What TCF reading tests
The general TCF (Test de connaissance du français) certifies your French proficiency across the full CEFR range in a single sitting. Unlike DELF, there is no level to pick — the test contains questions ranging from A1 to C2 and your score places you on the scale.
The reading section is one of three mandatory sections (with listening and grammar); Expression Écrite and Expression Orale are optional add-ons purchased separately. Total exam time is around 2h35 including the optional productive sections.
Format
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Questions | 45 multiple-choice (4 options each) |
| Range | CEFR A1 to C2 within the same paper |
| Skip policy | No — you must answer to move on (or explicitly skip; unanswered = wrong) |
| Return policy | No — questions are one-at-a-time, no going back |
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How the score works
Your raw correct count maps to a 0–699 scale via the TCF equating formula. The scale then maps to CEFR levels: 100–199 A1, 200–299 A2, 300–399 B1, 400–499 B2, 500–599 C1, 600–699 C2.
The test is not classically adaptive — you see all 45 questions regardless of performance — but the difficulty increases across the paper. Getting the first 10 questions wrong caps your ceiling; getting the last 10 right lifts it. Skipping questions counts as wrong.
60-minute timing that works
60 minutes for 45 questions is roughly 80 seconds per question. But easier early questions should take 30–40 seconds each, banking time for the C1/C2 questions which need 2 minutes each. Do not spend the same time on every question.
The single most valuable habit is a hard 2-minute cap on any single question. Guess and move on if the timer hits 2 minutes — a wrong answer is no worse than a skip and you save time for questions you can actually get right.
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Common mistakes that cap you at B1
- Spending 3 minutes on early A2 questions. Time you steal from the C1 block is worth 4x more.
- Skipping questions to ‘come back later’. There is no back button — a skip is a wrong answer.
- Panicking on the first hard C1 question. It appears around question 30 in most sittings; expect it and move through calmly.
- Guessing without eliminating. Four-option MCQs let you eliminate 1–2 answers on almost every question; a 50/50 guess beats a 25% guess by 25 marks over 45 questions.
- Not reading the question stem carefully. TCF stems often include ‘Selon le texte’ (according to the text) vs ‘D’après vous’ (in your opinion) — the second is rare but the answers are graded differently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the TCF Compréhension Écrite scored?
On a 0–699 scale that maps to CEFR levels A1 to C2. Score 100–199 is A1, 200–299 A2, 300–399 B1, 400–499 B2, 500–599 C1, 600–699 C2. There is no pass/fail; the certificate simply reports the level you demonstrated.
Can I go back to previous TCF questions?
No. The TCF interface is one-at-a-time — you cannot return to earlier questions once you have moved on. Plan for a single-pass approach with a hard 2-minute cap per question.
Is TCF adaptive?
Not classically — you see all 45 questions regardless of performance. But difficulty rises across the paper, and your score reflects how far up the difficulty scale you got right. Getting the first block right unlocks meaningful marks; getting the last block right unlocks the highest CEFR levels.
How is TCF reading different from DELF reading?
TCF is computer-based, multiple-choice-only, and mixes all CEFR levels in one paper. DELF is paper-based, includes short-answer and justification questions, and targets a specific level. Same skill; different test format.
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