Monarch Languages

Menu

TCF CANADA

Prepare for the TCF with Monarch Languages.

Achieve your TCF certification effortlessly with Monarch’s premier online preparatory program tailored for success.

What is TCF?

The TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) is a standardized exam that measures French language proficiency. It is designed for non-native speakers, particularly those living outside of France. Recognized in France for its accuracy, the TCF is often used by businesses and universities to assess the French skills of international applicants. The certification obtained is valid for two years.

Exam Structure

The TCF consists of 5 parts, including 3 mandatory and 2 optional sections. The test lasts 2 hours and 35 minutes, with questions progressing from A1 to C1 levels.

Mandatory Sections:

Oral Comprehension

This section involves listening to a series of audio recordings that simulate real-life situations. The recordings may include conversations, interviews, announcements, or radio reports. You will answer multiple-choice questions based on these recordings. The tasks within this section include:

  • Understanding Statements with Visuals: Interpreting spoken statements related to images or drawings that represent daily life scenes.
  • Minimal Exchanges: Comprehending brief exchanges that reflect typical real-life interactions.
  • Mini-Conversations: Understanding short conversations, often between two people, to gauge your grasp of context and meaning.
  • Presentations and Radio Documents: Listening to longer audio segments, such as news reports or presentations, to evaluate your ability to follow and understand extended spoken discourse.

Total Questions : 29

Duration: 25 Minutes

Purpose: To assess your ability to understand spoken French in various everyday contexts.

This part tests your ability to apply grammatical rules correctly and use appropriate vocabulary. It consists of multiple-choice questions that cover various aspects of French grammar and language structure. You will need to demonstrate your knowledge of:

  • Grammar: Correct use of verb tenses, sentence structure, and syntactic rules.
  • Syntax: Ability to form coherent and grammatically correct sentences.
  • Vocabulary: Understanding and selecting appropriate words and phrases in different contexts.

Total Questions : 18

Duration: 15 Minutes

Purpose: To evaluate your understanding and use of French grammar, syntax, and vocabulary

In this section, you will read a variety of texts, including short articles, notices, and other written materials, and answer multiple-choice questions based on these readings. The texts are designed to reflect common written communication in French-speaking environments. Tasks include:

  • Understanding Simple Texts: Interpreting straightforward messages or short notes.
  • Comprehending Articles: Analyzing and understanding the content of longer articles or informational texts.
  • Interpreting Instructions: Following and understanding instructions or guidelines presented in written form.

Total Questions : 29

Duration: 45 Minutes

Purpose: To measure your ability to read and comprehend written French.

Additional Sections:

Oral Expression

This section involves a face-to-face interview with an examiner and includes:

  • Directed Interview: A 2-minute conversation where you respond to questions spontaneously, showcasing your ability to engage in casual conversation.
  • Interactive Task: A 5.5-minute task where you interact with the examiner in a role-play scenario, demonstrating your ability to handle everyday situations and obtain information.
  • Unprepared Speech: A 4.5-minute task where you express your opinion or discuss a topic without prior preparation, evaluating your fluency and coherence in spoken French.

 

Total Questions : 29

Duration: 12 Minutes

Purpose: To assess your ability to communicate effectively in spoken French.

This section consists of three tasks designed to test your ability to write clearly and effectively:

  • Task 1: Write a brief descriptive or explanatory text (60-120 words) on a given topic. This task evaluates your ability to describe or explain information succinctly.
  • Task 2: Compose a longer piece, such as an article, letter, or report (120-150 words). This task assesses your ability to organize and present ideas in a structured format.
  • Task 3: Write two comparative texts (90 words each) on different viewpoints related to a social issue. This task tests your ability to compare and contrast perspectives in written form.

 

Total Questions : 18

Duration: 60 Minutes

Purpose: To evaluate your writing skills in French.

Scoring

The TCF is scored out of 699 points. Your final score represents the average of the scores obtained in each section, reflecting your overall proficiency level. The scores correspond to the following proficiency levels:

Key Information

Total duration:

2 hour 30minutes

Scored out of 699 points

Certification valid for

2 years

Evaluates your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills