What TCF tests
TCF (Test de connaissance du français) is France Éducation international’s general proficiency test. Unlike DELF, there is no level to pick — the test covers CEFR A1 to C2 within the same paper, and your scores place you on the scale.
There is one general TCF plus targeted variants (TCF Canada, TCF Québec, TCF ANF, TCF pour la Carte de Résident, TCF DAP for university admission). The general TCF is the version discussed here.
Sections at a glance
| Section | Duration | Questions | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compréhension Orale | 25 min | 29 MCQ | Yes |
| Structure de la langue | 18 min | 18 MCQ | Yes |
| Compréhension Écrite | 45 min | 29 MCQ | Yes |
| Expression Écrite | 60 min | 3 tasks | Optional |
| Expression Orale | 12 min | 3 tasks | Optional |
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Score to CEFR mapping
| Score (0–699) | CEFR level |
|---|---|
| 600–699 | C2 |
| 500–599 | C1 |
| 400–499 | B2 |
| 300–399 | B1 |
| 200–299 | A2 |
| 100–199 | A1 |
How TCF differs from DELF
TCF is computer-based, adaptive-difficulty, multiple-choice-only for the mandatory sections, and covers the full CEFR range in a single sitting. DELF is paper-based, pitched at one level, and includes short-answer, justification and productive tasks throughout.
TCF results are valid for 2 years for immigration/admission; DELF is valid for life. TCF has no pass/fail — the certificate simply reports your CEFR level per section.
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How much of the syllabus to prepare
- All three mandatory sections must be trained — you cannot skip Grammar (Structure de la langue), which is often the weakest section for candidates from listening-heavy prep routines.
- Optional Speaking and Writing must be added if your target uses them (Canadian immigration, some university admissions).
- The single highest-return skill for TCF specifically is question-first reading — 45 minutes for 29 reading questions is tight; blind reading costs 4–6 marks.
- Number, date and time recognition drills lift Listening scores directly — the same pattern that works for DELF A1/A2 applies here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the TCF exam?
2 hours 35 minutes for all sections including the two optional productive papers. The three mandatory sections alone take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
What’s the difference between TCF and TCF Canada?
TCF Canada is a specific variant of TCF designed for IRCC immigration purposes — its scores map directly to CLB levels used by Express Entry. General TCF results can also be used for immigration if reported at the correct CEFR level, but TCF Canada is the recommended route for Canada.
Is TCF or DELF better for French universities?
DELF is preferred because it is valid for life and tests productive skills alongside receptive ones. TCF is quicker to sit (single day, computer-based) and often accepted, especially at TCF DAP variant. Check the university’s admissions page for their specific requirement.
How is TCF adaptive?
The general TCF is not classically adaptive — you see all questions regardless of performance. But question difficulty rises across the paper, and your score reflects how far up the difficulty scale you got right.
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Related Guides
- TCF Compréhension Écrite — reading
- TCF Compréhension Orale — listening
- TCF Structure de la langue — grammar
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