Apply for French Nationality/Citizenship STEP-BY-STEP: Passing the TCF French Test

Whether you are applying for French citizenship by declaration as the spouse of a French citizen or by decree (find out the difference here), you will need to prove that you have a minimum level of French language. Since 2020, the required level for French nationality applications is a B1in spoken and written French as recognised by the Cadre européen commun de référence pour les langues or CERL (known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or CERF/CEF in English).

A new immigration law passed in 2024 saw this level increased to a B2 level, but the date that this will come into action is not yet known. According to the current information, those applying for French nationality in 2025 will still need to achieve a B1 level; however, the new B2 level must be implemented before January 1st, 2026, so make sure to check the current rules with the test centre.

Proof of your French language skills is required as part of the initial application for French nationality, and there are several accepted documents:

• A Brevet National Diploma – for those who gained their high school diploma at a French school.
• A French diploma of at least Level 3.
• A diploma showing a level of at least B1 CERL, such as a DELF, DU, or DCL
• A pass certificate showing that you have passed the Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) issued by France Éducation International within the last two years (more about this below).
• A pass certificate showing that you have passed the Rest d’Évaluation du Français (TEF) issued by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris (CCIP) issued within the last two years.

Are there any exemptions for the French language test?

Yes, there are certain conditions that exempt candidates from the need to take a French language test. For example:

• If you studied in French in a francophone country. You will need to provide an attestation de comparabilité du Centre Enic-Naric that states that you undertook a diploma level 3 or above in French.
• If you’re a refugee over 70 years old and have lived in France for more than 15 years with a valid residency card.
• You have a medical reason for exemption, such as a disability or chronic health condition that prevents you from sitting the test; you will need a medical certificate from a doctor or relevant specialist.
• If you are applying by declaration because you have a French child or grandchild, have lived in France for more than 25 years, and are 65 years or older.

Note that there is no longer an exemption for over-60s applying for nationality by decree. There are now no age limits for naturalisation applications.

If you haven’t studied in French, then the most common way to prove your level of French language is to take a TCF or test de connaissance du français (French knowledge test). The TCF is an official test run by France Éducation International that is designed to test your level of French language proficiency.

The TCF IRN “Integration, Residence and Nationality” is specifically tailored for those seeking French nationality and tests your French reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The exams focus on general French and everyday subjects; you won’t be tested on your understanding of French culture or history.

The exam is split into four separate tests, all of which are mandatory, and you’ll need to average a B1 (or B2 from 2026) level across all four tests to pass. You’ll sit the four tests on the same day, totalling 1 hour 15 minutes of exam time (note that depending on the test centre schedules, there may be wait times between the four tests).

1. Listening comprehension: a 15-minute audio listening exam with 20 multiple-choice questions.
2. Reading comprehension: a 15-minute reading exam with 20 multiple-choice questions.
3. Written skills: A 30-minute written exam with 3 exercises up to 90 words per question. You will typically type your answers on a computer with spell-check disabled.
4. Verbal skills:  15-minute individual test one-on-one with an examiner with 3 spoken exercises, including a personal presentation, a roleplay-style interaction, and an opinion-based speech.

We’ll cover preparing for the TCF exam in a future article.

How long is my TCF certificate valid for?

If you’ve taken the TCF or test de connaissance du français in order to demonstrate your level of B1 or B2 French for your French Nationality application, then your certificate will be valid for two years from the date of issue.

Where can I take the TCF exam?

You can take the TCF exam at one of the many approved TCF exam centres (centre de passation TCF), which are located all around France, as well as in many other countries around the world. View a map here. Most centres hold several exams throughout the year on set dates and you’ll need to book in advance through the test centre. Test slots can book up quickly, especially at busy test centres, so it’s a good idea to plan your exam at least a few months in advance.

When do I get my TCF exam results?

Results are sent to the test centre within 15 working days from the date that your completed exam papers are received by France Éducation International. Most test centres will send the results out about two weeks after the exam, but this may vary between test centres.

How much does the TCF exam cost?

Exam costs vary between test centres, so it’s important to get a quote from your local test centre – as a ballpark, expect to pay around €150 for the exam only. Most test centres also offer preparatory courses and it’s highly recommended to take at least one or two preparatory classes, even if you’re confident in your level of French. At a minimum, these classes will familiarise you with the exam requirements, ensure you understand the expectations for the speaking and writing components, and prepare you for the day of the exam.

Note that if you’re working in France, you can use your Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF) to fund your TCF exam and any associated courses with an accredited training centre. You can find out more about that here.

The “B1” level is based on the CERL classification system, which rates language proficiency in speaking, listing, reading, and writing according to a six-level scale from A1 (beginner/introductory) to C2 (advanced/mastery). B1 is an intermediate level, in which language learners should:

• Understand the essential points of a discussion using clear and standard language about familiar subjects concerning work, school, leisure, etc.
• Be autonomous in most general situations encountered when travelling in France.
• Be able to carry out a simple and coherent discourse on familiar topics or areas of interest.
• Know how to describe an event, experience, or dream, describe a hope or goal, and briefly explain reasons or explanations for a project or idea.

You need to achieve 300 to 399 points on the TCF test to receive a B1 pass level.

B1 is an upper-intermediate or “independent” level, in which language learners should:

• Understand the essential content of concrete or abstract topics in a complex text, including a technical discussion in one’s speciality.
• Communicate spontaneously and with ease with a native speaker.
• Express yourself clearly and in detail on a wide range of topics, give an opinion on a current topic and explain the advantages and disadvantages of different possibilities.

You need to achieve 400 to 499 points on the TCF test to receive a B2 pass level.

You can find out more about the various CERL levels here.