Listening · Compréhension orale
35 minCollective test · MCQ, 4 choices / 1 answer
39 questions0–699 · NCLC 1–10+
Audio documents and questions with progressive difficulty. The question follows the recording.
Exam overview
TCF Canada structure, CLB bands, and test-day tips. Always confirm details with official centres.
TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada) is administered by France Éducation international. Scores can support Canadian immigration (IRCC) and other goals. Our bank follows the listening and reading structure so you can train the pace before exam day.
Four modules
4 mandatory tests2 h 47 total durationGeneral French · A1 to C2
| Module | Format & volume | Time & score | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening · Compréhension orale | Collective test · MCQ, 4 choices / 1 answer 39 questions | 35 min 0–699 · NCLC 1–10+ | Audio documents and questions with progressive difficulty. The question follows the recording. |
| Reading · Compréhension écrite | Collective test · MCQ, 4 choices / 1 answer 39 questions | 60 min 0–699 · NCLC 1–10+ | Messages, notices, and increasingly complex texts testing detail, purpose, and inference. |
| Writing · Expression écrite | Collective test · written production 3 tasks | 60 min 0–20 · NCLC 1–10+ | T1 message (60–120 words); T2 article/letter (120–150); T3 compare viewpoints and argue (120–180). |
| Speaking · Expression orale | Individual test · face-to-face examiner 3 tasks | 12 min · 2 min prep 0–20 · NCLC 1–10+ | Guided interview; information-seeking interaction; structured opinion with follow-up questions. |
Reading · Compréhension écrite
60 minCollective test · MCQ, 4 choices / 1 answer
39 questions0–699 · NCLC 1–10+
Messages, notices, and increasingly complex texts testing detail, purpose, and inference.
Writing · Expression écrite
60 minCollective test · written production
3 tasks0–20 · NCLC 1–10+
T1 message (60–120 words); T2 article/letter (120–150); T3 compare viewpoints and argue (120–180).
Speaking · Expression orale
12 min · 2 min prepIndividual test · face-to-face examiner
3 tasks0–20 · NCLC 1–10+
Guided interview; information-seeking interaction; structured opinion with follow-up questions.
Official format verified with France Éducation international. Paper/computer delivery and fees depend on the test centre.
Centre contact details below come from the official France Éducation international directory. Session dates, fees, and formats change often — always confirm directly with the centre.
Choose a country or search to show centres.
CLB / NCLC score bands
Official TCF Canada correspondence (listening & reading /699; speaking & writing /20):
Express Entry French-category target
NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities
Listening ≥ 458Reading ≥ 453Speaking ≥ 10Writing ≥ 10
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Speaking /20 | Writing /20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10+ | 549–699 | 549–699 | 16–20 | 16–20 |
| CLB 9 | 523–548 | 524–548 | 14–15 | 14–15 |
| CLB 8 | 503–522 | 499–523 | 12–13 | 12–13 |
| CLB 7target | 458–502 | 453–498 | 10–11 | 10–11 |
| CLB 6 | 398–457 | 406–452 | 7–9 | 7–9 |
| CLB 5 | 369–397 | 375–405 | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 4 | 331–368 | 342–374 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
Test-day checklist
- ·Bring valid photo ID (passport or government ID as required)
- ·Arrive 15–30 minutes early for check-in
- ·Listening/reading are computer-based — test headset and input method
- ·Speaking may be scheduled on a different day
- ·Scores are typically valid for 2 years (confirm current IRCC rules)