French Citizenship Language Exams
Compare and prepare for all accepted French language tests for citizenship applications: DELF B1, TCF IRN, and TEF IRN.
Choose Your Exam
DELF B1
Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française - The official French Ministry of Education certification with lifetime validity.
- ✓Valid for life
- ✓Most widely recognized internationally
- ✓Four components: listening, reading, writing, speaking
- ✓Pass/fail scoring (minimum 50/100)
TCF IRN
Test de Connaissance du Français - Developed by France Éducation International specifically for immigration and citizenship.
- ✓Valid for 2 years
- ✓Faster, computer-based multiple-choice tests
- ✓Four components: listening, reading, writing, speaking
- ✓Level-based scoring (B1: 300-399 points)
TEF IRN
Test d'Évaluation de Français - Created by the Paris Chamber of Commerce for immigration, residency, and citizenship.
- ✓Valid for 2 years
- ✓More multiple-choice questions than TCF
- ✓Four components: listening, reading, writing, speaking
- ✓Level-based scoring (B1: 181-300 points)
Exam Comparison
| Feature | DELF B1 | TCF IRN | TEF IRN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administering Body | French Ministry of Education | France Éducation International | CCI Paris |
| Validity | Lifetime | 2 years | 2 years |
| Listening Duration | 25 minutes | 25 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Reading Duration | 45 minutes | 45 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Writing Duration | 45 minutes | 30 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Speaking Duration | 15 min (+ 15 min prep) | 10 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Scoring System | Pass/Fail (min. 50/100) | 100-699 points | 0-699 points |
| B1 Level Range | Pass (50/100+) | 300-399 points | 181-300 points |
| Best For | Long-term value, international recognition | Quicker test, citizenship-focused | More comprehensive exam |
Which Exam Should You Choose?
All three exams are officially recognized for French citizenship applications. Here are some factors to consider when choosing:
Choose DELF B1 if:
- You want a certification that never expires
- You'd like your qualification to be recognized internationally for education or work
- You prefer a more traditional exam format with paper-based tests
- You plan to continue studying French beyond citizenship
Choose TCF IRN if:
- You want a quicker exam with more multiple-choice questions
- You need a test specifically designed for citizenship purposes
- You prefer a slightly shorter exam format
- You're confident you'll complete your citizenship application within 2 years
Choose TEF IRN if:
- You want the most comprehensive test with more questions
- You're applying for both Canadian and French immigration (as variants can be used for both)
- You're confident in your multiple-choice test-taking abilities
- You're confident you'll complete your citizenship application within 2 years