How to prepare for TCF Canada in 4 weeks

Before you start: three official rules

• Each listening recording is played only once.
• In writing, a task outside the word count, off topic or missing can get the paper rated “A1 not reached”: see the 3 writing tasks and scoring.
• Results are converted to NCLC skill by skill; for a threshold such as NCLC 7 in all four abilities, your weakest skill decides: see the conversion chart.

The week-by-week plan

Week 1 · Find your level and learn the format

• Read the official presentation of the four tests and work through the sample questions published by France Éducation international.
• Take a timed writing practice test: you get a first estimate of your NCLC level in writing.
• Note your starting point in each skill and spot the weakest one: it sets your lowest level.
• Every day: 20 minutes of listening in French (radio, podcasts, TV news) and one press article.

Week 2 · Writing tasks 1 and 2, speaking tasks 1 and 2

• Study the method for task 1 and task 2, then write three texts of each, at the right length.
• Get your texts corrected and list your recurring mistakes (agreement, tenses, prepositions).
• Speaking: prepare a 2-minute self-introduction (task 1) and practise asking varied questions in an everyday situation (task 2).
• Comprehension: one set of exercises a day, listening to each recording only once, as in the exam.

Week 3 · Writing task 3, speaking task 3, arguing

• Work on task 3: rephrase two opinions without copying, then defend your position with varied linking words.
• Speaking: every day, give your opinion out loud for 4 minutes 30 on a social question, and record yourself.
• Review linking words and the structures that move you to B2: relative clauses, cause, consequence, concession.
• Do one timed reading test (60 minutes) to practise time management.

Week 4 · Real conditions and final review

• Two full writing practice tests a few days apart: compare the two reports.
• Go over your recurring mistakes and rewrite your weakest texts.
• Simulate the whole speaking test (12 minutes, including 2 of preparation) with someone playing the examiner.
• The day before: nothing new; check the notice and the ID your test centre asks for.

Recommended free resources

• France Éducation international: the test presentation and sample questions on its website.
• TV5Monde: practice exercises for the mandatory TCF tests, recommended by France Éducation international.
• RFI, « Le français facile »: listening practice, also recommended by France Éducation international.
• TCF Canada Coach: original prompts, a timed writing practice test and a free correction preview (estimated level and 2 corrections).

Writing guides

• Task 1: the 60–120-word message.
• Task 2: the 120–150-word article or letter.
• Task 3: comparing two opinions in 120–180 words.
• Common mistakes and linking words.

Start with a practice test

FAQ