TEF IRN or TCF IRN: which should you choose?
The TEF IRN and the TCF IRN are two official tests recognised by the French State for the same immigration and naturalisation procedures. What are the differences, and which should you choose?
Two tests, one goal
TEF IRN and TCF IRN both assess your level of French on the CEFR scale and are recognised by the State for the multi-year residence permit, the resident card and naturalisation. They cover the same 4 skills: comprehension and expression, spoken and written.
The main differences
The difference lies mainly in the organisation that administers them and in some paper formats. The TEF IRN is issued by the CCI Paris Île-de-France; the TCF IRN by France Éducation international. For your procedures, both have the same value: it is the level reached that counts, not the test chosen.
Which should you choose?
The best choice is often the one you can take easily, close to home, with good preparation. MYSTORY is an exam centre approved by the CCI Paris Île-de-France for the TEF IRN: you prepare with us in Île-de-France and take the exam in Rosny-sous-Bois, with results within 1 to 10 working days.
| Criterion | TEF IRN | TCF IRN |
|---|---|---|
| Organisation | CCI Paris Île-de-France | France Éducation international |
| Recognised by the State | Yes | Yes |
| Procedures | Residence permit, resident card, naturalisation | Residence permit, resident card, naturalisation |
| Skills assessed | 4 (CO, CE, EO, EE) | 4 (CO, CE, EO, EE) |
| Levels | A2 / B1 / B2 (CEFR) | A2 / B1 / B2 (CEFR) |
| At MYSTORY | Preparation + exam | - |
Further reading
Useful resources
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Frequently asked questions
Your questions
What is the difference between the TEF IRN and the TCF IRN?
Both tests assess the same skills and are recognised by the State for the same procedures. The difference lies mainly in the organisation (CCI Paris Île-de-France for the TEF, France Éducation international for the TCF) and in some paper formats.
Are both tests recognised by the State?
Yes. Both the TEF IRN and the TCF IRN are recognised to prove your level of French when applying for a residence permit or naturalisation.
Which one is easier?
Neither is fundamentally easier: they assess the same skills within the same European framework (CEFR). It is your preparation and your actual level that make the difference.
Does MYSTORY prepare candidates for the TEF or the TCF?
MYSTORY is an exam centre approved by the CCI Paris Île-de-France for the TEF IRN: you prepare with us in Île-de-France and take the exam in Rosny-sous-Bois, with personalised support and results within 1 to 10 working days.