TCF and TEF: preparation courses for official French language tests

Do you need to take a French test to certify your level? The TCF (Test de connaissance du français) and the TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) are two official French exams recognised by the French government, universities and certain companies. Both assess your French language skills according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, from level A1 to level C2.

Do you want to aim for the highest level? Whilst it is certainly important to improve your French, it is also essential to prepare for the specific requirements of each test. That is why École Suisse offers tailor-made TCF and TEF preparation courses. We help you to better understand the format of these tests and what is expected of you, and to practise with sample questions. No more surprises on the day: you’ll be ready and confident to give it your all.

► I want to register for the TCF/TEF preparation course

Why take the TCF or TEF language tests?

Are you planning to come to France to work or study? Do you want to settle there permanently? Depending on your plans, you will likely need to prove your level of French. Indeed, certain procedures require a minimum level of French proficiency: 

• Do you want to study at a French university? You will usually need to demonstrate a B2 or even C1 level to enrol. A B1 level is sometimes accepted in certain courses.
• Are you looking for a job in a large French company? You will certainly be asked to speak French fluently, i.e. to have reached at least B2 level (B2 is considered by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages as the level required to work in a language).
• Do you want to apply for a French residence permit? You must demonstrate a B1 level in French to apply for your resident card.
• Do you wish to apply for French naturalisation? Demonstrating a B2 level has been mandatory since 2026.

Whether for professional or personal reasons, taking an official French language test such as the TCF or TEF allows you to certify your level of French in a recognised way. 

TCF or TEF: which French language test should you choose?

• The TCF (Test de connaissance du français) is designed and administered by France Éducation International.
• The TEF is an official test created and issued by the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris (CCI Paris Île-de-France).

Overall, these two official language tests are quite similar. 
They are aimed at anyone whose first language is not French and assess their proficiency in French as a foreign language.

Please note, however, that the TEF and TCF are available in several specific versions depending on your needs.

Would you like to have your level of French certified for personal or professional reasons?
You can take the TCF "tout public". This language test consists of: 

• 3 compulsory tests (listening comprehension, language structures, reading comprehension);
• 2 optional tests (written expression and oral expression) to be taken according to your needs.

Do you wish to enrol at a French university or grande école? 
You must take: 

• the TEF Études,
• or the TCF "tout public" with a written expression test.

Do you wish to apply for a residence permit or French citizenship?
You must take: 

• the TEF IRN (Integration, Residence and Nationality),
• or the TCF IRN.

A closer look at the TEF and TCF tests

The TEF and TCF language tests are all designed to assess your level of French, both written and spoken. However, depending on your objectives and the version of the test you choose, the structure and the tests you need to take are significantly different. Knowing these differences in advance will allow you to tailor your preparation programme for the TCF or TEF accordingly.

The TCF "tout public" exams

The TCF "tout public" consists of 3 to 5 sections. Three sections are compulsory: listening comprehension, language structures and reading comprehension. These take the form of multiple-choice questions. The speaking and writing sections are optional and can be taken according to your needs.

✅ Please note: if you are taking the TCF "tout public" as part of an application to a French university (pre-admission application -DAP), the written expression test is also compulsory.

Total duration of the TCF "tout public": between 1 hour 25 minutes and 2 hours 37 minutes, depending on the tests taken.

Source : France Éducation International

The TEF Études tests

The TEF Études consists of a varying number of sections depending on the university cycle you wish to enrol in and the requirements of the school or university to which you are applying.
As part of the preliminary admission application process -DAP (enrolment in the first year of a bachelor’s degree), four tests are compulsory: 

• reading comprehension;
• listening comprehension;
• vocabulary and grammar;
• written expression.

Maximum duration of the TEF Études: 3 hours 25 minutes

Source : Le français des affaires 

The TCF IRN tests

As a reminder, the TCF Integration, Residence and Nationality (IRN) test certifies your level of French when applying for a long-term resident permit or French naturalisation. 
It consists of 4 compulsory sections: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, speaking, and writing.

Total duration of the TCF IRN: 1 hour 35 minutes

Source : France Éducation International 

The TEF IRN tests

The TEF IRN is very similar to the TCF IRN and is valid under the same conditions.
It consists of 4 compulsory sections, which are as follows:

Total duration of the TEF IRN: 1 hour 30 minutes

Source : Le français des affaires 

Results and validity of the TEF and TCF

Both the TEF and the TCF tests assess your level of French on the A1 to C2 scale of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (up to level B2 for IRN tests):

• A1: beginner
• A2: elementary
• B1: intermediate
• B2: upper-intermediate
• C1: advanced
• C2: proficient

You will therefore receive a score and a level for each skill.

TEF and TCF results are valid for 2 years.

How does this differ from the DELF?

The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) is a qualification awarded by the French Ministry of Education. Its format is more academic and slightly different, as you register for a pre-defined level: DELF A2, DELF B1 or DELF B2, for example. 

All these tests (DELF, TEF and TCF) are internationally recognised, but unlike the TCF/TEF, which are valid for two years, the DELF has the advantage of being valid for life.

Would you like to take the DELF to certify your level of French?
👉 The École Suisse offers tailor-made French courses to help you prepare for the DELF with complete peace of mind.

► Discover our DELF exam preparation courses

✅ Please note:

Since the 1^st of January 2026, the French language proficiency levels required for applications for long-term residence permits and naturalisation have increased. You must now demonstrate: 

• an A2 level for a multi-year residence permit (whereas, until 2025, an A1 level was sufficient);
• a B1 level for the long-term residence permit (whereas, until 2025, an A2 level was required);
• a B2 level for all applications for naturalisation (whereas, until 2025, a B1 level was required).

In addition to having your level of French certified, you must also pass the civic exam. 
👉 To find out more, read our article on this topic by clicking here.
 

Our tips for successfully preparing for the TCF or TEF exams

Practise the different skills

Do you want to achieve the best possible result in your French language test? It’s in your best interest to work on all language skills. To do this: 

• practise reading and analysing texts in French, 
• practise your writing skills, 
• improve your listening comprehension with podcasts or videos,
• speak French whenever you get the chance.

And to make faster progress, you can of course take French lessons. The support and guidance of a teacher will be very helpful in helping you improve where you need to and in keeping you motivated in your learning.

Understanding the test format

Like any exam, the Test de connaissance du français (TCF) and the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) have their own requirements and procedures. The first step in preparing effectively is therefore to familiarise yourself with the types of questions and the duration of the tests.

Taking practice tests

Mock exams are very effective for practising in a real-life situation. The more you do, the better you will be able to assess your level, identify your weaknesses and work on them. 
In addition, taking mock exams helps you practise managing your time more effectively during the exam.

The École Suisse supports you in preparing for the TCF and TEF language tests

Specialising in teaching French for over 100 years, our school for French as a foreign language offers tailor-made programmes to help you improve your French and prepare for an official test. Our French teachers welcome you to a friendly environment in the heart of Paris and provide personalised support at every stage of your learning journey. 

Do you want to prepare effectively for the TEF or TCF test?
Learning French at the École Suisse means: 

1. a teaching approach tailored to each level, personalised support and a bespoke programme designed to suit your availability and goals;
2. practice sessions on the format of French language tests, including mock exams and sample exercises to help you feel comfortable with how the exam works;
3. in-depth preparation to help you improve where you really need it: listening to audio recordings, analysing French texts, practising speaking and writing exercises.

Discover our combined French programmes at our Paris school:

• in the morning, you will join our small-group classes to develop your general French skills;
• in the afternoon, you prepare for the TEF or TCF in one-to-one lessons with a teacher: sample exercises and mock exams tailored to the skills you wish to prioritise (number of one-to-one lessons à la carte).

Program Objectives

• Strengthen your oral and written comprehension and expression skills.
• Practise speaking in real exam situations.
• Acquire effective strategies and methodology.
• Train with sample TEF or TCF exam papers corresponding to your chosen level.

Pricing and Enrolment

From €320 to €370 per week for morning classes (depending on the duration of the chosen course) + €65/hour for private tuition

+ Registration fees : 80 €. 
Individual registration valid for one year and applicable to all our French language courses in Paris, Dijon and online. Price includes all teaching materials used in class. Price adjustments apply to national holidays (any missing classes will be deducted from the total fee).

► I wish to enrol in this course

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FAQ – TEF and TCF language tests

Are the TCF and TEF tests recognised internationally?

Yes, they are two official language tests recognised worldwide to certify your level of French.

Can I take the TCF or TEF without any preparation?

You can certainly register for the test without prior preparation. However, specific French courses will help you better understand the test format, improve your level and thus maximise your score at the test.

How long does it take to prepare for the TCF or TEF?

The time needed to prepare for the TCF or TEF exam depends on your level and your goals. It can take a few weeks or several months, depending on the level you wish to achieve and the time you can invest in learning French.

How do I register for the TCF or TEF language test?

Exam sessions are organised by accredited test centres. You can find your nearest centre and upcoming dates on the France Éducation International website (for the TCF) or on the Chambre de commerce de Paris website (for the TEF).

If I do not achieve the result I want, can I take the TCF or TEF several times?

Yes, you will just need to wait for a minimum period (30 days for the TCF, 20 days for the TEF).

What is the difference between the DELF and the TCF?

The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) is a French language qualification that is valid for life, whereas the TCF and TEF are only valid for 2 years.