The essentials in 30 seconds
- 1This plan is for candidates one CLB level or less from their target. Further away, plan 2 to 3 months.
- 2Budget 2 to 3 hours a day, six days a week.
- 3Week 1: diagnosis and repairs. Week 2: comprehension. Week 3: production. Week 4: mock exams.
- 4Day 1 and day 22 are non-negotiable: a full timed series.
Contents
Part 1Is this plan for you? The five-minute test
Before starting, be honest about your starting point. Sit a free series and compare the result with your target:
| Gap to your target | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Under 50 points in comprehension, 1–2 in production | ✅ 30 days is realistic |
| 50 to 100 points, or 3 points in production | ⚠️ Possible at 3 h/day, but tight |
| Over 100 points, or 4+ in production | ❌ Use the 8-week plan instead |
Your 30 days at a glance
- Week 1 — diagnosis
- Week 2 — comprehension
- Week 3 — production
- Week 4 — mock exams
Part 2Week 1 (days 1–7) — diagnosis and quick repairs
| Day | Programme |
|---|---|
| 1 | Full timed series. Write down your score and your errors per section. |
| 2 | Analysis: sort your errors (vocabulary, tenses, wording trap, timing). |
| 3 | Format: reread the four sections. Prepare your task 1 speaking introduction. |
| 4 | Targeted grammar: the two points that come up most in your errors. |
| 5 | Listening: 20 questions + replay of the ones you missed. |
| 6 | Writing: one task 1 and one task 2, timed. |
| 7 | Active rest: a film or a podcast in French, no note-taking. |
Part 3Week 2 (days 8–14) — comprehension, where points add up
- Every day: 30 minutes of news listening (Radio-Canada, RFI) + 20 listening questions.
- Every day: 15 timed reading questions, aiming for 1 min 30 per question at most.
- Days 10 and 13: one full listening section, then one full reading section, under real conditions.
- Technique to automate: read the options before the recording, spot the speaker's intent — see 10 listening techniques.
Part 4Week 3 (days 15–21) — production, where CLB levels are won
- Odd days: one writing task 3 in 30 minutes. Reread it against the marking criteria.
- Even days: two task 3 speaking prompts, recorded (4 min 30 each), then listened back.
- Every day: five connectors from our list reused in your own work.
- Models: corrected writing topics and speaking topics.
Part 5Week 4 (days 22–30) — simulation and nerves
| Day | Programme |
|---|---|
| 22 | Full mock exam (2 h 47), at the time of your booking. |
| 23 | Detailed analysis + work on the weakest skill. |
| 24–25 | Targeted work on that skill only. |
| 26 | Second full mock exam. |
| 27 | Analysis + revision of your argument structures. |
| 28 | Third mock exam (or comprehension only if you are tired). |
| 29 | Light revision: task 1 introduction, connectors, timing plan. Prepare your documents. |
| 30 | Exam eve: nothing new. A walk, a balanced meal, an early night. |
To check the night before
- ID — the same one as in your immigration file
- Booking confirmation, printed or on your phone
- Route checked, departure time written down
- Breakfast planned (slow-release carbs)
- Phone charged, two alarms set
Part 6The morning of the exam
- 1.ID and booking confirmation in your bag, checked the night before.
- 2.Breakfast with slow-release carbohydrates, and water.
- 3.Ten minutes of French radio on the way, to switch your ear on.
- 4.Arrive 30 minutes early.
- 5.During the exam: a missed question is a finished question. Move on.
“The last month is not there to teach you French. It is there to make the French you already have visible on the day.”
Felix Academy practice packs
The series for days 1, 22, 26 and 28
One month of access to the 40 full series is exactly what a Silver pack covers.
- 40 full series: listening, reading, writing, speaking
- Audio transcripts and detailed answer keys
- Writing and speaking topics with model answers
- AI writing simulator (15 sessions)
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Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare for the TCF Canada in 30 days?
Yes, if you are already close to your target (about one CLB level away) and can work 2 to 3 hours a day. Further away, a 2 to 3 month preparation is more realistic.
How many hours a day should I study for the TCF Canada?
For an intensive 30-day plan, 2 to 3 hours a day, six days a week, including at least 30 minutes of daily listening.
How many mock exams should I sit before the TCF Canada?
At least three full mock exams in the final fortnight, plus one diagnostic series at the very start.
Which section should I start with?
Start with a full diagnosis, then prioritise the skill furthest from your target. Listening should be practised every day, because it improves the slowest.
About the author
Akono Germy
TCF & TEF Canada coach — method and production skills
Coaches Felix Academy candidates for TCF and TEF Canada on exam method, writing and speaking.
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