Level test · Valid for 2 years
TCF: French knowledge test in Geneva
Designed by France Éducation international for the French Ministry of National Education. A level certificate from A1 to C2, valid for 2 years: we prepare you for every version of the TCF.
Official level test
Measure your French today
The TCF (Test de connaissance du français) is a level test designed by France Éducation international for the French Ministry of National Education.
Unlike the DELF and DALF, the TCF is a placement test: you obtain a level certificate from A1 to C2, valid for 2 years, ideal for quickly meeting the requirements of administrations, universities or immigration services.
- no level required to register;
- a result on the CEFR scale, from A1 to C2;
- versions for nationality, residence, Canada and Quebec;
- a targeted preparation at the Alliance Française de Genève.
The versions
Which TCF for your project?
Integration, Residence, Nationality
TCF IRN
For a French nationality application or a long-term resident card.
- French naturalisation
- Resident card
- Certificate valid for 2 years
Immigration to Canada
TCF Canada
Required for economic immigration or citizenship with IRCC.
- Economic immigration
- Canadian citizenship
- Speaking and writing tests included
Immigration to Quebec
TCF Québec
A version adapted to candidates for immigration to Quebec (MIFI).
- Quebec procedures
- Tests according to the programme
- Certificate valid for 2 years
Open to all
Assess your level
To quickly assess your current level, for example at the start of a course.
- Placement from A1 to C2
- Selection of students or employees
- Reliable, fast result
When is it useful?
In which cases should you take the TCF?
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Quickly assess your level
For example at the start of a French course.
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Academic procedures
Some student or employee selection procedures accept a TCF score.
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Immigration and mobility
Immigration or professional mobility procedures, notably to Canada or Quebec.
Warning
A validity limited to 2 years
The TCF is generally not recommended if you want permanent proof of your skills: choose the DELF or the DALF, valid for life.
Practical details
Who is it for? Which level? Which format?
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Audience
Any non-French speaker needing a quick, reliable assessment: naturalisation, resident card (TCF IRN), expatriation to Canada or Quebec.
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Required level
No diploma or prior level: the test measures your current skills and places you from A1 (beginner) to C2 (expert).
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Exam format
Compulsory multiple-choice tests (listening comprehension, language structures, reading comprehension); speaking and writing tests depending on the version.
The 4 skills
The skills assessed in the TCF
Compulsory multiple-choice tests and, depending on the version, speaking and writing tests.
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Listening comprehension
Understand different accents, rhythms and audio documents, with effective listening strategies.
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Reading comprehension
Quickly spot the essentials, understand instructions and manage your time.
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Written production
Structure your answers, organise your ideas and use the expected vocabulary.
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Spoken production
Organise your speech and answer clearly and confidently in front of the jury.
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Time management
Practise in real conditions with timed mock exams.
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Examiners’ expectations
Understand the marking grids to avoid pitfalls.
Preparing
How to prepare for the TCF?
Methodology, training for multiple-choice and speaking/writing tests, time management.
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Private preparation lessons
A programme focused on your exam, your level and your test date, online or in Geneva.
See private lessons -
Preparation workshops
Thematic workshops to practise speaking, writing and methodology.
See the workshops -
Group courses
Intensive or evening courses to consolidate your level before the exam.
See group courses
Please note
Where to take the test?
The Alliance Française de Genève prepares you for the TCF, but is not an exam centre: registration for the test is made with an approved centre.
Free placement test
Where does your French stand?
Estimate your level for free before preparing for the TCF.
Take the placement testFrequently asked questions
TCF: your questions
What is the TCF?
The TCF (Test de connaissance du français) is a level test designed by France Éducation international for the French Ministry of National Education. It assesses your skills from A1 to C2 and issues a certificate valid for 2 years.
What is the difference between TCF IRN, TCF Canada and TCF Québec?
The TCF IRN is for French nationality or resident card applications; the TCF Canada for economic immigration or citizenship files with IRCC; the TCF Québec for candidates for immigration to Quebec.
Is a minimum level required to take the TCF?
No. The TCF is an overall level test: no diploma or prior level is required. Your result places you from A1 to C2.
How long is the TCF valid?
2 years. For permanent proof of your skills, choose the DELF or the DALF instead, valid for life.
How does the TCF work?
Depending on the version, it includes compulsory multiple-choice tests (listening comprehension, command of language structures, reading comprehension) and, for some versions such as Canada or Quebec, speaking and writing tests.
Can I take the TCF at the Alliance Française de Genève?
We prepare you for the TCF, but we are not an exam centre: registration for the test is made with an approved centre.
TCF or TEF: which to choose?
Both are level tests valid for 2 years. Check which one is accepted by the body requesting your certification (French administration, IRCC, Quebec).
Also discover
Our other French courses in Geneva
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Our partners
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Questions?
Prepare for your TCF with us
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