Two Versions for Different Uses
TCF (Test de connaissance du français) is issued by France Éducation international. Several variants exist: TCF Tout Public, TCF Canada, TCF Québec, TCF for the resident card and TCF IRN (Integration, Residence, Nationality). They share a common logic but target different audiences and procedures. Mixing them up at registration can cause a prefecture file to be rejected — a detail worth taking seriously.
Skills Tested in Each Version
TCF Tout Public assesses general skills and offers optional writing and speaking modules. TCF IRN, by contrast, mandatorily includes four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. This full coverage is what makes it admissible for integration, residence and nationality procedures. Conversely, TCF Tout Public alone is not enough for a naturalization application.
Which One for Which Procedure?
If you target the CIR/OFII pathway, the resident card or naturalization: TCF IRN is the right pick. For admission to a French university: TCF DAP. For Canadian permanent residence: TCF Canada. To assess your level in a professional or personal context: TCF Tout Public. Always check what the receiving authority requires before booking a session — picking the wrong variant is one of the most common errors.
Cost, Duration and Results Timeline
TCF IRN lasts about two hours and typically costs between 100 and 180 euros depending on the center. Results are issued within a few weeks, as an official certificate showing the level reached in each skill plus an overall level. The certificate is valid for two years. Plan your procedure around this timeline and register early: sessions often fill up weeks in advance.
