Proving your French level (justifier de votre connaissance du français)

If you are a non-European foreign national applying for certain first residence cards, you must prove your French level. You can use a diploma, a professional qualification or a language certificate. If you use a language test, you must take its tests in person at an examination centre, on the same day in a single session.

Steps

If you use a language test

1. Choose the TCF from France éducation international or the TEF from the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
2. Take the tests in person at an examination centre, on the same day in a single session.
3. For the identity check before the tests, use your valid residence permit (titre de séjour) or passport.

If you have a disability or a chronic health condition

1. Have your treating doctor complete a medical certificate.

Documents to bring

Diploma or qualification options for proving A2 French

Diploma or qualification options for proving B1 French

If you use a language certificate

Key facts

• Your language certificate is valid for 2 years.
• You cannot use a diploma issued abroad by a foreign authority, even in a French-speaking country.
• If you have a disability or a chronic health condition, you may receive test adjustments or, if you cannot take the test, an exemption from the French-language requirement.
• For a multi-year residence card (carte de séjour pluriannuelle), the language requirement does not apply to residence permits (titres de séjour) not subject to the Republican integration contract (CIR).
• For a multi-year residence card (carte de séjour pluriannuelle), the language requirement does not apply if you are a beneficiary of subsidiary protection or a stateless person, or a family member of either.