How TCF writing and speaking are scored

Source: France Éducation international, “Grilles de niveaux – interprétation des scores et des notes”. The grid starts at A1 = 1/20; 0 is the “A1 not achieved” result.

Listening (Compréhension orale) and reading (Compréhension écrite) are scored differently, out of 699.

How a score is given

• There are no points per criterion. Each assessor gives each task one level, from A1 not achieved up to C2.
• Two people assess every task. In writing, two correctors. In speaking, the examiner who talks with you and a second corrector.
• The three tasks are then combined into one result for the paper. Three tasks × two assessors gives six level judgements, and France Éducation international turns them into one overall level and one /20 score using an internal rule it doesn’t publish. The level and score always match the table above.
• Your results show only that combined result, for example Expression orale: B2, 12/20. There’s no score per task or per criterion.
• Breaking the rules can zero the whole paper. France Éducation international may mark the writing paper “A1 not achieved” (0/20) if any task misses its word limits, is off-topic, or isn’t completed. See the writing tasks guide for the details.

What this means for practice: a level for a single practice task is an estimate of how that one task would be judged. Your exam result combines all three tasks using a rule France Éducation international doesn’t publish, so don’t count on one strong task to make up for a weak one. Aim for your target level on every task.

What the assessors look at

The criteria fall into three broad families:

• Language: range and accuracy of vocabulary and grammar.
• Structure and coherence: whether the answer is organised and easy to follow, and uses connectors.
• Task and register: whether you did what the task asked, for the right reader or listener, in the right tone.

In speaking, fluency and pronunciation count too.

What separates B1 from B2

France Éducation international’s official level grid (taken from the CEFR) describes the step like this:

	B1	B2
Writing	“Can write simple connected texts on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.”	“Can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects… passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view.”
Speaking	“Can connect phrases in a simple way… Can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.”	“Can present clear, detailed description on a wide range of subjects… Can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.”
Grammar	“Basic structures have been mastered and are used to communicate effectively.”	“Has assimilated most grammatical structures and can readily draw upon them.”

In practice: B1 answers are simple and connected; B2 answers are clear and detailed, and argue a position with reasons, including the other side.

Source: France Éducation international, “Grilles de niveaux – interprétation des scores et des notes” (can-do levels table).

Some task-specific things raise the level that aren’t about your French at all:

• Speaking, Tâche 3: acknowledge the opposing view before defending your own. One or two sentences is enough, three at most if you have time. (This is the “advantages and disadvantages” in the B2 descriptor above.)
• Speaking, Tâche 2: actually interact with the examiner. React to answers and follow up, instead of reading out a list of prepared questions.
• Writing, Tâche 3: present both documents fairly before giving your opinion.

“My speaking score went from 9 to 12 in a month. My French hadn’t really improved. What changed was knowing what the marking rewards.” — the founder of TCF Coach

Results and retakes

• Results usually take about 2 weeks to a month.
• You must wait at least 20 days between two attempts.
• No re-marking for exams taken on or after September 1, 2026. Score review requests are no longer accepted for those sessions, so the result you get is final. Prepare to reach your target level on the day rather than counting on a review.

Source: Alliance Française d’Ottawa, “Re-evaluation request of the TCF test”.

To see what your scores mean for immigration, see TCF Canada scores to CLB/NCLC.