TCF TV5MONDE: what the free practice covers, and what is missing

What TV5MONDE offers

• 600 practice questions, on computer, tablet or phone.
• 17 sets, each with listening, language structure and reading, with no time limit.
• A 90 minute test in session conditions, which you can retake for free.

TV5MONDE itself says that the results of this test do not guarantee the same level on the official TCF.

TV5MONDE compared with the TCF Canada

The TV5MONDE format (listening, language structure, reading) is closest to the general TCF. On the TCF Canada, language structure is not a section, and it is often writing and speaking that decide whether you reach NCLC 7.

What France Éducation international recommends

On its TCF Canada page, France Éducation international recommends practising with TV5MONDE for the compulsory sections and with RFI (Le français facile) for listening. It also publishes its own free sample questions, with online answer checking.

• 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.

A practice plan that combines both

• Grammar and vocabulary: keep the TV5MONDE language structure sets, which are useful for every version.
• Listening and reading: practise with the exact number of questions and timing of the TCF Canada (39 questions each), listening to each recording only once.
• Writing: write on prompts in the official format, within the TCF Canada word limits, and get feedback against the three criteria of the test.
• Speaking: time yourself on the 3 tasks and record yourself.

Taking a TCF for France?

Preparing for a test in France? This article also exists in French.