What is the TCF?

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The Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) is a standardised examination designed to assess the French language skills of non-French speakers. It is often used for academic, professional or migration reasons in French-speaking countries or for those wishing to study or work in an environment where French is the main language.

The TCF assesses in particular oral and written comprehension as well as mastery of the structures of the language. The TCF takes the form of multiple-choice questions, with each question having only one correct answer. Two optional tests assess oral and written expression. A level certificate is issued on the basis of the results of the test.

The results are based on a scale of six levels of knowledge ranging from "elementary" (A1) to "advanced superior" (C2). These levels correspond to those defined by the Council of Europe in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The TCF is often used by educational institutions to assess the level of French proficiency of non-French-speaking candidates applying for university programmes or language courses. It is also used by companies to assess the language skills of applicants in a professional context, as well as by governments to assess the linguistic aptitude of people wishing to immigrate to French-speaking countries.

It is a test of the French Ministry of Education and Youth. France Éducation international is the ministry's operator for supervising and distributing the test in France and around the world.