the correspondence table between TCF Canada scores, CEFR levels, and the CLB:

The TCF does not have a minimum score to be " passed " , since it assesses your language level by assigning you a CEFR level per skill. However, note that level A2 is required for a naturalization application, while level B1 is required for an application for economic immigration to Canada.

If your score is less than or equal to 99 points, the note " A1 not achieved " appears on your certificate. The certificate of results is available within 15 working days.

How to train for the TCF Canada ?

Like other language certifications, the TCF Canada requires several months of advance study. The goal is twofold: to familiarize you with the exam format while strengthening your French language skills, both written and spoken. From the beginning of your training, develop a revision schedule that includes targeted exercises to master the exam structure and comprehensive simulations to practice real-life exam conditions.

To maximize your efficiency, choose a specialized online training platform. For example, PrepMyFuture offers comprehensive TCF Canada preparation, including 40 study sheets, 3 practice tests, 1 TCF mini-test, over 1,000 exercises tailored to the exam structure, and answer keys.

This solution allows you to improve your comprehension and expression and explore different topics. Detailed corrections help you identify errors, analyze weaknesses, adjust your strategy, and progress. Online preparation allows you to review at your own pace, wherever you are, while tracking your progress in real time.

Beyond the TCF Canada, TCF test preparation also includes the following tests: the TCF for the general public , the TCF Quebec and the TCF Integration, Residence and Nationality . Discover more information dedicated to the exams on the PrepMyFuture website!

How to register for the exam ?

You can register directly with an approved test center. The complete list of TCF test centers in France and abroad is available on the official France Éducation International website.

After contacting the center closest to your home, the candidate receives all the practical information:

• The schedule of upcoming sessions;
• The methods of administering the tests (digital or paper format);
• Registration fees.

To finalize your registration, present a valid ID document, this same document will be required on the day of the exam.

You can take the TCF Canada as many times as you like, provided you respect a minimum interval of 30 days between each session.

Where to take the test ?

The TCF is available at over 700 accredited centers worldwide. In France, accredited institutions include Alliances Françaises, Instituts Français, GRETA (French Association of Educational Institutions), and many universities.

To locate the center closest to you, consult the official list available on the France Éducation international website.

Why take the TCF Canada ?

The TCF is a major certification. It officially attests to your level of French for immigration purposes: a satisfactory level of French is a prerequisite for various procedures in Canada.

Beyond administrative requirements, this certification enhances your profile in a professional and personal context. It helps you achieve several objectives, whether it's strengthening your job application, increasing your chances in an immigration program, or validating your language skills to employers.

It can also be used in the context of an application for a residence permit or acquisition of French nationality, or to practice a regulated profession in a French-speaking context, particularly in the medical field. Note that the TCF IRN (Integration, Residence and Nationality) is the version of the TCF designed specifically for applications for naturalization or a residence permit in France.

Tips for passing the TCF Canada

The TCF Canada places your language level on the CEFR scale. A good command of the exam format increases your chances of achieving a high level, which further enhances your certification and allows you to achieve your immigration or career goals. Successful completion of this exam is a decisive step in realizing your project in Canada.

When it comes to language learning, consistency is essential to ensure your success! Only regular practice of French will guarantee your progress. In addition to practice exercises and exam simulations, your training should be structured around your priority objectives and allow sufficient time to improve each skill:

• Immerse yourself in the language by listening to audio documents to improve your listening comprehension (podcasts and films in French);
• Regularly read French-language press articles on various subjects;
• Practice writing texts in accordance with the exam instructions;
• Take every opportunity to converse with native speakers to improve your speaking skills.

On exam day, be sure to read the instructions carefully and manage your time effectively. When faced with a difficult question, choose the answer that seems most plausible to you and move on, as there are no penalties for errors. In all situations, maintain your confidence. With methodical and focused preparation, you will confidently achieve your goals and celebrate your success on the TCF Canada exam.