The TCF Canada test: sections, scoring and NCLC levels
TCF Canada is France Éducation international’s French test accepted by IRCC for economic immigration and citizenship. It has four mandatory sections (2 h 47 in total), scored from 100 to 699 for comprehension and out of 20 for writing and speaking, then converted to NCLC levels skill by skill.
Updated October 19, 2026
The four sections
| Section | Content | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 39 multiple-choice questions (4 options) | 35 minutes | Score from 100 to 699 |
| Reading | 39 multiple-choice questions (4 options) | 60 minutes | Score from 100 to 699 |
| Writing | 3 tasks: a message, an article or letter, a comparison of two opinions | 60 minutes | Score out of 20 |
| Speaking | 3 tasks, face to face with an examiner | 12 minutes, including 2 of preparation | Score out of 20 |
In listening, each recording is played only once and the questions get harder as you go. Every section is available on paper or on computer except speaking, which is always face to face with an examiner.
How TCF Canada is scored
- Listening and reading: only correct answers count, and a scale that weighs each question’s difficulty gives a score from 100 to 699.
- Writing: one score out of 20 for the three tasks, given by two independent graders. On computer, the first marking can be assisted by FIDELIA, France Éducation international’s automated marking tool; the second is always human.
- Speaking: a score out of 20, assessed by the examiner and then, from the recording, by a second grader.
In writing, a paper can be rated “A1 not reached” if a task misses the word count, goes off topic or is missing. Task-by-task details: the 3 writing tasks and scoring.
Scores and NCLC levels
IRCC converts each skill to NCLC with its own chart. For NCLC 7: 458–502 in listening, 453–498 in reading and 10 or 11 out of 20 in writing and speaking. Every threshold plus a calculator: NCLC score chart; the common NCLC 7 target: which score to aim for.
Booking, results and retakes
- Booking: through an approved test centre, which sets dates, process, format and fee.
- Results: in your TCF-Candidat space, within 15 working days after France Éducation international receives the session material.
- Validity: 2 years from the date results are issued.
- Retakes: as often as you need, with at least 20 days between attempts.
- Re-marking: from the 1 September 2026 sessions, re-mark requests for writing and speaking are not accepted for about a year (planned to resume in autumn 2027).
Preparing
- A free 4-week plan for all four sections.
- Writing guides: task 1, task 2, task 3.
- Speaking guides: task 1, task 2, task 3, with a recorder to get your answer corrected.
- TCF Canada listening: format, scoring and NCLC bands.
- A reading practice test and vocabulary by topic.
- A timed writing practice test and our original prompts.
- Still choosing between TCF and TEF? TCF vs TEF compared.
TCF Canada Coach is an independent preparation tool with no link to France Éducation international or IRCC. To book the test or get your results, contact your approved test centre.
TCF Canada FAQ
What is the TCF Canada test?
It is the version of France Éducation international’s Test de connaissance du français used for economic immigration and citizenship applications to IRCC. It has four mandatory tests: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
How long is the TCF Canada exam?
About 2 hours 47 minutes in total: 35 minutes of listening, 60 minutes of reading, 60 minutes of writing and 12 minutes of speaking (including 2 minutes of preparation).
How do I book the TCF Canada?
Through an approved test centre: the centre sets the session dates, the registration process, the format (paper or computer) and the fee. France Éducation international publishes a map of test centres.
How long are TCF Canada results valid?
The results document is valid for 2 years from the date the results are issued; the date is printed on it. Results appear in your TCF-Candidat space within 15 working days after France Éducation international receives the session material.
Can I retake the TCF Canada?
Yes, as many times as you like, with at least 20 days between attempts. From the 1 September 2026 sessions, re-mark requests for writing and speaking are suspended for about a year.