Where can I take the TCF exam in California?

In California, the TCF exam is offered through selected Alliance Française centers and partner test centers. Availability can vary by city, so it is best to check official center calendars for Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Pasadena when available.

Which TCF versions are available in California (TCF Canada, TCF IRN, TCF TP, TCF Québec)?

Depending on the test center and session, California centers may offer TCF Canada, TCF IRN, and TCF Tout Public (TP). Some sessions may also include TCF Québec or other options. Always verify the exact exam type shown on the official Alliance Française registration page for your chosen center.

How do I register for the TCF in California?

You must register directly on the official website of the test center running the session (often an Alliance Française). Registration periods and deadlines vary, and sessions can fill up quickly, so register as early as possible.

What is the registration deadline (DD) on the TCF calendar?

DD refers to the registration deadline—the last date to sign up for a specific TCF session. Some sessions may close earlier if all seats are filled.

How often is the TCF offered in California?

TCF sessions are scheduled throughout the year but frequency varies by center. Some cities offer multiple sessions per year, while others offer fewer. Check the statewide calendar and each center's official registration page for the most up-to-date dates.

What level do I need for TCF Canada or TCF IRN?

Required levels depend on your goal and program. For immigration and official procedures, candidates often target B2. Always confirm the current requirement for your specific pathway (Canada immigration, French nationality/residency, studies or work in France) on the relevant official website.

How can I prepare effectively for the TCF speaking test?

Effective preparation combines exam-style speaking practice, timed tasks, and feedback from a qualified teacher. Focus on structured answers, coherence, and pronunciation, and practice with realistic prompts similar to those used in the official TCF speaking tasks.

Does GoodFrenchTips offer TCF preparation?

Yes. GoodFrenchTips offers TCF preparation resources and practice, including exam-style conversation prompts and teacher feedback. Learn more on the TCF prep page: https://www.goodfrenchtips.com/tcf/

🟦 TCF California: 2026 Exam Dates, Deadlines & Centers (Los Angeles, Pasadena, SF, San Diego)

Find all TCF exam dates in California for 2026 (TCF IRN, TCF Canada, TCF TP, Québec, and DAP) in one place — including Los Angeles, Pasadena, San Francisco, and San Diego. Updated regularly to help you plan your test with confidence.

TCF Exam Types Available in California (by Center)

Exam Type	Los Angeles (AFDLA)	Pasadena (AF Pasadena)	San Francisco (AFSF)	San Diego (AFSD)
TCF IRN	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
TCF Canada	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
TCF TP (Tout Public)	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
TCF Québec	✔️	✔️	✔️	❌
TCF DAP	✔️	✔️	❌	❌

Important – Verify TCF dates on official Alliance Française websites i

Always confirm dates + deadlines directly with the center before paying, booking travel, or planning an application timeline.

TCF California – Statewide Exam Calendar (2026)

Official registration links (by center):

Month (2026)	Los Angeles (AFDLA)	Pasadena	San Francisco (AFSF)	San Diego (AFSD)
January	Jan 23 DD: Jan 9 IRN · TP · Canada · Québec · DAP	Jan 19 (DD: Jan 4) Jan 21 (DD: Jan 4) Jan 22 TCF Canada (DD: Jan 4) Jan 23 (DD: Jan 4)	Jan 9 Canada Jan 10 Tout Public Jan 23 IRN Jan 24 Canada	Jan 26 Canada (closed on AFSD site) See AFSD page for status
February	Feb 20 DD: Feb 6 IRN · TP · Canada · Québec · DAP	—	Feb 6 Tout Public Feb 7 IRN Feb 20 Canada	Feb 10 Canada (DD: Feb 3) Feb 24 IRN (DD: Feb 17)
March	Mar 20 DD: Mar 6 IRN · TP · Canada · Québec · DAP	—	Mar 13 IRN Mar 14 Tout Public Mar 20 Canada	Mar 3 Tout Public (DD: Feb 24) Mar 11 Canada (DD: Mar 4) Mar 24 IRN (DD: Mar 17)
April	Apr 24 DD: Apr 10 IRN · TP · Canada · Québec · DAP	—	Apr 3 IRN Apr 25 Tout Public	Apr 15 Canada (DD: Apr 8) Apr 28 IRN (DD: Apr 21)
May	May 22 DD: May 8 IRN · TP · Canada · Québec · DAP	—	May 1 Canada May 8 IRN May 29 Tout Public	May 13 Canada (DD: May 6) May 26 IRN (DD: May 19)
June	Jun 12 DD: May 30 IRN · TP · Canada · Québec · DAP	—	—	Jun 2 Tout Public (DD: May 26) Jun 10 Canada (DD: Jun 3) Jun 23 IRN (DD: Jun 16)
July	—	—	Jul 10 Canada Jul 11 IRN Jul 31 Tout Public	—
August	Aug 28 DD: Aug 14 IRN · TP · Canada · Québec · DAP	—	Aug 1 Canada Aug 21 IRN Aug 22 Tout Public	—
September	—	—	Sep 4 Canada Sep 18 IRN Sep 19 Tout Public Sep 25 Canada	—
October	—	—	Oct 9 IRN Oct 30 Tout Public	—
November	—	—	Nov 6 Canada Nov 7 IRN Nov 20 Tout Public	—
December	—	—	—	—

Notes: “DD” = registration deadline. “—” means “no 2026 date listed on the official page at the time of update.” Always confirm exam type(s) offered on the specific date directly with the center.

Legal notice: GoodFrenchTips does not operate TCF exams and cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this calendar. Each Alliance Française center is the sole source of truth for dates, deadlines, fees, capacity, cancellations, and format changes.

🎯

Preparing for B2? Make sure you know what examiners really expect

Before practicing, take 3 minutes to understand the real B2 requirements for the TCF: speaking, writing, listening and reading — with concrete expectations and examples.

👉 Read: TCF B2 – Expected Competencies 🔗 TCF – Linking Words (Connecteurs logiques)

Prepare for the TCF: Canada, IRN, TP, Québec

Preparing for the TCF from California can feel overwhelming: different exam types, limited dates, and a lot at stake for your immigration or citizenship plans.

GoodFrenchTips helps you move from "I'm lost" to "I'm ready" with a clear, affordable preparation path:

Practice with real TCF-style speaking tasks (Task 1, 2, 3) created by certified TCF instructors
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🎯Get teacher feedback on your TCF recordings (2 corrections per month with the TCF Package) + one corrected writing task per month, with clear feedback on grammar, coherence, and exam strategy.
Build cultural awareness so you're not just speaking French, but answering like a real candidate in France or Canada

Our TCF Package ($29/month) is designed for motivated learners who want serious but flexible preparation:

Full access to all TCF conversations on GoodFrenchTips
Two personalized corrections per month from a GoodFrenchTips teacher
Access to the monthly Current Events Workshop (live on Zoom)
All free resources: articles, audio, grammar videos, cultural tips

If you're taking the TCF IRN for French nationality, the TCF Canada for immigration, or TCF TP/Québec for studies or work, this package gives you structured, real-life preparation — for less than the price of a single private lesson.

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Explore the TCF Package – $29/month

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the TCF exam?

The TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) is an official French language exam delivered by France Éducation International. It evaluates your level of French for immigration, citizenship, studies, or work.

2. Which TCF exam do I need: IRN, Canada, TP, Québec, or DAP?

It depends on your goal:
• TCF IRN: French nationality, residency, 10-year card.
• TCF Canada: Express Entry and immigration to Canada.
• TCF TP (Tout Public): Studies, work, or general evaluation.
• TCF Québec: Immigration to Québec.
• TCF DAP: Admission to French universities (rare in the U.S.).

3. Where can I take the TCF in California?

You can take the TCF at the Alliance Française centers of Los Angeles, Pasadena, San Francisco, and San Diego. Each center offers different formats and dates.

4. How do I register for the TCF?

Registration is done directly through the Alliance Française website of your chosen center. Each session has a registration deadline (DD), generally 2–4 weeks before the test date.

5. Is the TCF difficult?

The TCF is accessible, but success requires practice. The speaking section is often the most challenging. Preparing with real conversation examples greatly increases your score.

6. How long are TCF results valid?

TCF results are valid for two years from the date of issue. After that, you must retake the exam if you need an updated score.

7. How often can I take the TCF?

You can retake the TCF as many times as you want, but you must wait 30 days between two official sessions.

8. How can I prepare effectively for the TCF?

The best preparation combines:
• real TCF-style speaking exercises,
• listening practice with authentic audio,
• vocabulary & grammar review,
• and cultural understanding.

GoodFrenchTips offers TCF conversations, weekly practice, and exam-focused guidance created by certified TCF instructors.

Stuck at an intermediate level?
GoodFrenchTips helps learners regain confidence and move forward with real conversation, guided practice, and teacher feedback — not just exercises.