TCF - Integration, Residence and Nationality
The TCF IRN is aimed at all foreign nationals over 16 years old who want to confirm their level of French in order to:
- apply for French nationality;
- apply for a long-term residence permit;
- validate A1 level as part of the OFII citizenship process.
General information
The TCF Integration, Residence and Nationality (TCF IRN) meets the provisions:
- of decree no. 2016-1456 of 28 October 2016 and of the order of 21 February 2018 of the Ministry of the Interior on verifying the knowledge of French for those applying for a long-term residence permit;
- of decree of 30 December 2019 of the Ministry of the Interior on verifying the knowledge of French for those applying for French nationality.
The TCF IRN can also be used to validate A1 level (OFII citizenship process).
About the tests
The TCF IRN is made up of 4 mandatory tests that assess general French language skills:
- Listening comprehension: Exam room test: 20 multiple choice questions (4 possible answers, only 1 correct answer)
- Reading comprehension: Exam room test: 20 multiple choice questions (4 possible answers, only 1 correct answer)
- Written skills: Exam room test: 3 exercises
- Verbal skills: Individual test one-on-one with an examiner: 3 exercises
The TCF IRN assesses only linguistic skills and not knowledge of French history, culture and society.
The TCF IRN has a total duration of 1 hour 15 minutes:
- Listening comprehension: 15 minutes;
- Reading comprehension: 20 minutes;
- Written skills: 30 minutes;
- Verbal skills: 10 minutes.
Case for exemption
Cases for exemption for people applying for French naturalisation are given in the circular of 26 February 2018 (NOR: INTV1804752J). In compliance with this text, an exemption for a language test can be granted by the prefecture for:
- those who hold an official diploma. The minimum level required is level 3 of the national classification of education levels (secondary school certificate (Brevet des collèges), CAP vocational qualification). However, they should ensure that their diploma will be accepted by checking with the prefecture authorities;
- those who have a French-language diploma with a minimum B1 level (DELF, DU, DCL);
- those with a disability or a chronic health condition (evidence must be presented to the prefecture). If this is the case, they can be granted an exemption on presentation of a required medical certificate (cf. order INTV2009412A of 17 July 2020) issued by their general practitioner. This certificate can be used to justify an exemption from a test or adjustments for tests. If the recommended adjustments cannot be implemented, the centre will issue to the candidate a confirmation of this that can be attached to the medical certificate in order to receive an exemption.
- There is NO age limit for naturalisation applications.
Cases for exemption for people applying for a residence permit are given in the circular of 26 February 2018 (NOR: INTV1804752J). In compliance with this text, an exemption for a language test can be granted by the prefecture for:
- those who hold an official diploma. The minimum level required is level 3 of the national classification of education levels (secondary school certificate (Brevet des collèges), CAP vocational qualification). However, they should ensure that their diploma will be accepted by checking with the prefecture authorities;
- those who have a French-language diploma with a minimum A2 level (DELF, DU, DCL);
- those above 65 years old;
- those with a disability or a chronic health condition (evidence must be presented to the prefecture). If this is the case, they can be granted an exemption on presentation of a required medical certificate (cf. order INTV2009412A of 17 July 2020) issued by their general practitioner. This certificate can be used to justify an exemption from a test or adjustments for tests. If the recommended adjustments cannot be implemented, the centre will issue to the candidate a confirmation of this that can be attached to the medical certificate in order to receive an exemption.
If you think that you should receive an exemption, please contact the prefecture services directly. Only the prefecture services are authorised to grant an exemption.
Those applying to renew a residence permit do not need to present a language level certificate.
As candidates who are illiterate are not mentioned in the cases for exemption given in the circular of 26 February 2018 (NOR: INTV1804752J), they must sit a language level test in order to present an application that complies with the requirements of the decree, meaning that it contains an official certificate after sitting a test.
What is assessed in the different tests?
Compréhension orale
- Ces questions testent les capacités à comprendre le français parlé, comme, par exemple :
- des mots familiers et des expressions courantes dans des situations de communication courante (dialogues, interviews, entretiens, discussions au téléphone, etc.) ;
- l’essentiel de messages et d’annonces simples et claires ;
- des informations portant sur des personnes, des faits ou des événements dans des émissions de radio ou de télévision sur l’actualité ou sur des sujets personnels ou professionnels ;
- des exposés traitant de sujets concrets ou abstraits ;
- tout genre de discours prononcé à un débit courant.
Cette épreuve est constituée de questions à choix multiples (QCM). Pour chaque question, il y a 4 choix de réponse (A, B, C, D) mais une seule réponse est exacte.
Les épreuves se présentent selon un principe de difficulté progressive.
ATTENTION : Chaque enregistrement n’est diffusé qu’une seule fois. La question est posée après l’écoute du document sonore.
Compréhension écrite
Ces questions testent les capacités à comprendre le français écrit, comme, par exemple :
- des noms familiers, des mots et des phrases très simples utilisés dans des situations de communication (messages et lettres amicales ou administratives) ;
- des informations contenues dans des documents courants (petites annonces, prospectus, menus et horaires, etc.) ;
- des informations portant sur des personnes, des faits ou des événements (lettres personnelles) ;
- des textes en langue courante relatifs à la vie quotidienne ou au travail ;
- des articles et des comptes rendus dans lesquels les auteurs prennent position sur des sujets concrets ou abstraits ;
- des textes factuels ou littéraires longs et complexes, des articles spécialisés ;
- des textes abstraits ou complexes extraits d’ouvrages, d’articles spécialisés.
Cette épreuve est constituée de questions à choix multiples (QCM). Pour chaque question, il y a 4 choix de réponse (A, B, C, D) mais une seule réponse est exacte.
Les épreuves se présentent selon un principe de difficulté progressive.
Expression orale
Cette épreuve teste les capacités à s’exprimer en français à l’oral et est composée de 3 tâches :
- Tâche 1 – Entretien dirigé sans préparation (3 minutes) : le candidat doit faire la preuve de sa capacité à échanger avec une personne qu’il ne connaît pas (l’examinateur).
- Tâche 2 – Exercice en interaction sans préparation (3 minutes 30) : le candidat doit faire la preuve de sa capacité à obtenir des informations dans une situation de la vie quotidienne courante. Le statut de l’interlocuteur et du candidat sont précisés dans la consigne.
- Tâche 3 – Expression d’un point de vue sans préparation (3 minutes 30) : le candidat fait preuve de sa capacité à parler de manière spontanée, continue et convaincante en répondant à une question choisie par l’examinateur.
Dans cette épreuve, le candidat est évalué sur ses capacités à :
- parler de soi, de son environnement, familial et professionnel ;
- poser des questions adaptées à la situation de communication proposée ;
- donner son opinion et expliquer les avantages et inconvénients d’un projet, exprimer son accord et son désaccord ;
- présenter une argumentation claire et structurée dans un style approprié au contexte ;
- présenter de façon détaillée et structurée des sujets complexes, les développer et conclure.
Expression écrite
Cette épreuve teste les capacités à s’exprimer en français à l’écrit et est composée de 3 tâches :
- Tâche 1 : décrire une personne, un groupe de personne, un lieu, un objet à quelqu’un dans un message court en réaction à une question posée par un ou des interlocuteurs dans un message court. Nombre de mots attendu : minimum 30 mots/maximum 60 mots.
- Tâche 2 : rédiger un récit d’activités quotidiennes à l’intention d’un ou plusieurs destinataires pour faire un compte rendu d’expérience ou un récit. Nombre de mots attendu : minimum 40 mots/maximum 90 mots
- Tâche 3 : donner son opinion au sujet d’un lieu, d’un objet, d’une personne / groupe de personnes à une ou plusieurs personnes. Nombre de mots attendu : minimum 40 mots/maximum 90 mots.
Dans cette épreuve, le candidat est évalué sur ses capacités à :
- communiquer un message de façon claire ;
- donner les informations demandées ;
- décrire, raconter, expliquer ;
- justifier un choix, une position, une décision, … ;
- enchaîner des idées et faire preuve de cohérence dans son discours ;
- exprimer son avis et l’argumenter ;
- utiliser un vocabulaire et des structures adaptés à la tâche demandée.
ATTENTION ! La copie d’expression écrite pourrait être évaluée « A1 non atteint » si :
- l’écriture n’est pas lisible (en cas de passation sur support papier) ;
- chaque tâche n’est pas réalisée avec le nombre mots exigé ;
- la production est hors-sujet ;
- une ou plusieurs tâches ne sont pas réalisées.
Registration
The TCF IRN sessions are organised throughout the year. The approved centres are authorised to organise sessions in line with their means to do so.
It is the candidate’s responsibility to contact the approved TCF centre closest to their home directly.
The approved TCF centre will provide information on:
- the session dates;
- the registration process;
- the location for sitting the tests;
- materials for sitting the exam (on paper or on a computer);
- the cost.
You can sit the TCF IRN as many times as you want. However, you must wait 30 days between each session, regardless of the version concerned.
No diploma or preparation is required to be able to sit the TCF.
Results
Your results will be sent to the test centre within 15 working days from the date on which France Éducation international receives the papers.
You should collect your certificate directly from the centre in which you sat the TCF IRN tests.
Your certificate will be valid for 2 years from the date on which the results were issued. This date of validity will be indicated on your certificate.
NB! Only one copy of your certificate will be issued. Therefore, it is recommended to keep a copy of your certificate.
The TCF IRN assesses up to B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages by the Council of Europe.
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A1 not achieved 0 to 100 points |
A1 101 to 199 point |
A2 200 to 299 points |
B1 atteint Over 300 points |
Each candidate receives a certificate that includes:
- A score for listening comprehension and a score for reading comprehension;
- A mark out of 20 for verbal skills and a mark out of 20 for written skills;
- A level per competence (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written skills, verbal skills) that ranges from “A1 not achieved” to “B1 achieved”;
- An indication of whether or not the level required for French naturalisation has been achieved: “B1 achieved” or “B1 not achieved”;
- An indication of whether or not the level required for a French residence permit has been achieved: “A2 achieved” or “A2 not achieved”.
- An indication of whether or not A1 level has been achieved (in the context of the OFII market).
On the reverse side of the certificate are the tables explaining levels and how to interpret scores.
To present their certificate to the prefecture, the candidate must have achieved the level required to apply for a residence permit, which is A2 level.
Preparation for tests
The TCF IRN is not based on a programme of lessons, but on the candidate’s French language skills and their general ability to use French.
This language level depends on individual practice and may be improved by studying French in lessons or with specific books (see the resources page).
Here is some advice on preparing to sit the TCF:
Before sitting the test:
- become familiar with the TCF format (format and duration of tests),
- become familiar with how the TCF is carried out,
- read through example tests,
- immerse yourself in the French language as often as possible by reading, watching television, listening to the radio or recordings, talking with friends,
During the test:
- pay careful attention to the instructions,
- concentrate as much as possible, especially during the listening comprehension test,
- do not waste time taking notes for MCQ tests,
- manage your time in the grammar comprehension, reading comprehension and written skills tests (candidates need to complete 3 tasks).
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Studying for the TCF listening comprehension  |
Studying for the mandatory TCF tests  |
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