In short: you take the TCF IRN on paper or on a computer, depending on the centre. The content and length are the same (4 sections, 1 h 35), and the speaking section always takes place face to face with an examiner. The differences: listening with headphones, writing typed on a keyboard, an artificial intelligence tool that helps with marking on a computer, and extra time only possible on paper.
When you register, the centre offers you a session on paper, on a computer, or both. Which one should you choose? Here are the differences, explained simply.
Parcours Civique is an independent practice website, not linked to France Éducation international. We do not choose the format for you: the centre decides what it offers.
The comparison in one table
| Point | On paper | On a computer |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | All 4 sections, 1 h 35 | All 4 sections, 1 h 35 |
| Listening and reading | Questions in a booklet, answers ticked on a sheet | Questions and answers on screen, with the mouse |
| Listening | Played once only, depending on how the centre is organised | Played once only, with headphones |
| Writing | By hand, in the booklet | Typed on a keyboard |
| Rough paper for writing | Yes (it is not marked) | Not specified in our sources: ask the centre |
| Speaking | Face to face with an examiner | Face to face with an examiner (not on a computer) |
| Marking of writing | Two human markers | 1st marking may be done with the FIDELIA tool (AI), 2nd marking always by a human |
| Extra time, or tiers-temps (disability) | Possible | No: you must take the paper version |
| TCF IRN results | Within 15 working days after FEI receives the material | Within 15 working days after FEI receives the material |
| Price | Set by the centre | Set by the centre (more expensive at one centre we checked) |
The TCF on a computer: how it works
On a computer, the test does not take place online. You take it at the centre, on software installed there. You cannot do it at home.
- Listening is done with headphones. Each document is played only once, as on paper.
- The questions and answers appear on screen. You click on your answer.
- Writing is typed on a keyboard. Accents (é, è, à, ç) count. One centre, REFLETS in Cagnes-sur-Mer, asks candidates to know how to use a mouse and an AZERTY keyboard (the French keyboard). This is the example of one centre only: ask yours.
- The speaking section is not done on a computer. All sections can be taken on a computer, except speaking.
France Éducation international also says that registration and results are usually faster on a computer. For the TCF IRN, the official page gives a waiting time of 15 working days from when FEI receives the test material. The 10 days mentioned elsewhere only apply to the multiple-choice-only version of another TCF.
A point we could not check: on paper, the question is asked after listening. On a computer, France Éducation international writes that the questions and answers appear on screen at the same time. We do not know if the question is visible before the audio. Ask your centre.
FIDELIA: marking the writing on a computer
If you take the writing section on a computer, the first marking may be done by FIDELIA, a tool that uses artificial intelligence to help with marking. The second marking is always done by a human. If you do not want this AI help, France Éducation international says you should take the test on paper.
The TCF on paper: how it works
- Listening and reading: you read the questions in a booklet and tick your answers on an answer sheet (feuille de réponses). Do not write anything in the booklet. There are precise rules (square box, round box, pen). We explain them in How to fill in the TCF answer sheet.
- Writing: you write your texts by hand, in the booklet. You have rough paper, but it is destroyed and not marked. A text written only on the rough paper can receive « A1 non atteint » (A1 not reached).
- Handwriting: write clearly. Unreadable handwriting can also give « A1 non atteint ».
Extra time: only on paper
If you have a disability or a health problem, you can ask for extra time (tiers-temps). It is possible only on paper. A centre that runs the test on a computer can offer the paper version for this adjustment. You must send a medical certificate at least 2 months before the test.
How to choose?
| Your situation | Our advice |
|---|---|
| You write quickly by hand, you type slowly | Paper may be more comfortable |
| You type quickly, your handwriting is hard to read | The computer may help you |
| You have never used a French keyboard | Practise first, or choose paper |
| You want your writing marked only by humans | Paper (according to FEI) |
| You need extra time | Paper, necessarily |
| You have no choice | Prepare for your centre’s format |
In all cases, the test is the same: 25 listening questions in 20 minutes, 25 reading questions in 35 minutes, 3 texts in 30 minutes and 10 minutes of speaking. Everything is explained in detail in The 4 sections of the TCF IRN, explained simply.
Prepare for your centre’s format
For the computer:
- Practise typing in French, with accents. On an AZERTY keyboard, the letters A, Z, Q, W and M are not in the same place as on a QWERTY keyboard.
- Get used to listening with headphones, without pressing pause.
- Do mock exams on a computer screen, not only on your phone.
For paper:
- Write your texts by hand, counting your words.
- Practise ticking an answer sheet.
- Bring a black or dark blue pen.
Our TCF IRN preparation offers timed mock exams and writing topics with corrections. Start with our free TCF level test, then see the plans and prices (from €24.90, one-time payment). No preparation can guarantee a level.
Frequently asked questions
Is the TCF IRN easier on a computer?
No. The content, length and levels are the same. Only the format changes.
Can I take the TCF IRN on a computer at home?
No. The computer test takes place at the centre, on software installed there, without internet.
Is the speaking section done on a computer?
No. The speaking section always takes place face to face with an examiner.
Who marks my writing if I type it on a computer?
The first marking may be done with the help of FIDELIA, an artificial intelligence tool. The second marking is always done by a human.
Is the price the same on paper and on a computer?
It depends on the centre. For example, the REFLETS centre showed €160 on paper and €200 on a computer (brochure of 31/10/2025). See TCF IRN prices, dates and centres.
Sources
- Computer test at the centre, software without internet, listening with headphones, questions and answers on screen, all sections except speaking, faster registration and results: France Éducation international, the TCF on a computer (accessed 30/09/2026): https://www.france-education-international.fr/article/tcf-ordinateur?langue=fr
- FIDELIA, second marking by a human, take the paper version to avoid it: France Éducation international, assessment of the sections (accessed 30/09/2026): https://www.france-education-international.fr/article/evaluation-epreuves-tcf?langue=fr
- Paper or computer depending on the centre, TCF IRN results within 15 working days: France Éducation international, TCF IRN page (accessed 30/09/2026): https://www.france-education-international.fr/test/tcf-irn?langue=fr
- Rough paper not marked, « A1 non atteint »: France Éducation international, how the test is conducted (accessed 30/09/2026): https://www.france-education-international.fr/article/deroulement-passation-tcf?langue=fr
- Answer sheet: France Éducation international, filling in the answer sheet (accessed 30/09/2026): https://www.france-education-international.fr/article/remplir-la-feuille-de-reponses-des-qcm-du-tcf?langue=fr
- Extra time only on paper, medical certificate 2 months before, FIDELIA: TCF candidate handbook (Manuel du candidat TCF), France Éducation international, September 2026 version, p. 22, 33, 34, 55 and 56 (PDF document)
- Example of one centre (paper and computer prices, mouse and AZERTY keyboard): TCF IRN brochure of the REFLETS centre, 31/10/2025 (accessed 28/09/2026): https://reflets.asso.fr/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Plaquette-TCF-IRN-2025-V16-31102025.pdf