What’s the difference between TCF Canada and TCF tout public?

Q: What’s the difference between TCF Canada and TCF tout public?

Both are versions of France Éducation international’s TCF. TCF tout public has 3 compulsory multiple-choice parts (listening, language structures, reading) in 1 h 25, and writing and speaking are optional. TCF Canada has 4 compulsory parts (listening, reading, writing and speaking) in 2 h 47, with no structures part. For an IRCC application, you need TCF Canada.

Checked November 3, 2026

Both are versions of France Éducation international’s TCF. TCF tout public has 3 compulsory multiple-choice parts (listening, language structures, reading) in 1 h 25, and writing and speaking are optional. TCF Canada has 4 compulsory parts (listening, reading, writing and speaking) in 2 h 47, with no structures part. For an IRCC application, you need TCF Canada.

The two formats side by side

	TCF tout public	TCF Canada
Listening	29 questions, 25 min	39 questions, 35 min
Language structures (maîtrise des structures de la langue)	18 questions, 15 min	No such part
Reading	29 questions, 45 min	39 questions, 60 min
Writing	Optional, 3 tasks, 60 min	Compulsory, 3 tasks, 60 min
Speaking	Optional, 3 tasks, 12 min	Compulsory, 3 tasks, 12 min
Length of the compulsory parts	1 h 25	2 h 47
Overall score	Yes, from the 3 multiple-choice parts	No, one result per skill
Accepted by IRCC	No	Yes

Is there a “language structures” part on TCF Canada?

No. The language structures part (spotting a vocabulary or register error, choosing the right wording) exists on TCF tout public, not on TCF Canada. Grammar still counts on TCF Canada, but it is marked through your writing and speaking.

What is the same

Writing and speaking have the same format in both tests. FEI even publishes a single sample paper for “TCF tout public, Québec and Canada”. The same word counts apply (60 to 120, 120 to 150, 120 to 180), and the same speaking times (2 min, 3 min 30 after 2 min of preparation, 4 min 30). Any “TCF” writing or speaking practice works for TCF Canada.

In listening and reading the questions are the same kind, with 4 choices and rising difficulty. But TCF Canada has 10 more per part and runs longer. A TCF tout public mock test is shorter than the real thing.

If you already have a TCF tout public

For French, IRCC accepts only TEF Canada and TCF Canada. A TCF tout public result doesn’t convert to NCLC and doesn’t turn into a TCF Canada, even with the same parts taken. You have to register for TCF Canada. Your TCF tout public score is still a good guide to where you stand.

For the other versions, see TCF Canada or TCF IRN (France) and TCF Canada or TCF Québec.

Because writing is compulsory on TCF Canada, it is often the part that surprises candidates used to TCF tout public. Write one task to see your mark.