Exam format
TCF Canada Exam Format: Sections, Timing and How It Is Structured
The TCF Canada has four compulsory tests: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Together they last 2 hours 47 minutes. This page puts the whole structure in one place: how many questions, how many minutes, what each task asks for, how each part is scored, and how to plan your time on exam day.
The four tests
TCF Canada Structure at a Glance
| Test | Format | Questions or tasks | Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (compréhension orale) | Group test | 39 multiple-choice questions | 35 min | Out of 699 |
| Reading (compréhension écrite) | Group test | 39 multiple-choice questions | 60 min | Out of 699 |
| Writing (expression écrite) | Group test | 3 tasks | 60 min | Out of 20 |
| Speaking (expression orale) | Individual, face to face with an examiner | 3 tasks | 12 min, including 2 min of preparation | Out of 20 |
Add the times up and you get 35 + 60 + 60 + 12 = 167 minutes, or 2 hours 47 minutes. That is the time spent on the tests themselves. It does not include check-in, instructions or breaks, so ask your test centre for the schedule of your session.
All four tests are compulsory for TCF Canada. For Express Entry you need a result in each skill, because IRCC converts every score to an NCLC level and your lowest level is the one that counts. See the TCF Canada scores to NCLC chart.
Test 1 · 39 questions · 35 min
Listening: What to Expect
Listening is a group test. You hear short recordings and answer 39 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four options and only one is correct. The questions climb from A1 to C2, so the first ones are quick and the last ones are very hard.
- The audio sets the pace. You cannot rewind, so read each question and its options before the recording starts whenever you get the chance.
- Answer every question. If you are unsure, pick the most likely option and move on rather than leaving a blank.
- Do not stay stuck. A question you missed is gone. Focus on the next one.
More on question types and strategies in our TCF Canada reading and listening guide.
Test 2 · 39 questions · 60 min
Reading: What to Expect
Reading is also a group test with 39 multiple-choice questions, four options each, one correct answer, rising from A1 to C2. You have 60 minutes, which is roughly 1 minute 30 seconds per question if you spread the time evenly. You will not need that on the early questions, so use the saved time on the later, longer texts.
| Part of the test | Questions | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|
| Early questions (easier) | 1–13 | About 14 min |
| Middle questions | 14–26 | About 20 min |
| Final questions (hardest) | 27–39 | About 22 min |
| Check unanswered items | — | About 4 min |
Do the quick wins first and do not let a single long text eat your time.
Test 3 · 3 tasks · 60 min
Writing: Three Tasks in 60 Minutes
| Task | What you write | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | A short message or description of an everyday situation | 60–120 words |
| Task 2 | An article, letter or account that reports an experience and gives an opinion | 120–150 words |
| Task 3 | A text that compares two documents (two points of view), then gives your own opinion | 120–180 words |
The 60 minutes cover all three tasks together, so you decide how to share the time. A common plan is about 10 minutes for task 1, 20 for task 2 and 30 for task 3, including a few minutes at the end to reread. That is a suggestion, not an official split. Task 3 asks you to summarize two views and argue your own, so it needs the most planning.
- Respect the word range. Too short is a problem, and so is far too long. Count your words.
- Answer the exact task. Use the right type of text and the right tone (informal message, formal letter, balanced comparison).
- Reread for agreement and spelling. Accents, verb endings and gender agreement are easy points to protect.
See model answers for each task in our TCF Canada writing examples the TCF writing guide and the most common TCF writing mistakes.
Test 4 · 3 tasks · 12 min
Speaking: Three Tasks Face to Face
Speaking is the only individual test. You sit with an examiner. Only task 2 has preparation time. The tasks get harder as they go, so task 1 is your warm-up and task 3 is where you show a developed opinion.
Our TCF Canada speaking guide walks through each task with phrases you can reuse.
How it is scored
How the TCF Canada Is Scored
You do not get one overall mark. You get four separate results. Reading and listening are reported out of 699. Writing and speaking are reported out of 20. IRCC converts each one to an NCLC level using its own table.
| Test | Scale | NCLC 7 on IRCC's table |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Out of 699 | 458–502 |
| Reading | Out of 699 | 453–498 |
| Writing | Out of 20 | 10–11 |
| Speaking | Out of 20 | 10–11 |
As of October 2026 these are the ranges in our conversion chart, based on IRCC's table. Always check the current table on the IRCC language testing page before you rely on it. Use the NCLC calculator to see an estimate for your own scores.
Because the 20-point scale is so short, one point in writing or speaking can move you a whole NCLC level. That is why finishing every task matters more than polishing one.
Putting it together
How to Prepare for This Format
- 1Learn the structure first. Know the number of questions, the time and the word ranges above so nothing surprises you in the room.
- 2Practise each part with a timer. Do 39 questions in 60 minutes for reading and the three writing tasks in 60 minutes, not untimed.
- 3Rehearse speaking out loud. Time yourself on all three tasks, including the 2 minutes of preparation for task 2.
- 4Check the booking details early. Dates, ID rules and fees depend on the test centre. See how to book the TCF Canada.
- 5Check the official page last. Formats can change, so confirm the details on the France Éducation international page shortly before your test.
Frenchly is an independent practice tool. It is not affiliated with France Éducation international or IRCC, and it does not guarantee any score or immigration result.
Questions
TCF Canada Exam Format FAQ
How long is the TCF Canada exam?
The four tests last 2 hours 47 minutes in total: listening 35 minutes, reading 60 minutes, writing 60 minutes and speaking 12 minutes. Check-in and instructions are extra, so ask your centre for your session schedule.
How many questions are on the TCF Canada?
Listening has 39 multiple-choice questions and reading has 39. Writing has three tasks and speaking has three tasks, so those two tests are not made of multiple-choice questions.
Are all four TCF Canada tests compulsory?
Yes. Listening, reading, writing and speaking are all part of TCF Canada. Express Entry looks at each skill separately, so you need a result in all four.
Is the TCF Canada speaking test done on a computer or with a person?
It is an individual, face-to-face test with an examiner. It lasts 12 minutes and includes 2 minutes of preparation for task 2.
How is the TCF Canada scored?
Listening and reading are scored out of 699, and writing and speaking are scored out of 20. IRCC converts each score to an NCLC level, and your lowest level is the one that counts.
Does the TCF Canada format ever change?
It can. The details here are correct as of October 2026, so check the France Éducation international page and your test centre before you book.
Next step
Practise the exact TCF Canada format
Frenchly follows the TCF Canada structure: timed reading and listening, the three writing tasks, and the three speaking tasks, with AI feedback from Sophie and an estimated NCLC level. Try the free sample questions first, or start a 14-day free trial.