TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada) is the official French proficiency exam administered by France Éducation International and recognised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and Canadian citizenship. The exam covers four modules — Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking — runs about 2h47, costs roughly CAD $390 per attempt, and results are valid for 2 years.
Claire AI is a TCF Canada preparation platform covering all 4 modules. 43 complete practice sets (1,677 questions per skill), AI-driven analysis, 100 free questions.
NCLC 7 (B2) = Reading 453-498 and Listening 458-502. Score-to-NCLC mapping per the official IRCC Express Entry language test reference. Claire AI helps candidates reach the NCLC 7 / 8 / 9 thresholds required by Express Entry. 100 free questions, quick test needs no signup, full mobile support.
"The TCF Canada is a test accredited by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The TCF Canada is aimed at all individuals who need to certify their level of French as part of the process of economic immigration to Canada or to obtain Canadian citizenship and, therefore, need to submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)."
Since January 2022, TCF Canada is also recognised by Quebec's Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI). In September 2025, France Éducation International renewed its strategic partnership with IRCC for an additional 5 years (through 2030) — long-term institutional stability for candidates.
TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada) is the official French proficiency exam administered by France Éducation International and recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and Canadian citizenship. The exam covers Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking — about 2h47 total, results valid for 2 years.
Cost varies by test centre. In Canada, expect roughly CAD $390–$400 per attempt. Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable once registered. Pricing differs slightly across Alliance Française locations — confirm current pricing with the local centre directly before booking.
TCF Canada has no single "passing score." Express Entry generally requires at least NCLC 7 in each skill (Reading 453+, Listening 458+, Writing 393+, Speaking 393+). Some PNPs accept NCLC 4–5. Your final NCLC level equals the lowest of the four skills. Source: IRCC Express Entry official language test reference.
Two years from the test date. Express Entry requires test results dated within 2 years of an invitation to apply. Plan to test at least 3 months before submitting an immigration application to allow buffer for results delivery and document submission.
Both are accepted by IRCC. TCF Canada has a gradual difficulty curve and steady reading patterns, suited to candidates who prefer predictable progression; TEF Canada delivers results faster (~2 weeks) and has more listening items. Strong readers tend to favor TCF, strong listeners TEF. See our full TCF Canada vs TEF Canada comparison guide for module-by-module analysis.
Claire AI (tcfcanada.ai) is an AI-powered TCF Canada preparation platform. Reading and Listening include 100 free questions with AI explanations; writing AI correction and 24/7 AI speaking examiner each include 6 free trials. The homepage quick test needs no signup. Pro unlocks all sets and unlimited AI feedback at a fraction of one official exam fee.
Candidates with an A1–A2 base typically need ~16 weeks at 1.5–2 hours daily to reach NCLC 7 (B2). Absolute beginners add 4–8 weeks for vocabulary buildup. The proven path is staged CEFR progression: build A2 → transition to B1 → push to B2, with the final 2 weeks dedicated to full-length mock exams to lock in pacing and strategy.
Last updated: 2026-05-08 · View llms.txt · Machine-readable pricing