Updated · rules checked on canada.ca
TCF Canada guide
A method to pass and the rules that decide your file, checked on official sites: how to prepare, the writing and speaking tasks with sample answers, TCF or TEF Canada, how the test is scored, what French adds to your CRS score, how long your results stay valid and what a sitting costs in Cameroon.
6 stepsthe method to pass
How to pass the TCF Canada: a 6-step method
How to prepare for and pass the TCF Canada: the exact format of the 4 tests, the NCLC 7 scores, a method for each test, mock exams and when to book. Explained in English.
3 taskstopics and model answers
TCF Canada writing test: the 3 tasks, with sample topics and model answers
The TCF Canada writing test explained in English: what each task asks (60–120, 120–150 and 120–180 words), a practice topic and an annotated model answer in French for each, and the mistakes that cost NCLC 7.
12 minface to face with an examiner
TCF Canada speaking test: the 3 tasks, with sample topics and answers
The TCF Canada speaking test explained in English: guided interview (2 min), interaction (5 min 30) and point of view (4 min 30). A practice topic and a sample answer in French for each task, and how to aim for 10/20.
TCF · TEFthe two tests compared
TCF Canada or TEF Canada: which one should you take?
TCF Canada or TEF Canada? IRCC accepts both. A side-by-side comparison checked on the official sites: format, timing, scoring, NCLC 7 scores, results delay, re-marking, and how to choose.
+50French bonus points
French and Express Entry: how many CRS points does NCLC 7 add?
With English as your first language, NCLC 7 in French adds 12 second-language points and a 50-point bonus: 62 CRS points. IRCC tables and the latest French-language draw cut-offs.
699 · 20the two scoring scales
How the TCF Canada is scored: score bands and NCLC levels
TCF Canada listening and reading are scored out of 699, writing and speaking out of 20. IRCC’s official NCLC (CLB) conversion table, the NCLC 7 scores and the averaging trap.
NCLCyour scores converted in 10 seconds
NCLC calculator: convert your TCF Canada scores
Enter your 4 TCF Canada scores: NCLC (CLB) level per skill, points missing for NCLC 7, CRS language points and the French bonus, using IRCC’s official table. Free, no sign-up.
2 yearsvalidity for IRCC
Your TCF Canada results expire: the two-year rule
IRCC accepts TCF Canada results for 2 years. They must be valid when you create your Express Entry profile and when you submit your PR application. Timeline and traps.
226,000FCFA per sitting in Cameroon
The real cost of the TCF Canada in Cameroon: 226,000 FCFA
In Cameroon, the TCF Canada costs 226,000 FCFA: a 210,000 FCFA test fee plus a 16,000 FCFA TLS fee. Why failing costs you twice, and how to pass on the first attempt.
Before you book the TCF Canada
Measure your level in the real format.
Module 1 is free, with no sign-up: exam format, NCLC scale and strategies, explained in English. The mock exam covers all four tests in the official timing and converts your results to NCLC.