French A2, B1, B2 for residence and citizenship: TCF IRN and TEF IRN

Which level you need

The level depends on what you are applying for, and it applies to speaking and writing alike.

• For nationality, the new level applies to applications filed, and marriage declarations signed, from 1 January 2026. Earlier files keep the old rules.
• Renewing a card? The requirement concerns the first multi-year card and the first resident card, not renewals.
• Apart from declarations by marriage, these applications also require a pass in the examen civique, the civic exam.

Who does not need to prove their French

• People over 65 applying for a first multi-year card or a first resident card.
• For a multi-year card: people who do not have to sign the integration contract (CIR), for example holders of the “étudiant”, “visiteur” or “talent” cards and anyone who did at least three school years in a French secondary school or one academic year of higher education in France; also beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and stateless people, with their families.
• For a resident card: anyone applying for a resident card other than those in the table, such as the resident card issued to refugees.
• For naturalisation: refugees and stateless people over 70 who have lived in France legally for at least 15 years. There is no age exemption for a declaration by marriage.
• In every case: if a disability or a chronic illness makes a language assessment impossible, you can be exempted; if it only makes it harder, the test can be adapted. You need a medical certificate on the official model.

Which proof counts

The same kinds of proof work for every application, as long as they show at least the level you need:

• the diplôme national du brevet (the French lower-secondary school diploma);
• a French state diploma at level 3 or above of the national qualifications framework, such as a CAP or BEP;
• a professional certification at level 3 or above listed in the national register of professional certifications (RNCP);
• a diploma showing French at the required level, such as the DELF, the DALF, the DELF Pro, the DCL, the DFP or the DUEF;
• a TCF certificate from France Éducation international (FEI) or a TEF certificate from CCI Paris Île-de-France, the only two tests accepted.

A TCF or TEF certificate is valid for 2 years; for nationality it must be less than 2 years old when you apply. The rules set no time limit for diplomas, and the DELF and the DALF are valid for life.

An accepted test has four separate papers (listening, reading, writing and speaking) taken in person at an exam centre on a single day, with identity checks. The certificate carries your photo, and the authorities can check it online.

Diplomas issued abroad by a foreign authority are not accepted, even from a French-speaking country.

TCF IRN, TEF IRN and DELF at a glance

Which one suits you?

• You need a result quickly: TEF IRN results arrive 1 to 10 working days after the test; TCF IRN results within 15 working days of FEI receiving the session material.
• You are not sure which level you will reach: the TCF IRN and the TEF IRN place you anywhere from A1 to B2 in one sitting, so even a lower result shows exactly where you stand. The DELF is passed or failed at one level.
• You will apply more than 2 years from now, or plan several applications: a DELF or DALF diploma never expires, while a TCF or TEF certificate is valid for 2 years.
• Compare the tasks: the TCF IRN has 3 short writing tasks and 3 speaking tasks, the TEF IRN 2 texts and 2 role plays, and the DELF B2 a single text of at least 250 words.
• Whatever you choose, check that the level on your result matches your application and that it will still be valid when you apply.

What changed in 2026

• First multi-year card: French at level A2 is now required. Until the end of 2025 there was no set level: the prefecture checked attendance and progress in the French course of the integration contract (CIR), if one was prescribed.
• First resident card, EU long-term and permanent resident cards: level B1 instead of A2.
• Naturalisation and reintegration: level B2 instead of B1; declarations by marriage: B2 instead of B1. This applies to applications filed and declarations signed from 1 January 2026.
• For nationality, a foreign degree studied in French no longer replaces the language test: the old route through a certificate of comparability has ended.

How to prepare

• Check the level your application needs in the table above and aim for it in all four skills: the law asks for it in speaking and in writing.
• Take the free official sample tests linked under each test, timed as in the real exam.
• If you signed the integration contract (CIR) and the French test at your OFII appointment placed you below A2, you can follow a 600-hour French course with OFII.
• Book early: you need the certificate when you file your application, and for nationality it must be less than 2 years old on that day.
• Prepare for the examen civique at the same time: it is also required for these residence cards and for naturalisation.

Frequently asked questions