TCF · Levelling test, results valid 2 years
The TCF, explained for Ethiopia
Test de connaissance du français, run by France Éducation international (French Ministry of National Education). A levelling test mapped to the CEFR, with a DAP version used for French university admission.
What the TCF is
A levelling test of general French, mapped to the CEFR. It places you on the scale rather than passing or failing you. Three compulsory multiple-choice parts, plus optional writing and speaking.
Scored from 100 to 699 points, mapped to CEFR: A1 100 to 199, A2 200 to 299, B1 300 to 399, B2 400 to 499, C1 500 to 599, C2 600 to 699. Results are valid for 2 years from the test date.
The modules
Three compulsory multiple-choice parts, plus two optional parts for writing and speaking.
- Compréhension orale (listening, compulsory)
- Maîtrise des structures de la langue (grammar, compulsory)
- Compréhension écrite (reading, compulsory)
- Expression écrite (writing, optional)
- Expression orale (speaking, optional)
The variants, and what each is for
| Variant | What it is for |
|---|---|
| TCF tout public | The general-purpose version most candidates take. |
| TCF DAP | University admission to the first year (Licence 1) of a French public university. Sat with the compulsory writing option; B2 is the usual requirement. The study version. |
| TCF Canada | Canadian permanent residence and citizenship. |
| TCF Québec | Québec immigration. |
| TCF pour la naturalisation | French naturalisation. |
For study, the version to know is TCF DAP. A DELF B2 diploma can replace it and never expires, so weigh both. See also the TEF.
Taking the TCF in Ethiopia
DELF and DALF, including the junior and scolaire diplomas for school-age students, can be sat in Addis Ababa. The TEF is listed by the Alliance, and TCF availability is not clearly confirmed, so check directly with the Alliance for the TEF and the TCF before you rely on sitting them locally.
Register through the Alliance Éthio-Française d’Addis-Abeba, or read our Ethiopia guide.
How the course prepares you
12 weeks, self-paced, about 96 hours in total, built around the CEFR and aiming at B2 for the TCF DAP, with AI feedback on every writing and speaking task.
Start on TelegramTCF FAQ
What is the TCF and who runs it?
The TCF, Test de connaissance du français, is run by France Éducation international (French Ministry of National Education). A levelling test of general French, mapped to the CEFR. It places you on the scale rather than passing or failing you. Three compulsory multiple-choice parts, plus optional writing and speaking.
What is the TCF DAP and why does it matter for university?
TCF DAP is the version used for the DAP procedure, the prior-admission request that non-EU students make to enter the first year (Licence 1) of a French public university. It is sat as the general test plus the compulsory writing section, and a B2 level is the usual requirement. If you are a school student aiming at a French Bachelor, this is the TCF to know.
How is the TCF scored?
Scored from 100 to 699 points, mapped to CEFR: A1 100 to 199, A2 200 to 299, B1 300 to 399, B2 400 to 499, C1 500 to 599, C2 600 to 699. Results are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Can I take the TCF in Ethiopia?
TCF availability at the Alliance Ethio-Francaise d’Addis-Abeba is not clearly confirmed, so check with the centre before planning around it. If the TCF DAP is not run locally when you need it, ask the Alliance about the alternatives, including a DELF B2 diploma, which is sat in Addis Ababa and exempts you from the TCF DAP.
Ready to start?
Begin the free lessons, or compare the TCF with the TEF and DELF and DALF.