The TCF Canada format
Four compulsory tests, 2 hours 47 minutes in all: listening, reading, writing, and a face-to-face speaking test.
| Listening | 39 questions, 35 minutes, each recording once |
|---|---|
| Reading | 39 questions, 60 minutes |
| Writing | 3 tasks, 60 minutes: 60 to 120, 120 to 150 and 120 to 180 words |
| Speaking | 3 tasks, 12 minutes, 2 of them to prepare task 2 |
| Retakes | As often as you like, 20 days apart |
Listening and reading
Each has 39 multiple-choice questions with four options and one right answer, getting harder as you go. In listening, each recording plays once and the question comes after it.
Writing
A copy can be marked as not reaching A1 if a task is missing, off topic, or outside its word count.
- Task 1: a message to describe, tell or explain something, 60 to 120 words
- Task 2: an article, letter or note telling an experience, with comments or arguments, 120 to 150 words
- Task 3: compare two views on a social question from two short documents, and give yours, 120 to 180 words
Speaking
- Task 1: a guided interview without preparation, 2 minutes
- Task 2: a role play to get information, 5 minutes 30 seconds including 2 minutes to prepare
- Task 3: give and defend your view on a question, 4 minutes 30 seconds
Next step
Questions people ask
How long is TCF Canada?
2 hours 47 minutes: 35 minutes listening, 60 reading, 60 writing and 12 speaking.
What happens if I write too few words in TCF Canada?
Each writing task has a word range. A task outside it, missing or off topic can lead to the copy being marked as not reaching A1.
How soon can I retake TCF Canada?
After 20 days. There is no limit on the number of sittings.