TCF Canada Registration: The Official Step-by-Step Guide

TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français) is a French test accepted by IRCC for Canadian immigration processes such as Express Entry. IRCC lists it among the IRCC-approved French tests, and the official test owner is France Éducation international (FEI).

This guide explains exactly how registration works in real life: how to choose a test centre, how booking is handled (and why it’s different from “one central website”), what happens before test day, what you must bring, and how you get your attestation to use for IRCC.

First: make sure you need “TCF Canada” (not another TCF version)

France Éducation international runs several TCF versions. For Canadian federal immigration systems (like Express Entry), IRCC specifically accepts TCF Canada for Express Entry. If you register for the wrong version, your results may not match what your application requires.

On the official TCF Canada page, FEI describes TCF Canada as a test for people who need to certify their French level for Canadian economic immigration or Canadian citizenship procedures.

What you’re registering for: test structure and duration

TCF Canada is not a “pick only two modules” exam. FEI states it includes 4 mandatory tests that assess general French language skills:

FEI also states the total testing time is 2 hours 47 minutes on the official TCF Canada page.

FEI also notes that no exemptions can be granted for TCF Canada, which matters if you were hoping to skip a section.

How registration works (the key idea)

Unlike some exams, you don’t register through one global checkout run by FEI. FEI states that sessions are organized throughout the year by approved centres, and it is the candidate’s responsibility to contact the nearest centre directly. The centre then provides the session dates, registration process, where the exam takes place, the materials (paper or computer), and the cost. This is explained in the “Registration” section of the official TCF Canada page.

Step-by-step: registering for TCF Canada

Step 1: Find an approved TCF test centre

Start with FEI’s official list of approved centres. Use the map of TCF centres to locate centres near you (you can switch between map and list view).

Practical tip: If there are multiple centres in your region, shortlist 2–3 and compare (a) next available session, (b) whether they offer paper or computer-based delivery, and (c) how quickly they reply to email.

Step 2: Ask the centre for the next session and how to register

FEI is clear that the centre controls the session logistics. When you contact the centre, ask for:

• Upcoming dates and the registration deadline (if any)
• How to register (online form, email, in-person, etc.)
• Payment method and exact fee (FEI confirms cost is provided by the centre)
• Whether the session is paper-based or computer-based
• What identity document(s) they accept on test day

Step 3: Choose paper-based or computer-based delivery (if you have a choice)

FEI explains that centres may offer TCF on paper and also on computer. If your centre offers computer-based testing, know this important detail: FEI states that TCF on computer is not an online test. It’s an application installed on the centre’s computers, so you still must travel to the centre.

FEI also lists advantages of the computer-based format (for example, listening with headphones and fewer paper documents), which can help you decide if both formats are available at your centre.

Step 4: Register with details that match your ID exactly

Your personal information will appear on your attestation. During registration, treat your name, date of birth, and identity document number as “locked.” If your centre asks for a scanned ID, submit the same document you plan to show on test day.

Measurable check: Before you submit your registration form, compare every field against your ID letter-by-letter (including spaces and hyphens). Fixing errors after testing can be difficult.

Step 5: Pay the fee and confirm your booking

Because fees are set locally by each approved centre, the amount and payment method will differ. Your centre will tell you how to pay and when your seat is confirmed. Don’t assume “form submitted = booked” until you have written confirmation from the centre.

Step 6: If you need disability accommodations, start early

FEI provides a specific process for candidates who need arrangements. On the declare a disability page, FEI explains you must provide the exam centre with a recent medical certificate at least two months before the session date, describing recommended adjustments for a language test.

FEI also explains that centres can organize adjustments (extra time, modified room, human/technical support, braille availability) and that exemption from a competency may be possible in some cases, but test content itself cannot be modified.

Step 7: Receive your convocation (test invitation) and read it carefully

FEI explains that on test day you must present yourself at the time and place indicated on your convocation. This is described on the how a TCF session works page.

What to double-check:

• Your name and personal details
• The address and room/building information
• The reporting time (arrive early)
• Any centre-specific instructions (what to bring, what to avoid)

What happens on test day (so you’re not surprised)

FEI outlines the flow of a TCF session on its how a TCF session works page. Here are the essentials you should plan for.

Check-in: photo ID is mandatory

FEI states that at the entrance to the exam room, an invigilator will ask for a photo identity document, and without it the candidate will not be admitted. FEI also indicates the ID must be valid at the time of testing.

Because accepted documents can vary by centre and country, confirm the exact ID rules with your centre during registration.

Late arrival can cost you the session

FEI warns that if you arrive late, you may not be admitted and you may not be refunded. FEI also describes limited exceptional situations where a centre may allow a reschedule or refund if you provide supporting documentation within a set period. Read the details on the TCF session process page, and follow your centre’s instructions.

What stays on your desk (and what does not)

FEI explains that candidates must switch off mobile phones and leave personal belongings in a designated place, keeping only essential items on the desk (ID, convocation, and a pen for paper-based sessions). FEI also states that no objects, tools, or documents such as dictionaries, notes, calculators, phones, or recording devices are allowed during the tests.

Photo and recording (TCF Canada specifics)

FEI states that for TCF Canada, candidates are photographed on exam day. FEI also explains that the speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner and recorded for evaluation.

After the test: results, attestation, validity, and retakes

When results are delivered

FEI states that results are sent to the test centre within 15 working days from the date FEI receives the papers, and you collect your certificate (attestation) from the centre where you took the test. This timing is listed on the official TCF Canada page and also summarized in the TCF Canada presentation sheet.

How long your TCF Canada is valid

FEI states that your attestation is valid for 2 years from the date the results were issued, and that date is indicated on the certificate. FEI also warns that only one copy of the certificate is issued and recommends keeping a copy. This is explained on the official TCF Canada page.

For Express Entry specifically, IRCC states your test results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you submit your permanent residence application, which is explained on the language test validity rules page.

Retakes: waiting time before registering again

If you plan a retake, FEI’s TCF Canada presentation sheet indicates a 30-day waiting period before registering for a new TCF session. Build that waiting time into your immigration timeline.

Understanding your attestation (what it contains)

FEI explains on its understand TCF results page that candidates receive an attestation from their test centre and that each attestation contains structured information (identity and candidate code, test location/date and expiry date, results block, and a place for the candidate’s signature). FEI also notes the attestation includes QR codes used to authenticate results and to help candidates understand the results format.

For TCF Canada specifically, FEI explains that:

• Listening and reading are reported as scores that are translated into CEFR levels
• Speaking and writing are reported as marks out of 20 that are translated into CEFR levels

Using TCF Canada results for IRCC (Express Entry example)

IRCC explains that you must schedule your test with an IRCC-approved agency, pay the costs, and then enter your results into your Express Entry profile (including a certificate number and test PIN if the system asks). These instructions appear on the Express Entry language test page.

Practical tip: When you receive your attestation, save multiple copies immediately (secure cloud + local storage). FEI warns that only one copy is issued, so your own backups matter.

Common registration mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Booking too late: centres schedule sessions based on their capacity. If you have a deadline (profile creation, application submission), book early and keep a buffer for retakes.
• Wrong TCF version: confirm you’re registering for TCF Canada (not a different TCF). Use the official TCF Canada page as your reference.
• ID mismatch: your registration details should match the ID you’ll show at check-in. Confirm your centre’s ID requirements in writing.
• Ignoring the convocation: FEI emphasizes arriving at the time and place on the convocation. Read it carefully and plan to arrive early.
• No plan for accommodations: if you need adjustments, FEI’s process requires at least two months’ lead time via the disability accommodations guidance.

A simple timeline you can follow

1. 6–10 weeks before: find 2–3 centres via the official centre map and ask for the next sessions.
2. 4–8 weeks before: register and pay; confirm your convocation details; decide paper vs computer if offered (review TCF on computer info if relevant).
3. 2+ months before (if needed):: submit documentation for accommodations following FEI’s process.
4. 1 week before: re-check address, reporting time, ID rules, and what to bring.
5. After test day: wait for the centre to receive results and issue your attestation (FEI indicates results are sent to the centre within 15 working days), then back up your certificate immediately.

FAQ

Can I take TCF Canada online from home?

No. FEI states that even the computer-based format is not an online test; it’s delivered at an approved centre using an application installed on the centre’s computers, as explained on the TCF computer format page.

Do I get results by email?

FEI’s TCF Canada rules indicate results are sent to the test centre, and you collect your certificate from the centre where you sat the test, which is described on the TCF Canada results section.

How do I know what my certificate includes?

FEI explains the structure of the attestation and how scores are presented for TCF Canada on the understanding results page, including the presence of QR codes and the way listening/reading and speaking/writing are reported.

What if I need my results for an immigration deadline?

Work backwards from your deadline and remember two timing realities from official rules: FEI indicates results are transmitted to the centre within 15 working days, and IRCC requires that results be valid (less than 2 years old) at key stages of Express Entry processing described on the IRCC language test page. Add buffer time for retakes, especially since FEI’s TCF Canada sheet indicates a waiting period before registering again.

If you tell me your target pathway (Express Entry, a specific pilot, or a work permit plan) and your deadline date, I can turn this into a tight registration timeline (when to book, when to retake if needed) while sticking strictly to IRCC and FEI rules.

Related Guides

• TCF Canada Guide (2025)
• TCF vs TEF Comparison
• NCLC 7 Requirements for Express Entry