TCF IRN day — four indivisible papers in 1 h 35
3 min read
The TCF IRN consists of four compulsory and indivisible papers, 1 h 35 in total since the reform of 12 May 2025. "Indivisible" means there is no choosing: you sit all four, in the same session.
⚠️ Many third-party pages still show the old figures. If a page announces a different duration, it is describing the pre-May-2025 format.
The four papers
| Paper | Format | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 25 multiple-choice questions, 4 options | 20 minutes |
| Reading | 25 multiple-choice questions, 4 options | 35 minutes |
| Writing | 3 tasks | 30 minutes in total |
| Speaking | 3 tasks | 10 minutes |
Listening: each recording is played once only
This is the hardest constraint in the format, and there is no catching up on it: each recording is played once only, and the question comes after the recording.
The direct consequence is that you cannot read the question while listening, because it is not there yet. You have to listen to the whole recording without knowing what will be asked — and then answer. Practising by replaying an extract twice is practising an exercise that does not exist on the day.
Reading: 35 minutes for 25 questions
The same number of questions as the listening paper, almost twice the time. It is the paper where time is least tight — and therefore the one where points are lost by lingering over an unknown word instead of looking for the information asked for.
Writing: three tasks, three lengths
The three tasks together fit into 30 minutes:
- describe — 30 to 60 words;
- recount — 40 to 90 words;
- give your opinion — 40 to 90 words.
The ranges indicate the expected amount of work: you do not write a 200-word paragraph for the first task, and the time would not allow it anyway.
Speaking: no preparation time at all
Three tasks in 10 minutes — guided interview, interaction exercise, point of view — and with no preparation time at all.
This is the point candidates prepare least and that surprises them most: there are no minutes to think before speaking. The only possible preparation is earlier: having already said sentences on everyday themes out loud.
What the format will not tell you
- An exact TCF score before the exam. The conversion from the number of correct answers into a score is not published, so no simulator — including ours — can announce a real TCF score. Our exercises train the format and the level, not the conversion.
- A pass mark. The TCF IRN does not have one; it returns a level. What the préfecture reads is the overall-levels line on the attestation — see results and attestation.
- The practical arrangements at your centre. Arrival times, documents to present and room organisation are matters for the centre: see registration, fees and centres.
To place the TCF IRN against the other possible route, see TCF IRN or DELF A2.
Practising in the right format
Our exam tests follow the structure of the four papers, and the exercises with assessment cover writing and speaking. Short answers: FAQ page.
We are neither an examination centre nor a law firm, and we do not run any examination; this is not legal advice. Check the duration, the format and the arrangements with your centre before booking. Last checked: 26 October 2026.