The new TCF IRN

The New TCF IRN: Everything you need to know about the French language test for Integration, Residency, and Nationality (2025–2026 Reform)

Since May 12, 2025, the TCF IRN — Test de connaissance du français pour l’intégration, la résidence et la nationalité (French Language Test for Integration, Residency, and Nationality) — has undergone a major overhaul to align with changes in immigration and integration laws. As I mentioned in a previous article, this reform, tied to the law of January 26, 2024, aims to strengthen language requirements for foreigners wishing to settle permanently in France or apply for citizenship.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly what has changed, how to prepare, who is affected or exempt, and why this reform marks a significant shift in language requirements for administrative procedures.

A strengthened legal framework since 2024

The reform is based on a simple principle: better mastery of French leads to better integration into society. In other words, the French government has raised the required language proficiency levels for key administrative processes. Since the law of January 26, 2024, these levels are clearly defined:

For French nationality, the minimum required level has increased from B1 to B2.
For a resident card, the required level has increased from A2 to B1.
For a multi-year residence permit, a level A2 is now required (previously, no language level was mandated).

To meet these new expectations, the TCF IRN format was updated as of May 12, 2025, in anticipation of the reform’s official implementation in January 2026. This transition allows certified centers, teachers, and learners to prepare gradually.

A more comprehensive test for a more reliable assessment

The new TCF IRN retains its four main components: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written expression, and oral expression. However, the test duration has been extended, and comprehension requirements have been strengthened.

The listening comprehension section now includes 25 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 20 minutes, up from 20 questions in 15 minutes. The reading comprehension section follows the same pattern, with 25 questions (up from 20) and an extended duration of 35 minutes. These changes aim to more accurately assess the learner’s proficiency, particularly up to the B2 level.

The written expression (30 minutes) and oral expression (10 minutes) sections remain unchanged for now, but they still require mastery of linguistic structures, coherent discourse, and clear expression. However, the number of tasks has increased from two to three.

In total, the test now lasts approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, compared to 1 hour and 15 minutes previously. It can be taken at a certified center or, in some cases, online, depending on the provider’s arrangements.

Who is affected? Who is exempt from the TCF IRN?

The TCF IRN is required for any foreigner seeking:

A first multi-year residence permit (A2 level).
A long-term resident card (B1 level).
French nationality (B2 level).

However, some individuals may be exempt from this test. It’s essential to verify whether you qualify for an exemption before registering.

According to the official criteria on the France Éducation International website, you are exempt from the TCF IRN if:

You have completed schooling in French in a Francophone institution (at least up to the equivalent of the third year of secondary school).
You hold a French or Francophone diploma (such as DELF B1 or B2, a French baccalaureate, or a university degree).
You have a medical certificate attesting to a permanent inability to take the test.
You are over 65 years old when applying for a resident card (check with your prefecture).

Note: Exemptions are not automatic. You must provide official documentation and verify the exact conditions with your prefecture or the OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration). When in doubt, it’s better to take the test.

Why these requirements matter

The increased language requirements are not arbitrary. They reflect a political commitment to making French a central pillar of integration. Being able to communicate in French in daily life, understand official documents, and express oneself clearly in writing or during an interview are considered essential skills for integration into French society.

However, this change has significant implications for learners. A B2 level, for instance, requires advanced linguistic autonomy: the ability to argue, nuance, express opinions, and understand long, sometimes abstract texts. It’s no longer about basic proficiency.

Personally, having prepared students for the new TCF IRN format, I’m not convinced it fully equates to a true DELF B2 level. But that’s another topic—the lowering of examiners’ expectations…

How to prepare effectively?

Given this challenge, preparation cannot be taken lightly. A clear, structured, and tailored approach is recommended. Perhaps the courses offered by Your Online French Teacher are what you’re looking for!

For individual practice, online platforms like PrepMyFuture offer test simulations, practice exercises, and strategies for each skill. These tools help identify weaknesses, build confidence, and improve time management.

Also, practice speaking regularly in real or simulated situations with an experienced teacher familiar with the exam. The oral expression section, though short (10 minutes), is often daunting as it requires quick, precise responses. You must complete three tasks without preparation!

For written expression, focus on clarity, coherence, and thematic vocabulary. Too many learners fail due to a lack of clear structure and overly basic vocabulary.

Finally, don’t neglect comprehension: daily exposure to French content (podcasts, videos, newspapers, conversations) is essential for progress.

The role of teachers and trainers in this reform

For French as a Foreign Language (FLE) teachers, this reform requires adapting teaching materials. It’s now essential to include multiple-choice question sequences, authentic documents, mock interviews, and clear objectives aligned with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

It’s also important to teach students autonomy: learning how to learn, self-correcting, using digital tools, and organizing revisions. These are key skills for succeeding in a standardized, time-constrained test like the TCF IRN.

Conclusion: more than a test, a commitment

The TCF IRN for 2025–2026 is more than just a language test. It’s a critical step toward administrative recognition and a testament to personal commitment to the integration process.

For both teachers and learners, it represents a linguistic, social, professional, and symbolic challenge.

At Your Online French Teacher, we offer tailored support to help you succeed in this step with method, rigor, and kindness. Feel free to contact us to build a preparation plan suited to your goals.

See you soon!

Elodie

Sources

Official and Educational Sources

France Éducation International – Official TCF IRN page → https://www.france-education-international.fr/en/test/tcf-irn?langue=en
PrepMyFuture – Dedicated TCF IRN preparation page → https://www.prepmyfuture.com/pages/tcf-irn
Alliance Française – Overview of new TCF IRN 2025 modalities → https://alliance-toulouse.org/en/new/tcf-irn-2025/
Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France) – Updates on TEF/TCF tests → https://www.lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/en/tef-irn-changes-on-april-1-2025/