TCF CERTIFICATE (Test de Connaissance du Français)

What is the TCF?

TCF is the French Education Ministry's test of French language ability.
It is a comprehensive language placement test for non-native speakers of French who wish to obtain a quick, simple, effective and precise evaluation of their general language skills for professional or personal reasons. It follows the six-level proficiency scale of the Council of Europe.

Why take the TCF?

  • Personal - obtain an evaluation of your speaking, writing and comprehension skills in French. The TCF provides a snapshot of your proficiency in French at the time you take the test.

  • Work - the TCF certificate is a benchmark of your language abilities and may be used to endorse job applications or applications for internal promotion.

  • Study - the certification process is designed according to international standards and is recognized by French universities and Grandes Ecoles as meeting French language requirements for entry.

    Candidates who have never taken the DALF exam and who wish to register as undergraduates in a French College or in a school of architecture should register to take the TCF-DAP (Demande d'Admission Préalable).

    • About the test

  • TCF has three compulsory tests (1.5 hours) and two optional ones (2 hours) Compulsory tests: listening comprehension, language structures, reading comprehension. Optional tests: oral expression, written expression.
  • Each candidate is promptly awarded a certificate featuring the test results valid for two years.
  • TCF-DAP has three compulsory tests ( 1.5 hours) and a written expression test (1.5 hours)

    • Where and when to take the test?

    Tests are given at the Alliance Française (Downtown campus).

    Exams

    Registration deadline

    Examination date

    TCF-DAP

    Wednesday February 3, 2010

    Friday February 26, 2010

    If you want to register for the premier cycle or first stage of undergraduate studies (green or white form) or for a school of architecture (yellow form) in France and you do not have the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française, or advanced diploma in French language), you must take the specific TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français, or French competency test) called the "TCF pour la DAP" or TCF for DAP (Demande d’Admission Préalable, or preliminary admission application). More information: Click here

    No registration will be accepted after the deadline.


    Exams

    Registration deadline

    Examination date

    TCF

    Wednesday January 26, 2010

    Friday February 19, 2010

    TCF

    Wednesday May 5, 2010

    Friday May 28, 2010

    TCF

    Wednesday September 29, 2010

    Friday October 22, 2010

    Any non-French-speaker who, for personal, academic or professional reasons, wants to have their competency in French assessed and certified reliably and by way of a recognised test.

    Please note: The TCF was designed to be taken by older teenagers (aged 16 or over) and adults

    No registration will be accepted after the deadline

    Fees

    Option A

    Compulsory test only     		Option B

    Compulsory test + oral exam
    $125 $190
    Option C

    Compulsory test + written exam     		Option D

    Compulsory test + written + oral
    $190 $230

    Option E

    TCF DAP
    $230

    Notes:

  • The fees are subject to change according to the value of the Euro around the time of the exam.
  • It is possible to register for the optional tests alone. This option is available to you when you have already taken the compulsory sections of the TCF no more than 2 years before taking the optional ones. Rates are as follows: $65 for the written test and $65 for the oral test.
  • Payments must be made in full at the time of registration. No refund or credit will be made under any circumstances once the registration is processed, unless Alliance Française has to cancel a session of tests (in which case you will be fully refunded). Visa / Mastercard/ Interac / Certified Cheque or Personal Cheque are accepted.

    • How to prepare for the TCF?

    Although no class specifically prepares to the TCF, any course will help your comprehension and conversation skills. Please contact us if you need advice on the course(s) you may need. There are some textbooks offering training for the TCF specifically that are for sale at Alliance Française Toronto. Contact us for more information.

    How to register?

    You need to download and fill out our registration form. You can:

    • Bring it in person during office hours
    • Fax it to 416 848 4212
    • Mail it to the following address:

    Alliance Française Toronto
    Attn. Rachel Pestre
    24 Spadina Road
    Toronto, ON M5R2S7

    More information

    More information and sample tests are available on the following website:Centre International d'Études Pédagogiques
    (under Test and Diplomas >TCF).
    You can also download the "Manuel du Candidat".

    If you have questions, contact Rachel Pestre, Administration Assistant at Alliance Française Toronto at 416 922 2014 (ext.34) or Rachel.pestre@alliance-francaise.ca