French certifications
TCF Canada: the French test for immigrating to Canada
The test recognised by IRCC for Express Entry, permanent residence and Canadian citizenship.
At a glance
- Body
- France Éducation international
- Recognised by
- IRCC (Canadian federal immigration)
- Duration
- About 2 h 47, 4 compulsory papers
- Result
- Score out of 699 (listening, reading), mark out of 20 (writing, speaking), converted to NCLC
- Validity
- 2 years
What is it?
The TCF Canada is the version of the TCF designed for immigration to Canada. It is produced by France Éducation international and recognised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the federal immigration department.
All 4 skills are compulsory: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Each result is converted into a Canadian Language Benchmark level (NCLC in French, CLB in English), the scale IRCC uses to assess applications.
For Express Entry, French counts twice: it can be your first official language, or earn you additional ranking points if your level is good in all 4 skills.
The papers
Listening
39 multiple-choice questions, 35 minutes: dialogues, announcements, interviews, from the simplest to the most complex.
Reading
39 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes: messages, articles, administrative and argumentative texts.
Writing
3 tasks, 60 minutes: a short message, an article or a story, then an argued text based on two documents.
Speaking
3 face-to-face tasks with an examiner, 12 minutes: interview, an exchange to obtain information (with 2 minutes' preparation), then defending a point of view.
Who requires it?
- Permanent residence candidates through Express Entry: federal skilled workers, Canadian experience, skilled trades.
- Applicants for Canadian citizenship, who must prove their level in listening and speaking.
- Provincial programmes (outside Quebec) that accept IRCC-recognised tests.
- Quebec has its own requirements (TCF Québec, TEFAQ…): check with Quebec's immigration ministry.
Where to take it?
In Algeria, the TCF is taken at the Institut français d'Algérie, the only centre approved by France Éducation international. It has a branch in Tlemcen, as well as in Algiers, Oran, Constantine and Annaba.
Registration is online, on the Institut français platform. Beware: the Institut reminds candidates that its appointments are never sold on social media.
Dates, fees and the minimum gap between two sittings change regularly: check them on if-algerie.com before registering.
Score and CEFR level
Listening and reading are scored out of 699. Writing and speaking are marked out of 20.
| Score out of 699 | CEFR level |
|---|---|
| 600–699 | C2 |
| 500–599 | C1 |
| 400–499 | B2 |
| 300–399 | B1 |
| 200–299 | A2 |
| 100–199 | A1 |
Score, CEFR and NCLC / CLB
NCLC (in French) and CLB (in English) are the same Canadian scale. IRCC converts each paper separately; the CEFR column is indicative, derived from the listening and reading scores.
IRCC table for the TCF Canada (confirm it on canada.ca when you apply):
| NCLC / CLB | CRS points, 1st language (single / with spouse) | CRS points, 2nd language | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | CEFR (indicative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 34 / 32 | 6 | 549–699 | 549–699 | 16–20 | 16–20 | C1–C2 |
| 9 | 31 / 29 | 6 | 523–548 | 524–548 | 14–15 | 14–15 | C1 |
| 8 | 23 / 22 | 3 | 503–522 | 499–523 | 12–13 | 12–13 | B2–C1 |
| 7 | 17 / 16 | 3 | 458–502 | 453–498 | 10–11 | 10–11 | B2 |
| 6 | 9 / 8 | 1 | 398–457 | 406–452 | 7–9 | 7–9 | B1–B2 |
| 5 | 6 / 6 | 1 | 369–397 | 375–405 | 6 | 6 | B1 |
| 4 | 6 / 6 | 0 | 331–368 | 342–374 | 4–5 | 4–5 | B1 |
What score should I aim for?
Express Entry (federal skilled workers): at least NCLC 7 in each of the 4 skills for your first language, i.e. at least 458 in listening, 453 in reading and 10/20 in writing and speaking. Every level above earns points.
Citizenship: NCLC 4 in listening and speaking.
Thresholds vary by programme: always check the current requirements on the IRCC website.
On exam day
Bring the ID used at registration (usually your passport) and arrive early. Listening, reading and writing are done on computer, speaking face to face with an examiner.
Manage your time: in listening and reading, an unanswered question scores zero, so it is better to answer everything.
Calculate your Express Entry points
Enter your French scores and, if you have them, your English scores: the calculator gives your CLB / NCLC level per skill and your language points, French bonus included.
Only language points are calculated here. The full CRS score adds age, education, experience and the “skill transferability” combinations. Official IRCC grid dated 2026-11-03.
Our preparation
- Know each exam format: TCF SO, TCF Canada, TEF, DELF, DALF
- Apply a method for each paper: comprehension, written and spoken expression
- Practise on sample papers
- Work under exam conditions to manage time and stress
FAQ
TCF Canada or TEF Canada?
IRCC accepts both in the same way. Choose based on the dates available near you and the format that suits you best.
Is the TCF SO enough for Canada?
No. For French, IRCC only accepts the TCF Canada and the TEF Canada.
How long are the results valid?
2 years. IRCC requires results less than 2 years old when you submit your application.
Can I retake the TCF Canada?
Yes, as long as you respect the minimum gap between two sittings set by France Éducation international.
Information checked in November 2026. Formats, dates and fees can change: always confirm with the official body before registering.
GEEK School is a school registered with the commercial register that helps you prepare for international certifications. It does not issue certifications or diplomas, only a certificate of level or attendance bearing the school's stamp, useful to showcase your level.