TCF 2026 — the French test the French state itself trusts

TCF (France Éducation Intl, Ministry-level) and TEF (CCI Paris Île-de-France, a commercial chamber) are both ~90-minute CEFR-mapped proficiency tests with results in days. DELF is a diploma — a single CEFR-level pass/fail (A1, A2, B1, B2 each as separate exams) with written essays and oral juries, valid for life. Choose TCF when a French government process (DAP, IRN, Quebec) accepts it, TEF when your destination prefers it (some Canadian or Belgian streams), DELF when you want a permanent certificate that never expires.

TCF-DAP for first-year French university admission (Demande d'Admission Préalable) — adds a specific written paper. TCF-IRN for French citizenship / 10-year residency (Intégration, Résidence, Naturalisation) — listening + speaking only, B1 oral threshold. TCF Québec for Quebec selection programs (PSTQ, PEQ). TCF Canada for federal economic immigration (Express Entry). The general TCF (this page) is the all-purpose version used for visas, employer requirements, and academic placement that doesn't fall into a specific scheme.

Yes — the 5 TCF skills (Listening, Language structure, Reading, Writing, Speaking) are separately bookable. The three MCQ skills (Listening, Language structure, Reading) are mandatory for any TCF session. Writing and Speaking are optional — add them only if the body asking for your TCF score requires them. This modular design is a real cost-saver compared to TEF or DELF.

Each skill is scored independently on a 100-699 scale, which maps to CEFR: 100-199 = A1, 200-299 = A2, 300-399 = B1, 400-499 = B2, 500-599 = C1, 600-699 = C2. There is no single overall score — institutions read your CEFR per skill. DAP typically needs B2 (≥400) in all skills; IRN needs B1 oral (300+) in Listening and Speaking; Quebec uses a points table per skill.

No statutory cooldown for the general TCF — you can re-register for the next available session at any accredited centre. Some variants (TCF-IRN at certain centres) impose a 30-day gap as a centre policy. Always confirm with your specific test centre before booking the resit.

Two years from the date of the exam. The attestation (results sheet) is issued within 15-30 days of the test and is the document you submit to consulates, universities, or préfectures. After 2 years you must retake the test — there is no extension.

France long-stay student visa (university Year 1, Bachelor): TCF-DAP. France citizenship or 10-year card: TCF-IRN. Quebec PSTQ/PEQ selection: TCF Québec. Canada Express Entry (federal): TCF Canada. France professional visa, talent passport, or general academic placement: general TCF. When in doubt, ask the receiving body which exact TCF code they accept — they each carry a different attestation header.