FAQ
Answers to common questions about the TCF Canada and TCF Québec tests, practising on StudyPug, and your account.
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The TCF Canada test
Format, scores and results
What is TCF Canada?
TCF Canada is a French test from France Éducation international. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts it as proof of your French level for economic immigration and citizenship applications.
What sections are on the test?
There are four sections, and you must take all of them: Listening (39 questions, 35 minutes), Reading (39 questions, 60 minutes), Writing (3 tasks, 60 minutes) and Speaking (3 tasks, 12 minutes).
How is TCF Canada scored?
Listening and Reading are scored from 100 to 699. Writing and Speaking are scored from 0 to 20. IRCC converts each score to an NCLC level. See the NCLC chart.
How is the Speaking section taken?
Speaking is a face-to-face interview with an examiner at the test centre. It is not recorded on a computer.
How long are my results valid?
IRCC accepts TCF Canada results for two years from the test date.
Can I take the test again?
Yes. You must wait at least 20 days between two TCF Canada sessions.
Practising on StudyPug
How practice and feedback work
Which skill should I practise first?
Start with a timed Listening section to see where you stand. Then spend most of your time on your weakest skill.
Is the practice timed like the real test?
Yes. Each skill uses the real test timing. TCF Canada: Listening 35 minutes, Reading 60 minutes, Writing 60 minutes and Speaking 12 minutes. TCF Québec has the same timing, except Reading, which takes 55 minutes.
Is there feedback on Writing?
Yes. Signed-in users can submit writing from practice sets included in their plan for AI feedback. Free accounts have a daily feedback limit. Feedback and scores are practice estimates, not official TCF results.
Does Speaking practice predict my score?
No. Speaking practice gives you timed tasks in the real test format. It does not predict your official TCF Canada result.
Do I need to speak French to use the site?
The test is in French, but the site and its instructions are in English, Simplified Chinese or Traditional Chinese.
Can I build my French before I practise for the test?
Yes. Learn French has free phonics, vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening lessons.
Account and pricing
Free access, plans and billing
Is it free?
Creating an account is free and includes free practice to start. A paid plan unlocks every practice set.
Is my progress saved?
Yes, when you practise with a free account. Your answers and results stay in your account, so you can continue on any device.
How do I cancel or change my plan?
Go to Account, then Billing. You can change or cancel your plan there at any time.
Does one plan cover every exam?
Yes. One plan covers every exam we offer: CELPIP General, CELPIP General LS, TCF Canada and TCF Québec. You practise one exam at a time and can switch between them at no extra cost. Switching does not change your price or your billing date.
How do I change my exam?
Go to Account → Test Type, choose the exam you want, and confirm. If that exam is on our other site, we take you there already signed in. Your history for each exam is kept, so you can switch back at any time.
What about TEF Canada?
TEF Canada practice is coming soon. You'll switch to it from your account, on the same plan.