The TCF, what is it ?
The TCF is a general French language level test designed for all non-French speakers who, for professional, personal or study reasons, wish to have their knowledge of French assessed and validated simply, reliably and quickly.
The test is designed by France Éducation International, which creates the subjects and marks the papers. It is recognised by the Ministries of Education, Higher Education and Research. The University of Orléans is one of the TCF test centres.
At the end of the test, all candidates receive a certificate of results placing them on one of the six levels (from A1 to C2) of the skills scale defined by the Council of Europe (Common European Framework of Reference - CEFR). So you can't fail the TCF. It is a test, not a diploma.
In particular, the TCF allows foreigners with a baccalauréat to enrol at university, depending on the level they have obtained. The results of this test are valid for two years.
The Université d'Orléans organises the TCF DAP (Demande d'Admission Préliminaire) and the TCF for the general public. It does not organise TCFs for access to nationality or for immigration to Quebec.
The TCF DAP :
This test is for students who have completed secondary education or are enrolled in Bachelor's degrees 1 and 2 in their country of origin and who wish to apply for prior admission (DAP) to a higher education establishment (Bachelor's degree 1) or to a school of architecture. This test is compulsory. Holders of DELF B2 or DALF may take these diplomas instead of the TCF DAP.
The test lasts 2h25 and is made up of the following elements :
- an oral comprehension test (30 questions),
- a test of language structure - grammar and vocabulary - (20 questions)
- a written comprehension test (30 questions)
- and a written expression test (two exercises: an analysis of an iconographic document of at least 200 words + an argument of at least 300 words).
Registration via the France Education International website: https://www3.france-education-international.fr/LF/TCF/inscription/
Fee for the 2024 session: €74
Next TCF DAP session at IDF: January 30th 2025
The TCF "all public" :
Higher education establishments systematically require the TCF from those applying to enter the 2nd or 3rd university cycle (Licence 2, Licence 3, Master 1, Master 2 and doctorate) or a grande école. For the University of Orléans, the required level is B2.
Candidates also have the option of taking 2 optional tests :
- Listening comprehension (29 items), 25 minutes
- Mastery of language structures (18 items), 15 minutes
- Written comprehension (29 items), 45 minutes
Candidates also have the option of taking 2 optional tests :
- Speaking, 12 minutes
- Written expression, 60 minutes
Next session of the TCF for all public: March 20th 2025
For more information on the tests, visit the France Éducation international website : https://www.france-education-international.fr/test/tcf-tout-public?langue=fr