What is the test de connaissance du français (TCF)?
Why do I need to take the test?
What do I need to do to prepare for the test?
Where can I find practice tests?
When should I take the TCF?
How many times can I take the TCF?
How do I register for the TCF exam? Where is it held?
What are the test dates?
I am not a student at Vassar College or Wesleyan University. How can I register for the TCF exam?
What is the cost of taking the TCF?
I am not a student at Vassar College or Wesleyan University. What is the cost of the TCF for me?
What is the Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF)?
The TCF is an exam administered by the Centre international d’études pédagogiques that certifies the French linguistic competence level of individuals whose native language is not French.
Why do I need to take the test?
French Universities are increasingly making it compulsory for exchange students to provide proof of competency. This is the most efficient way of proving your competence level. The TCF will also give you a good gauge of your ability to integrate into a Francophone context.
Note: US universities have long required a similar test call the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for non-US nationals wishing to enroll in US universities.
What do I need to do to prepare for the test?
- VWPP recommends that you mostly prepare for the test by making sure that you enroll in appropriate courses recommended by your institution before you leave for Paris.
- In addition, in the months preceding the exam date (generally 3-4 months before departure), you should spend as much time as you can by building your general vocabulary and taking practice tests.
- The semester before you plan to leave for France, make sure you attend any workshops offered by your university to help you hone your French linguistic skills.
Where can I find practice tests ?
There are several practice tests available online. We recommend the practice tests on the following Web site:
You will take the TCF at least a month to six weeks before you plan to leave for France. So students who wish to participate in the program during the fall semester or for the year should take the test during the preceding spring semester and students who wish to participate in the program in the spring semester should take the test during the preceding fall semester.
Students cannot retake the TCF within 60 days of an attempt.
How do I register for the TCF exam? Where is it held?
If you are a Vassar or Wesleyan student, your department will send you exam registration information at the appropriate moment, as your home campus schedules the TCF. Vassar/ Wesleyan teams will communicate directly with students to help them prepare for the test. The exam will be held on campus – both Vassar and Wesleyan University are accredited TCF exam centers.
Your home campuses will schedule
Please check the announcement on the right of this page for current information for dates this exam is offered on Vassar College and Wesleyan University campuses.
I am not a student at Vassar College or Wesleyan University. How can I register for the TCF exam ?
If you are not a Vassar or Wesleyan student, you have the option of registering for the TCF at either Vassar or Wesleyan University test centers. If this is not convenient, click here to find an accredited test center near you.
NOTE: If you choose to take the test at a center other than at Vassar or Wesleyan, be sure to indicate the date and place of your exam to VWPP staff (the office to which you sent your application).
What is the cost of taking the TCF?
VWPP will cover the cost of the exam for Vassar and Wesleyan Students. Please note, should you not participate in VWPP, the cost of the exam will be billed to your student account.
I am not a Vassar or Wesleyan student. What is the cost of TCF?
If you take the TCF at either Vassar or Wesleyan centers, your cost will be covered by VWPP.
If you take the TCF at another center, you will be reimbursed up to 43 euros once you arrive in Paris. Should you decide not to participate in the VWPP, the cost of the test will not be reimbursed. In order to be reimbursed, you will need to provide a receipt to the VWPP office in Paris, so be sure to keep proof of your payment and bring it with you to Paris.
