In short: on paper, you answer the listening and reading questions in the square boxes (1st row). You can correct only once, in the round boxes (2nd row). Use a black or dark blue pen and never tick two boxes: otherwise, the answer is cancelled.
In the paper version of the TCF IRN, the 50 comprehension questions (25 listening, 25 reading) are answered on an answer sheet (feuille de réponses). A mistake when filling it in can cancel a correct answer. Here are the official rules, explained simply, and a sheet for practice.
Parcours Civique is an independent practice website, not linked to France Éducation international. The diagram and the sheet on this page were made by us for practice: they are not official documents.
The rules in one table
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Answer in the square box (1st row) | Tick two boxes for the same question |
| Correct only once, in the round box (2nd row) | Correct a second time |
| Use a black or dark blue pen | Use a felt-tip pen or a pencil |
| Fill in the box as shown in the official model | Circle the letter or the box |
| Answer all the questions | Write in the question booklet |
These rules apply to the TCF on paper. On a computer, you click on your answer on the screen. To compare the two formats, read TCF IRN on a computer or on paper.
How the sheet is organised
For each question, there are 4 possible answers (A, B, C, D) and two rows of boxes:
- 1st row, square boxes: your answer.
- 2nd row, round boxes: your correction, if you change your mind.
Here is a simplified diagram, made by us (this is not the real sheet):
| Question 12 | A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st row: answer (square boxes) | □ | ■ | □ | □ |
| 2nd row: correction (round boxes) | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
In this example, the candidate answered B. They did not correct it.
| Question 13 | A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st row: answer (square boxes) | ■ | □ | □ | □ |
| 2nd row: correction (round boxes) | ○ | ○ | ● | ○ |
Here, the candidate first answered A, then changed their mind: their final answer is C, marked in the round box.
The official France Éducation international page shows a picture of the correct way to fill in a box. Look at this model before the test and follow the instructions given in the room.
The 3 mistakes that cancel an answer
- Two boxes ticked for one question. The answer is void, even if one of the two is correct.
- A second correction. You are allowed only one correction, in the round box. Think before you correct.
- The wrong writing tool. Felt-tip pens and pencils are not accepted. Bring a black or dark blue pen.
Another rule: do not circle the letters, and do not write anything in the question booklet. This is an official rule.
Why you should answer every question
In the TCF, only correct answers count. A wrong or empty answer is worth 0: no points are taken away. So an empty box is a lost chance.
Our advice: if you do not know, eliminate the impossible answers, then choose among the others. Do not leave any row empty.
Be careful in the listening section: each document is played only once, and the question is asked after you listen. Tick your answer straight away, then focus on the next document. To learn everything about the sections, read The 4 sections of the TCF IRN, explained simply.
Checklist before you hand in your sheet
- [ ] I have only one square box ticked per question (or only one round box if I corrected).
- [ ] I have not left any question empty.
- [ ] I have not circled any letter.
- [ ] I have not written anything in the question booklet.
- [ ] I used a black or dark blue pen.
- [ ] My question numbers match (no shift of one row).
An easy mistake to make: shifting by one row. If you skip a question, all the following answers are in the wrong row. Check the number every 5 questions.
Practise with our printable sheet
Print this sheet and use it during your mock exams. You will get used to ticking quickly and correctly.
Practice answer sheet
Print this sheet for your mock exams, or tick the boxes on screen to practise. Click a box to tick or untick it.
How to fill in the sheet
- Tick your answer in the square box (1st line).
- To change your answer, tick the round box (2nd line). Only one correction is possible.
- Use a black or dark blue pen. No felt-tip pen or pencil.
- Do not circle the letters.
- More than one box ticked on a line: the answer does not count.
- Do not write anything in the question booklet.
- A wrong or blank answer scores 0: no points are taken away. Answer every question.
Listening · 25 questions
Questions answered : 0/25Reading · 25 questions
Questions answered : 0/25Practice sheet made by Parcours Civique based on France Éducation international's rules. The real sheet may look different.
Independent tool, not affiliated with France Éducation international.
How to use it:
- Start a listening or reading mock exam in our TCF IRN preparation.
- Tick your answers on the printed sheet, not on the screen.
- Also enter your answers in the app to see your result.
- Count your filling-in mistakes: two boxes, a forgotten box, a row shift.
Not registered yet? First take our free TCF level test (5 minutes, no account needed), then see the plans and prices (from €24.90, one-time payment). No preparation can guarantee a level.
On test day
On the table, keep only your identity document, your notice to attend (convocation) and your pen. Bring two black or dark blue pens, just in case. For the full list, read our checklist TCF IRN test day.
Frequently asked questions
How do I correct an answer on the TCF sheet?
Use the round box in the 2nd row, under the question. You are allowed only one correction.
What happens if I tick two boxes?
The answer is void, even if one of the two boxes is the correct answer.
Can I use a pencil?
No. Use a black or dark blue pen. No pencil, no felt-tip pen.
Can I write notes in the question booklet?
No. The official rule is clear: do not write anything in the booklet. Your answers go on the answer sheet.
Does a wrong answer lose points?
No. A wrong or empty answer is worth 0. Answer every question.
Sources
- Square box, round box for one correction only, black or dark blue pen, no felt-tip pen or pencil, do not circle, several boxes = void answer: France Éducation international, filling in the TCF multiple-choice answer sheet (accessed 30/09/2026): https://www.france-education-international.fr/article/remplir-la-feuille-de-reponses-des-qcm-du-tcf?langue=fr
- Items on the table, do not write in the booklet: France Éducation international, how the test is conducted (accessed 30/09/2026): https://www.france-education-international.fr/article/deroulement-passation-tcf?langue=fr
- Only correct answers count: France Éducation international, assessment of the sections (accessed 30/09/2026): https://www.france-education-international.fr/article/evaluation-epreuves-tcf?langue=fr
- 25 listening and 25 reading questions, one listening only: France Éducation international, TCF IRN page (accessed 30/09/2026): https://www.france-education-international.fr/test/tcf-irn?langue=fr
- Answer sheet rules: TCF candidate handbook (Manuel du candidat TCF), France Éducation international, September 2026 version, p. 17, 18 and 36 (PDF document)