Proving French Language Ability -Test de Connaissance du Français - TCF/TCFQ
Last updated:
2 September 2020
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
| Test | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Reading comprehension (Quebec immigration does not consider this score.) | 29 questions | 45 minutes |
| Use of language structures (Quebec immigration does not consider this score.) | 18 questions | 15 minutes |
| Listening comprehension | 29 questions | 25 minutes |
TCF - Supplementary (Optional) Sections
| Test | Duration |
|---|---|
| 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
| Test | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Listening comprehension | 30 questions | 30 minutes total |
| Spoken expression | 6 questions | 15 minutes total |
How the TCF and TCFQ are graded according to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
| TCF score | A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec Skilled Worker points for speaking and listening | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Quebec Skilled Worker points for reading and writing | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| TCFQ Listening Score | 0+ (0-99) | 1 (100-199) | 2 (200-299) | 3 (300-399) | 4 (400-499) | 5 (500-599) | 6 (600-699) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CECR* equivalency | - | A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 |
| Quebec Skilled Worker Language Points for listening ability | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| TCFQ Speaking Score | 0+ (0) | 1 (1-4) | 2 (5-8) | 3 (9-12) | 4 (13-16) | 5 (17-18) | 6 (19-20) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CECR* equivalency | - | A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 |
| Quebec Skilled Worker Language Points for speaking ability | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
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 test. Applicants 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.