Proving French Language Ability -Test de Connaissance du Français - TCF/TCFQ


The TCF, Test de connaissance du français, is a language test that is used to assess the level of French comprehension and expression skills in people who are not native French speakers.

Applicants are graded at one of six levels, from A1 to C2. This test can be used for Quebec immigration purposes.

About the TCF exam

The TCF consists of three compulsory sections and optional sections:

TCF - Compulsory Sections

TestQuestionsDuration
Reading comprehension (Quebec immigration does not consider this score.)29 questions45 minutes
Use of language structures (Quebec immigration does not consider this score.)18 questions15 minutes
Listening comprehension29 questions25 minutes

TCF - Supplementary (Optional) Sections

TestDuration
Spoken expression (interview)12 minutes
Written expression (Quebec immigration does not consider this score.)60 minutes

About the TCFQ

The TCFQ, Test de connaissance du franςais pour le Québec, is an examination specially designed for people who want to immigrate to Quebec. While the TCFQ is more targeted to Quebec immigration, applicants may instead choose to take the TCF or any other French language test approved by the Quebec government.

TCFQ Sections

TestQuestionsDuration
Listening comprehension30 questions30 minutes total
Spoken expression6 questions15 minutes total

 How the TCF and TCFQ are graded according to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program

TCF scoreA1A2B1B2C1C2
Quebec Skilled Worker points for speaking and listening000567
Quebec Skilled Worker points for reading and writing000111
TCFQ Listening Score0+
(0-99)
1
(100-199)
2
(200-299)
3
(300-399)
4
(400-499)
5
(500-599)
6
(600-699)
CECR* equivalency-A1A2B1B2C1C2
Quebec Skilled Worker Language Points for listening ability0000567
TCFQ Speaking Score0+
(0)
1
(1-4)
2
(5-8)
3
(9-12)
4
(13-16)
5
(17-18)
6
(19-20)
CECR* equivalency-A1A2B1B2C1C2
Quebec Skilled Worker Language Points for speaking ability0000567

 TCF/TCFQ Frequently Asked Questions

In order to claim points for French language proficiency under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, individuals applying for immigration to Quebec are required to demonstrate their language proficiency by providing test results from a Quebec Ministry of Immigration approved French language testApplicants may choose to take the TCF/TCFQ or another approved French language test.

Applicants must take the listening and speaking modules (spoken expression and listening comprehension). The writing and reading modules are not required, but additional points may be awarded for these modules.

Testing costs depend on the location where the test is being given. Contact the examination centre for specific prices.

If you are taking the TCF, the compulsory examinations last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The optional examinations last approximately 2 hours. If you are taking the TCFQ, the examination lasts approximately 45 minutes.

The results are sent within three weeks of receipt of the examination papers.

You can take the exam as many times as necessary, however you must leave a gap of 30 days between the examination sessions.

The TCF/TCFQ results are valid for two years from the date which you took the test.

Registration will depend on your country. Choose your country of residence from this list to find the nearest test centre.