Overview
The Test de connaissance du français (TCF) is a French language test from France Education International (FEI), designed for the French Ministry of National Education. It is a placement test, not a diploma: it shows your level at a given moment on the six-level CEFR scale, from A1 to C2. According to Campus France, you cannot fail it, since every candidate receives an official certificate showing their level in each skill assessed. The FEI website itself blocked automated access when this page was prepared, so the facts here come from the French public register France compétences and from Campus France, and should be confirmed on the FEI site.
Who can apply
The general public version, TCF Tout public (TCF TP), is for non-French speakers who want to certify their French for training, study or professional use, including access to vocational training, employment, promotion or mobility. France compétences lists two prerequisites: you must be at least 16 and able to read and write. The test takes place at approved examination centres.
Exam pattern
France compétences records the TCF TP, in the version registered with it, as five tests.
| Test | Format | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening comprehension | 29 multiple-choice questions | 25 minutes |
| Language structures | 18 multiple-choice questions | 15 minutes |
| Reading comprehension | 29 multiple-choice questions | 45 minutes |
| Speaking | Individual interview, 3 tasks: introduce yourself, obtain information, give a reasoned opinion | 12 minutes |
| Writing | 3 tasks: describe an event or project, report activities for a purpose, argue a viewpoint on two documents | 60 minutes |
Campus France describes the structure used for candidates it handles as three compulsory multiple-choice tests (listening, language structures and reading) plus two optional expression tests, a 15-minute speaking interview and a written test of 1 hour 45 minutes with six tasks of rising difficulty. The two descriptions differ in item counts and timings, so confirm the version and format offered by your centre.
France compétences notes that the registered certification cannot be used with the CPF training account unless all five tests are taken.
Marking and results
Each multiple-choice test gets a score, and the multiple-choice tests are given a global score. Speaking and writing are scored out of 20. Candidates also get a level per skill, from "A1 not reached" to C2. The multiple-choice score ranges are in bands of about 100 points: 0 to 100 is below A1, 101 to 199 is A1, 200 to 299 is A2, 300 to 399 is B1, 400 to 499 is B2 and 600 to 699 is C2. The register's C1 line is misprinted, so the C1 range (between B2 and C2) is not confirmed here. For speaking and writing, 0 out of 20 is below A1, 1 is A1, 2 to 5 is A2, 6 to 9 is B1, 10 to 13 is B2, 14 to 17 is C1 and 18 to 20 is C2. The certifying levels are B1, B2, C1 and C2.
Important dates
The sources give no exam calendar, so ask the approved centre where you plan to sit the test. Campus France says results reach candidates about one month after the exam, though procedures vary by centre.
Fees
The sources used here do not state TCF fees. Ask the approved centre where you plan to sit the test.
How to apply
Book at an approved FEI examination centre, which you can find through the list on the FEI website.
After the exam
The score certificate is valid for two years. Campus France Japan says the TCF is the only test recognised by French universities in their application processes. For first-year licence applications through the DAP procedure, candidates without a degree at DELF B2 level or higher must present a B2 TCF TP or TCF SO result that includes the written expression option.
Preparation tips
Ask your centre whether the speaking and writing tests are included in your booking, since they are optional in some versions but required for DAP and for CPF funding.
Practise the multiple-choice tests under time pressure, as the reading and language structures timing is tight.
Prepare for the writing tasks by practising a message, an activity report and an argued opinion.
How long is a TCF result valid?
Two years, according to Campus France.
Can I fail the TCF?
No. It is a test, not a diploma. You receive an attestation showing your level whatever the result.
Are speaking and writing compulsory?
In the format Campus France describes they are optional, but France compétences records the registered version as five tests, and the DAP university procedure requires the written expression test. Check with your centre.