TCF IRN in Lyon Bleu International
Lyon Bleu International offers you the opportunity to take a French exam that tests your knowledge of the French language.
Test de Connaissance du Français, Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité (French language, integration, residence and nationality test)
For these purposes, the TCF Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité(TCF IRN) is required by the Ministry of the Interior’s Department of Integration and Access to Nationality, which has commissioned France Education International to create a French language test that meets the needs of foreigners living in France.
Duration
Approximately 1h35 - Allow at least half a day
Skills assessed
Written and oral comprehension skills in the form of MCQs, written tests and interviews with examiners
Format
Individual computer test with headphones + individual oral interview
Levels assessed
Naturalisation: level B2
Residence permit: level B1
Multi-annual residence permit: level A2
Exam validity
2 years
Don't forget
Your valid identity card
Fees
165 € for all tests
The level to obtain :
The TCF IRN is aimed at all foreign nationals aged over 16 years of age wishing to validate their level of French.
Following the promulgation of Act no. 2024-42 of 26 January 2024, the new government requirements for proficiency in French are evolving and will be applied by the authorities by 1 January 2026 at the latest:
- Naturalisation: a B2 level will be required.
- Resident card: a B1 level will be required.
- Multi-annual residence permit : A2 level now required
The TCF IRN assesses up to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
TCF IRN tests :
The TCF IRN is made up of several tests. All tests are compulsory:
- A group listening comprehension test with 25 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) – 20 minutes.
For each question, 4 answers are given and only one answer is correct. Each audio document is broadcast once only. The question is asked after listening to the recording.
- A group reading comprehension test with 25 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) – 35 minutes.
For each question, 4 answers are given and only one answer is correct.
- A collective written expression test – 30 minutes, 3 exercises.
- An individual speaking test with an examiner – 10 minutes, 3 exercises.
All the TCF IRN tests take place on the same day. The examination center sets the timetable for each test, which cannot be changed.
Please note that we administer the exam on computer, not on paper. If you would like to take the exam on paper, you can visit the official website of FEI (France Education International) or another school in our KLF Keep Learning French group.
To find out more :
The TCF IRN, a key element in your application to the prefecture.
Once your registration has been validated and paid for, Lyon Bleu International will issue you with a TCF IRN exam registration certificate, which you can present to the prefecture to justify your application.
If you pass the TCF IRN exam, you will receive an official certificate, which you should enclose with your application to the prefecture.
Please note that as the tests are double-corrected at France Education International in Paris, it can take around a month before you receive your results.
Your official results certificate will be valid for 2 years. We strongly recommend that you keep copies of your certificate.
If you fail the exam, you will have to wait at least 30 days between registrations before you can retake it.
