Overview
TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada) is a French test that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts for Express Entry, along with TEF Canada. It is organised by France Education international, whose own site could not be read when this page was reviewed, so test timings and fees are not given here.
Skills tested
IRCC says the approved French tests assess four abilities: speaking, listening, reading and writing. IRCC scores each ability separately and converts results to Canadian Language Benchmark levels (NCLC). To earn points for a second language, you must meet the minimum thresholds in all four abilities.
Marking and results
The Quebec government's correspondence tables show how TCF Canada results are reported. Listening and reading are each scored from 101 to 699. Speaking and writing are scored together on a scale of 1 to 20. In those tables, 600 to 699 (or 18 to 20) corresponds to C2.
Validity
For Express Entry, language results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you submit your permanent residence application.
How to apply
Register through an approved TCF Canada test centre. Check the centre list, fees and dates on the France Education international website before booking.
Preparation tips
Learn the NCLC level your immigration stream requires and aim for it in each skill.
Practise under timed conditions once you have the official format from the centre.
Is TCF Canada the same as TEF Canada?
No. They are separate tests, but IRCC accepts either one as proof of French.