TCF Exam Canada 2026

The TCF Exam Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français pour le Canada) is an official French language proficiency test required by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency. It assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills across six CEFR levels. The exam includes a computer-based test for listening, reading, and writing, along with an individual oral interview. Results are valid for two years, and the test is conducted at accredited Alliance Française centres or other authorized locations. 

Key Highlight:  

Detail	Information
Exam Sections	Listening, Reading, Written, Oral
Centres	Delhi, Bhopal, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chandigarh.
Fee	₹26,000/- (GST included) for all centres.
Registration	16+ age requirement; register 15+ days in advance.
Mode	Computer-based (SO) for Kolkata & select centres.
Certificate	Delivered 4–8 weeks; valid 2 years for immigration.

TCF Canada Exam Structure & Sections (2026) 

The TCF Exam Canada 2026 is designed to assess your French language skills for immigration to Canada. It evaluates four key areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Each section is mandatory, and all must be completed in the same exam session.  

The test is officially recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and administered through accredited Alliance Française centres or other authorized venues. 

Here’s a clear breakdown of each section: 

Section	Duration	Key Details
Listening Comprehension	35 minutes	39 multiple-choice items testing comprehension of spoken French in conversations, announcements, and dialogues.
Reading Comprehension	60 minutes	39 multiple-choice items assessing understanding of written French texts, articles, and instructions.
Written Expression	60 minutes	3 progressive writing tasks evaluating grammar, vocabulary, and clarity of expression.
Oral Expression	12–15 minutes	3 individual interview tasks assessing pronunciation, fluency, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively.

 Key Points to Note: 

• Listening and Reading: These sections consist of multiple-choice questions with one correct answer per question. They test your comprehension of everyday French and professional contexts. 

• Written Expression: Includes three progressive writing tasks that assess grammar, vocabulary, and clarity of expression. 

• Spoken Expression: Conducted as an individual oral interview with three tasks to evaluate pronunciation, fluency, and ability to communicate ideas effectively. 

• Scoring: Each section is graded according to the CEFR levels (A1–C2), which are then used by Canadian immigration authorities to determine language eligibility. 

• Validity: Scores are valid for two years from the date of the exam. 

Read More: How to study in Canada for free? 

TCF Canada Exam Centres, Dates, and Fees in India 

The TCF Canada exam is a key requirement for candidates planning to immigrate to Canada. Alliance Française centres across India conduct this exam, evaluating candidates in Listening, Reading, Written, and Oral French skills. This section provides an official, centre-wise breakdown of test dates, seats, and fees for 2025–2026, helping candidates plan and register efficiently. 

1. Delhi: Alliance Française de Delhi 

Test Date	Seats	Fees (with GST)
Wednesday, 28 Jan 2026	22	₹26,000/-

Notes: 

• Test slots: 

• Slot 1: Written 9:15–12:15, Oral 12:30–14:00 

• Slot 2: Oral 10:45–12:15, Written 12:30–15:30 

2. Bhopal: Alliance Française de Bhopal 

Test Date	Seats	Fees (with GST)
25 Jun 2026	10	₹26,000/-
19 Jun 2026	10	₹26,000/-
29 May 2026	10	₹26,000/-
15 May 2026	10	₹26,000/-
30 Apr 2026	10	₹26,000/-
17 Apr 2026	10	₹26,000/-
25 Mar 2026	9	₹26,000/-

 

3. Bangalore: Alliance Française de Bangalore 

Test Date	Fees (with GST)
15 Nov 2025 (2026 dates not yet released)	₹26,000/-

 

4. Kolkata: Alliance Française du Bengale 

Test Date	Fees (with GST)
12 Jan 2026	₹26,000/-
26 Jan 2026	₹26,000/-
9 Feb 2026	₹26,000/-
23 Feb 2026	₹26,000/-
8 Mar 2026	₹26,000/-

 

5. Chandigarh: Alliance Française de Chandigarh 

Test Date	Fees (with GST)
12 Dec 2025	₹26,000/-
19 Dec 2025	₹26,000/-
9 Jan 2026	₹26,000/-

TCF Canada Eligibility Criteria for 2026 

To take the TCF Exam Canada 2026, there are no strict age, education, or nationality restrictions set by the test administrators. However, certain basic requirements must be met before you can register and sit for the exam: 

Eligibility Point	Requirement
Age	16 years and above
Residency	Any nationality; residency not required
Education	No minimum
ID for Exam	Valid photo ID (passport/ID card)
Test Delivery	Inperson at the authorized centre

Let’s discuss the eligibility, 

1. Who Can Take the TCF Canada Exam 

• Anyone aged 16 or above can register for the test. There’s no upper age limit. 

• You do not need to be a Canadian resident or citizen to take the exam. 

• There are no minimum education levels required by the exam body to register. 

2. ID and Documentation Requirements 

Before you can sit for the test, you must provide valid identification at the test centre. This typically includes: 

• A government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or national identity card). 

• The same ID must be presented during registration and on the exam day. 

• Some centres may require a printed registration confirmation or appointment slip. 

3. Test Centre Rules 

• The exam must be taken in person at an accredited Alliance Française centre or other official testing venue. 

• Remote or online delivery is not available for TCF Canada (as of 2026 policies). 

4. No Language Prerequisite 

There’s no official minimum French level required to register; beginners to advanced learners can book a slot. However, to meet Canadian immigration language benchmarks (like CLB 7+), you’ll need strong preparation. 

Note: Your TCF Canada results are evaluated according to CEFR levels, which are used by Canadian immigration authorities to assess language eligibility. 

Also Read: Student Visa for Canada: Complete Guide 2025-26 

Registration Process for TCF Canada 2026 

Registering for the TCF Exam Canada 2026 is straightforward when you follow the official steps. You’ll choose your test centre, submit your details, pay the exam fee, and book your test date all before exam day. 

Step-by-Step Registration Guide:  

1. Find an Accredited Test Centre: The TCF Exam Canada is held in person at accredited centres, usually Alliance Française locations or other authorized testing venues in your region. Check the official list of centres near you. 

2. Check Available Test Dates: Each centre sets its own schedule. Once you choose a centre, check available dates and times for 2026. Dates can fill up quickly, so plan early. 

3. Create Your Registration Profile: Most authorised centres require you to complete an online registration form with your: 

• Full name (as per official ID) 

• Contact details 

• Preferred test date and centre 

4. Upload Required Documents: Must provide a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or national ID card). The name on your registration must exactly match the ID you’ll present on test day. 

5. Pay the Exam Fee: After filling in your details and selecting your test date, you’ll be asked to pay the registration fee. Payment options vary by centre, but credit/debit card payment is commonly accepted. 

6. Receive Confirmation:  

Once payment is processed, your test centre will send a confirmation email or letter with: 

• Test date and time 

• Test centre address 

• Things to bring on exam day 

TCF Canada 2026 Results, Score Validity & Retake Rules 

Once you complete the TCF Exam Canada 2026, understanding how results are released, how long they remain valid, and the rules for retaking the test is crucial for immigration and career planning. 

Results Timeline 

• Listening, Reading, and Writing: These computer-based sections are graded automatically. Results are usually available within 2–4 weeks after the exam. 

• Speaking: The oral interview is assessed by certified examiners and included in the total score. Final results are released together with the other sections. 

• You will receive a score report showing your performance in each of the four sections, mapped to CEFR levels (A1–C2). 

Score Validity 

• TCF Canada results are valid for 2 years from the date of the exam. 

• Scores are recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency applications during this period. 

• If you plan to use your scores for immigration, ensure your application is submitted before the expiration date. 

Retake Rules 

• You can retake the TCF Canada exam as many times as needed; there are no official limits. 

• A retake is recommended if you want to improve your score to meet immigration or professional requirements. 

• Check with your test centre for minimum waiting periods between attempts, as this may vary by location. 

Must check: Differences between TEF and TCF 

Conclusion 

The TCF Canada exam is an essential French language requirement for anyone applying through Canada’s immigration pathways. Understanding how the test works, the skills it measures, and the score levels IRCC accepts makes the preparation process much easier. Once the structure, eligibility rules, scoring system, and registration steps are clear, planning your exam timeline becomes straightforward. 

Register early, stay updated with your chosen test centre’s schedule, and prepare steadily for each section. Strong performance in listening, reading, writing, and speaking directly supports your immigration goals, and the TCF Canada remains one of the most trusted ways to demonstrate your language proficiency. 

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