The TCF blog
Scores, method, immigration steps: precise answers, with their official sources.
TL;DR
- Articles on scores and NCLC levels, the method for each section and immigration steps for Canada and France.
- Every exam fact is sourced: France Éducation international, IRCC, CCI Paris, the French Ministry of the Interior.
- Each article starts with a short answer.
Method · September 29, 2026« A1 non atteint » on the TCF: the 5 cases that wipe out a taskWord count, off topic, unfinished task, copied sentences, memorized text: the 5 cases where a TCF task is marked « A1 non atteint », with examples.Scores and NCLC · September 29, 2026How is the TCF score calculated?How the TCF scores you: multiple choice out of 699, speaking and writing marked out of 20 by two examiners, CEFR levels, NCLC and the FIDELIA AI.Immigration steps · September 29, 2026How long are the TCF and the TEF? Every Canadian versionHow long the TCF Canada, the TCF Québec and the TEF Canada last: total time, sections, number of questions, computer or paper, results and retakes.Method · September 29, 2026TCF writing: 10 mistakes that cost you pointsCommon mistakes in TCF Canada writing, with corrected examples: word count, instructions, register, agreement, linking words and structure.Method · September 29, 2026TCF speaking: how the 3 tasks workTCF Canada speaking: how long each task lasts, preparation time, marking criteria, the mark out of 20, NCLC and sample questions.Scores and NCLC · September 29, 2026NCLC 7: which TCF or TEF score should you aim for?NCLC 7 is the key Express Entry threshold: exact TCF Canada and TEF Canada scores, the points you gain with a worked example, and how to get there.Scores and NCLC · September 29, 2026NCLC 9: which TCF or TEF score do you need?Exact NCLC 9 scores on the TCF Canada and TEF Canada, the Express Entry points it earns compared with NCLC 7 and 8, the level it means and how to reach it.Method · September 29, 2026Word count on the TCF and TEF: the limits for each taskHow many words to write for each TCF Canada and TEF Canada writing task, what happens outside the limits, and how to manage your time.Scores and NCLC · September 29, 2026Express Entry: how many points is French worth?The CRS points French earns in Express Entry: first and second official language, the 25 or 50 point bonus from NCLC 7, with a full calculation.Method · September 29, 2026Preparing for the TCF in one month: a week by week planA realistic four week plan for the TCF Canada: assessment, method, targeted practice and mock tests, with a sample one hour day and a safety margin.News · September 29, 2026TCF re-marking suspended until 2027: what changesSince September 1, 2026, TCF writing and speaking can no longer be re-marked. What changes, how your mark is set and what to do if it is not enough.Scores and NCLC · September 29, 2026TCF Canada score and NCLC: the full chart (2026)The official TCF Canada score to NCLC chart for each skill, with worked examples, CRS points and the weakest skill rule for permanent residence.Method · September 29, 2026Free TCF Canada preparation: what is really free in 2026The test costs money, part of the practice is free: official resources, TV5MONDE, the format to recreate, the score to aim for and a four week plan.Immigration steps · September 29, 2026TCF or TEF: which one should you choose in 2026?TCF Canada or TEF Canada? Format, timing, scoring and recognition compared, so you can pick the French test that fits your immigration plans.Method · September 29, 2026TCF TV5MONDE: what the free practice covers, and what is missingThe free TV5MONDE TCF practice test: 600 questions, 17 sets and a 90 minute test. How it compares with the TCF Canada, and how to fill the gaps.Immigration steps · September 29, 2026How long is the TCF valid?TCF Canada and TEF Canada results for Express Entry: the 2 year rule at profile creation and at application, Québec's rule, examples and a planning method.Method · September 29, 2026The "real questions" of the TCF: why you should not rely on themSome sites sell the "real questions" or "recent topics" of the TCF. Why it is risky and does not work, and how to prepare properly in the official format.