TCF – French Language Proficiency Test for International Students

Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) translated to French Knowledge Test, does precisely that. Organized by CIEP (a key public organisation that promotes French Education throughout the world), TCF is a Language Proficiency Test for French as a language of instruction. Hence, in case you are planning to pursue your undergraduate degree or a master’s degree from France which had French as a medium of instruction, then you would be required to prove your understanding of the language by passing the TCF. For students planning to apply for License 1 or Architectural Design courses in France, they would have to apply for a TCF DAP instead. The two are essentially the same and vary in level of difficulty and a moderate structural difference. The article discusses the structure of the test, who can take it and how to apply for the same.

Structure

The test – TCF is broadly divided into Compulsory Tests and Optional Tests. The Compulsory Tests are further divided into three sub-sections which have a total of 76 questions and stretches for roughly an hour and a half.

Listening

Candidate is asked to listen to video recording. Emphasis is on testing whether a candidate can understand the normal dialogue, common expressions and words used. Candidate is supposed to listen and answer multiple choice questions regarding the recording.

Proficiency in Language Structures

This is a specifically grammar section and the candidate is assessed on his ability to identify and select the right syntax and sentence structure. Again, an incorrect sentence may be provided and the candidate is supposed to pick the right option.

Reading

Candidate would be assessed on his ability to read normal communication/ articles or special documents (abstract and complex texts extracts from books, specialized articles, and literary works) and analyse the article and answer the questions accordingly.

Speaking

Candidates are usually subjected to three levels of testing. The first part is usually where the interviewer assess how you can introduce yourself which usually lasts for 2 minutes and does not have any prep time. The next two sections are usually where you are given a topic, given a little prep time and then asked to speak about the same or have a dialogue with the examiner. The interview is recorded, assessed by the interviewer first and then sent to CIEP for another grading.

Writing

Candidates are asked to complete three tasks. The first tasks usually require the candidate to write a small message or maybe 60 - 120 words as per the given instructions. The second task requires the candidate to write a small letter, note or a message of not more than 150 words. This is more descriptive in nature and seeks to check the ability of the candidate to assess, analyse and argue his point of view in French. The third task is the lengthiest bit and is for 30 minutes. In this task, the candidate is given two viewpoints and descriptive short sentences about the two. Candidate is supposed to take a viewpoint and express his opinion the two topics. This is again not lengthy but requires a maximum of 180 words for each.

While for a normal candidate, the optional sections are just that – optional, for a student, usually it is compulsory to appear in and clear all the sections. You would be asked to share the score of all three tests and share the feedback with the university chosen. It is hence recommended that before you take the test, you inquire about the parts of the test which you need to appear for.

The level of difficulty is progressive in order and tests your understanding of the language ranging from A1 to C2 of the Common European Reference Framework. The universities would share the level of proficiency/ grade of TCF that is acceptable and there is no general cut off.

Who can apply?

Everybody who wishes to take up a course in French language or simply gain certification of the proficiency level of French language can take up the course. You have to be more than 16 years of age to be eligible for this exam.

How many times can you write this test?

You can take this test n number of times, provided there is a gap of 60 days between two consecutive attempts. In case a student tries to write an exam from different centres between these 60 days, he can be disqualified. Hence, it is always advisable for you to take the first attempt well in advance of the application deadline or beginning of the course (whichever required by the university) so that in case you don’t clear in the first attempt, you still have another opportunity before admission for the session closes.

While most of the universities in France offer bi-lingual courses for International students, it never hurts to learn a language as this would open up the opportunity for you to take up employment in France and even help you take up small courses which can add to your resume. Whether you need to test it or not…we say why not? A certificate is always an asset.

Check out the standardised exams required to study abroad: