TCF IRN SO exam – Integration Residence Nationality
The computer-based French language proficiency test for integration, residency, and citizenship (TCF IRN) is an official test administered by France Éducation International. It assesses the language skills necessary to live, work, and integrate in France.
The TCF IRN SO allows you to certify your level of French in the following contexts:
- Citizenship course (OFII)
- Resident card application
- Application for French citizenship
This test is valid for two years and is recognized by the French Ministry of the Interior.
|
Objective |
Required level |
|
OFII citizenship course |
A1 |
| Resident card |
B1 |
| French nationality |
B2 |
Prerequisite: minimum interval of 20 days between two TCF sessions.
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The TCF IRN consists of four compulsory tests:
- Group test (1 hour 25 minutes)
- Listening comprehension: 20 min
- Reading comprehension: 35 min
- Written expression: 30 min
- Individual test (10 min)
- Oral presentation: 10 min
A one-hour methodology session is included before the TCF IRN paper-based exam. There is no such session for computer-based exams.
It allows you to:
- Become familiar with the TCF IRN procedures and the materials used.
- Identify question types and answer formats
- Develop listening and reading strategies
For computer-based TCF IRN tests, a computer is provided for candidates.
Upcoming events*:
|
On a computer: Session February 1, 2026 |
Registration deadline: February 9, 2026 |
Written and oral exams: February 11, 2026, morning and afternoon |
|
On a computer: Session February 2, 2026 |
Registration deadline: February 16, 2026 |
Written and oral exams: February 18, 2026, morning and afternoon |
|
On a computer: Session march 2026 |
Registration deadline: 03/09/2026 |
Written and oral exams: March 11, 2026, morning and afternoon |
|
On a computer: Session April 1, 2026 |
Registration deadline: March 30, 2026 |
Written and oral exams: April 1, 2026, morning and afternoon |
|
On a computer: Session April 2, 2026 |
Registration deadline: April 13, 2026 |
Written and oral exams: April 15, 2026, morning and afternoon |
|
On a computer: Session April 3, 2026 |
Registration deadline: April 27, 2026 |
Written and oral exams: April 29, 2026, morning and afternoon |
|
On paper: |
Registration deadline: March 26, 2026 |
Written and oral exams: April 22, 2026, morning and afternoon |
|
On paper: |
Registration deadline: to be determined |
Épreuves écrite et orale : à définir |
*The date of the oral exam is set by the exam center and cannot be chosen by the candidate.
- Each test is scored out of 399 points.
- The CEFR level (A1 to B2) is assigned according to the official France Éducation International grid.
- The certificate indicates the score and level achieved for each skill.
To register, you will need the following documents:
- Identity card or passport
- You will receive your exam invitation by email one week before the exams.
- If you have not received it, please contact : tests_examens@aflyon.org
- Results are sent by email within 2 to 3 weeks.
- The TCF IRN is valid for 2 years.
A partial refund or deferral to a later session may be granted:
- upon presentation of medical, professional, or transportation documentation (strike or delay)
- supporting document written in French and sent no later than the day after the exams to tests_examens@aflyon.org
- subject to availability for postponement
« Sharing a language, bringing cultures toghether»
Since its creation in 1984, the Alliance Française de Lyon has been teaching the French language and promoting cultural diversity.
We are an exam center approved by France Éducation International, located in downtown Lyon, with rooms suitable for exams.
Our examiners are certified and trained according to the official DELF and DALF standards.
In 2025, more than 2,800 candidates placed their trust in the Alliance Française de Lyon to take a French exam, including 476 candidates for the TCF IRN.