The 4 sections
| Section | Format | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Compréhension orale (listening) | 39 multiple choice questions | 35 min |
| Compréhension écrite (reading) | 39 multiple choice questions | 60 min |
| Expression écrite (writing) | 3 tasks: 60 to 120, 120 to 150, 120 to 180 words | 60 min |
| Expression orale (speaking) | 3 tasks, including 2 min of preparation | 12 min |
The whole test takes 2 hours 47. All four sections are required. Every section except speaking can be taken on computer; speaking is face to face with an examiner.
The speaking section in detail
- Task 1, guided interview: no preparation, 2 minutes.
- Task 2, interactive exercise: 2 minutes of preparation, then 3 minutes 30 of conversation. You need to get information in an everyday situation.
- Task 3, expressing a point of view: no preparation, 4 minutes 30.
Scores and NCLC
Listening and reading are scored out of 699, writing and speaking out of 20. Each skill converts to an NCLC level (the French name of the CLB scale), and for immigration the level that counts is your weakest skill.
Federal skilled workers need at least NCLC 7 in all four skills. The French language proficiency category of Express Entry also asks for at least NCLC 7 in all four skills, plus the conditions of each round. Use our NCLC converter to see where your scores land.
| NCLC | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 and above | 549 to 699 | 549 to 699 | 16 to 20 | 16 to 20 |
| 9 | 523 to 548 | 524 to 548 | 14 to 15 | 14 to 15 |
| 8 | 503 to 522 | 499 to 523 | 12 to 13 | 12 to 13 |
| 7 | 458 to 502 | 453 to 498 | 10 to 11 | 10 to 11 |
| 6 | 398 to 457 | 406 to 452 | 7 to 9 | 7 to 9 |
| 5 | 369 to 397 | 375 to 405 | 6 | 6 |
| 4 | 331 to 368 | 342 to 374 | 4 to 5 | 4 to 5 |
Results, validity and retakes
- Results appear in your TCF candidate space within 15 business days after France Éducation international receives the session material.
- Your score report is valid for 2 years from the date the results are issued. For Express Entry, results must be less than 2 years old both when you create your profile and when you apply for permanent residence.
- You can take the test as many times as you like, with 20 days between two sittings.
- Test dates, format (paper or computer) and fees are set by each approved test centre: ask the centre directly.
TCF Québec
The TCF Québec is modular: you choose which sections to take, from 1 to 4. Listening, 29 questions (25 minutes); reading, 29 questions (45 minutes); writing, 3 tasks (60 minutes); speaking, 3 tasks (12 minutes, including 2 minutes of preparation).