TL;DR
In one month, spend the first week assessing your level and learning the method, the second and third weeks on targeted practice for your weak points (especially speaking and writing), and the last week on mock tests in real conditions. Plan about one hour a day, more if you are aiming for NCLC 7 from further away.
Before you start: know the format
| TCF Canada | |
|---|---|
| Total time | 2 h 47 min |
| Listening and reading | 39 questions each |
| Writing | 60 to 180 words per task, 60 min |
| Speaking | 12 min, with 2 min of preparation for Task 2 |
| Common goal | NCLC 7 in all 4 skills |
Always practise in the exact format of the TCF Canada: other versions of the TCF have different word limits and timings.
Official advice from France Éducation international
- The TCF is not based on a course syllabus: it measures your general ability to use French.
- Before the test: get familiar with the format, the timing and how each section runs, and read the official sample questions.
- Every day: read, listen to the radio, watch TV and speak French as often as you can.
- During the test: do not waste time taking notes in the multiple choice sections, and manage your time so you complete all 3 writing tasks.
Week 1: assess your level
- Do one full listening and reading practice set to find your level.
- Write one task of each type and get feedback against the official criteria.
- Read the method for each section and note your weakest skill: it is the one that will set your level.
Weeks 2 and 3: target your weak points
- One listening or reading set every other day, alternating the two, listening to each recording only once.
- One writing task a day, with feedback, checking your word count.
- Three timed speaking simulations a week, recording yourself.
- Review the grammar that keeps coming up in your feedback (agreement, past tenses, subjunctive).
A sample one hour day
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 15 min | Part of a listening or reading set, then review the explanations |
| 25 min | One writing task, then read the feedback |
| 10 min | One timed speaking task, recorded |
| 10 min | Review the mistakes and vocabulary you noted the day before |
Week 4: real conditions
- Two full timed mock tests, listening to each recording only once.
- Reread your most frequent mistakes and your text structures.
- The day before, rest and prepare what your test notice asks you to bring.
Plan a margin
Since September 1, 2026, re-marking of writing and speaking has been suspended: a result that is not enough means retaking the test. On the TCF Canada, you must wait 20 days between two sittings, and results arrive within 15 business days of France Éducation international receiving the session material. If your application has a deadline, book your test early enough to keep the option of a second attempt.
Preparing for a test in France? This article also exists in French.
Frequently asked questions
Is one month enough to prepare for the TCF?+−
Which section should I work on first?+−
How many mock tests should I take?+−
What if I fail the test?+−
What score would you get in writing?
Write a TCF task and get an estimated level based on the official criteria. With the 14-day free trial. How we check the correction