What to Bring
Centers will refuse entry if anything is missing:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Ottawa and Vancouver accept passports only. Toronto also accepts driver's license |
| Printed confirmation letter | Ottawa requires a printed convocation — phone screenshots may not be accepted |
| Matching ID | Must be the same document used during registration |
Prohibited Items
- Phones, smartwatches, earbuds (AirPods) — must be powered off and stored
- Notes, dictionaries, textbooks
- Your ID must remain visible on your desk throughout the exam
Allowed (Varies by Center)
- Vancouver: Water and quiet snacks allowed
- Other centers: Check in advance
Cancellation & Rescheduling
Policies vary by center — always confirm with yours.
Ottawa Alliance Française
- Cancellation/rescheduling fee: $100 CAD
- Deadline: Before the registration deadline for that session (usually 2-3 weeks before the exam)
- After the deadline: No refund, no rescheduling
- Exception: Medical/family emergencies with documentation
Vancouver Alliance Française
- No refunds, no rescheduling, no transfers — all sales final
General Rules
- Minimum 20-30 days between exam attempts (violation = cancellation + fee)
- If the center cancels: Full refund or rescheduling offered
Tip: Mark the cancellation deadline in your calendar immediately after registration.
Exam Day Procedures
Arrival
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Latecomers are not admitted — counts as absence, no refund
- Photo taken for ID verification at check-in
Exam Order
| Section | Duration | Questions | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (CO) | 35 min | 39 | Audio plays once, no pausing |
| Reading (CE) | 60 min | 39 | Increasing difficulty |
| Writing (EE) | 60 min | 3 tasks | 60 + 120 + 240 words |
| Speaking (EO) | 12 min | 3 tasks | Recorded via computer |
- No leaving your seat during listening + reading (~1h35)
- No exits during writing either
- Some centers offer a short break between written and oral sections
- Reserve the full day
Equipment
- Computer + headphones (provided)
- Standard QWERTY keyboard (Montreal Concordia may use French Canadian layout)
- Microphone for speaking section (you consent to being recorded)
Mental Preparation
The Night Before
- Sleep normally — your level won't change overnight
- Pack everything: passport, printed confirmation, water
- Set an alarm with extra time for travel
Common Mistakes During the Exam
- Listening: Trying to understand every word → Focus on the main idea. Audio plays once
- Reading: Getting stuck on hard questions → Secure B1-B2 points first, come back to C1-C2
- Writing: Missing word count targets → Follow the guidelines strictly
- Speaking: Long silences → Speaking imperfectly is better than silence
Time Management
- Listening: Pace controlled by audio — read the question before it plays
- Reading: ~1.5 min per question on average, go faster on easy ones
- Writing: ~10 min Task 1, ~20 min Task 2, ~30 min Task 3
After the Exam
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Results timeline | 2-4 weeks (computer-based usually 2 weeks) |
| How to access | Email notification to download your attestation |
| Score validity | 2 years from the issue date |
| Note | Only one certificate issued — keep a personal copy |
For Immigration Applicants
- Results must be valid when you submit your Express Entry profile AND your PR application
- Express Entry profiles last 12 months — ensure your results cover the full period
- Use the "Equivalence ancien score" column, not "Score / 699"
- Select "TCF Canada" specifically (not other TCF versions)
Last-Week Study Plan
- Listening & Reading: One full mock per day with 42 listening + 42 reading sets
- Review mistakes: Focus on your wrong answer notebook
- Speaking: Daily AI conversation practice
- Writing: Complete at least one mock writing exam
- Vocabulary: Reinforce with dictation mode
Good luck!