French B2 Exam Kit

TCF IRN

TCF IRN explained: the papers and timing, how it is marked, fees and session dates, who needs it, and the vocabulary and phrases to learn for it.

Tell me when it is ready Official page and exam centres ↗

Who needs this certificate

French nationality: the language level required rose from B1 to B2 on 1 January 2026.
Canada: Express Entry and other programmes score French by CLB level; CLB 7 is roughly B2.
French universities for many programmes taught in French.
Work where an employer or a regulated profession asks for B2.

How the exam works

1 Register at a centreFind a centre on the official page, choose a session and register before the deadline. The centre sets the fee.
2 PrepareLearn the words and phrases of the level, then practise the tasks with model tests. With the kit, enter your exam date and the plan gives you a daily number of new cards.
3 Exam dayBring a valid photo ID. The written papers are usually taken together; the speaking test may be on the same day or on another day set by the centre.
Results and certificateYour centre gives you a results certificate, usually within a few weeks, with a CEFR level for each skill.

Which part of the kit helps with which paper

Each paper, the kit sections that prepare you for it, and why.

Skill	Kit sections	Why it helps
Reading	Vocabulary (12 topic decks) Connecteurs	Reading texts are written around the exam topics: the topic words and the connectors let you follow the argument and find the answers faster.
Listening	Vocabulary (12 topic decks) Production orale	Recordings use the same topic words and everyday spoken phrases; knowing them by ear, with the audio, is what makes listening easier.
Writing	Production écrite Connecteurs Collocations Grammaire en contexte	The writing tasks reward ready phrases for each text type, linking words, natural word combinations and accurate grammar.
Speaking	Production orale Connecteurs Collocations	Speaking goes more smoothly with phrases for giving opinions, agreeing, disagreeing and planning, and with linking words to structure what you say.
All papers	Le jour de l'examen et la naturalisation	Instructions, paper names and the words around registration and the exam itself, so nothing on the day is new.

How it is marked

No pass or fail: each skill is reported as a CEFR level. For nationality you need B2 in each required skill since 1 January 2026.

Fees

Set by each approved centre.

Dates and registration

Frequent sessions at approved centres in France and abroad; results valid for a limited time for applications.

Where to register

france-education-international.fr → TCF IRN
Official information ↗

Facts last checked on 2026-09-30. Rules and fees change: confirm with the official page before you register.

Questions about TCF IRN

Which level do I need for TCF IRN, and what is it for?

TCF IRN is a test for French residence and nationality applications. For nationality, B2 has been required since 1 January 2026; residence permits ask for lower levels. Check the level for your application.

How long does it take to prepare, and how many words do I need?

Commonly quoted estimates are about 500–600 hours of guided learning to reach B2 from scratch. If you are already one level below, expect a few months of regular study. The French B2 Exam Kit is in preparation; leave your e-mail on this page for one message when it is ready.

Does the TCF IRN certificate expire?

Yes, in practice. The results certificate is valid for two years, and an application needs one that is still valid.

Can I retake just one part of TCF IRN?

There is no pass or fail to repeat: you take the test again for a new result. A minimum waiting time between two sittings may apply; check the current rule with your centre.

How and when do I get my TCF IRN results?

Your centre gives you a results certificate, usually within a few weeks, with a CEFR level for each skill.

What does the French B2 Exam Kit cover for TCF IRN?

The French B2 Exam Kit is in preparation. It will cover the vocabulary of the exam topics and the phrases for writing and speaking. Leave your e-mail on this page for one message when it is ready.

Other exams this kit prepares for

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Not affiliated with or endorsed by France Éducation International or CCI Paris Île-de-France.