Sylum

Frequently asked questions:
levels, exams, classes

The questions we are asked most, with a short answer and a link to the page that explains it all (in French). Sylum teaches French and registers you with exam centres: we do not prepare préfecture applications.

French level and residence cards

What French level do I need for the 2 to 4-year residence card?

Level A2, since 1 January 2026. You also need to pass the civic exam. 2 to 4-year residence card (in French)

What French level do I need for the 10-year resident card?

Level B1 and the civic exam, for a first resident card. 10-year resident card (in French)

What French level do I need for French citizenship?

Level B2, spoken and written, since 1 January 2026, through naturalisation or through marriage. For naturalisation, you also need to pass the civic exam; through marriage, it is not required. French citizenship (in French)

I am renewing my card: do I need a French test?

No, if you are renewing the same card. Yes, if you are applying for a new card: a first 2 to 4-year card, a first resident card, or the permanent resident card. The answer for your card (in French)

I am over 65: do I need to take the test?

For a residence card or a resident card, generally not. For citizenship, yes: there is no age exemption, level B2 is still required. Cases with no test (in French)

Does my diploma replace the test?

A French diploma (brevet, CAP, baccalauréat…) or a DELF at the required level replaces the test. A foreign diploma, even from a French-speaking country, is not accepted. Neither is the OFII course attendance certificate. What is accepted (in French)

Exams

What are the TCF IRN and the TEF IRN?

Two French tests accepted by the préfecture for residence cards and citizenship. The TCF IRN is designed by France Éducation international, the TEF IRN by the CCI Paris Île-de-France. Each has 4 parts: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Exams at the centre (in French)

TCF IRN or TEF IRN: which one should I choose?

Both are accepted by the préfecture and the tests are similar. We advise you after your level test, depending on what you feel most comfortable with. Compare the two exams (in French)

How long is the certificate valid?

2 years. It must be less than 2 years old when you apply, so do not take the test too early. A diploma, such as the DELF, has no time limit. The TCF IRN (in French)

Can I take the TCF IRN or the TEF IRN online?

No. A test taken online is not accepted by the préfecture: you take it at an approved centre, and Sylum handles the registration. Our online level test only tells you where you stand. Book an exam (in French)

What is the civic exam like?

40 multiple-choice questions, in French, on a computer, in 45 minutes. You need 32 correct answers. It is required for the 2 to 4-year card, the resident card and naturalisation. The certificate has no expiry date. The civic exam (in French)

I failed: when can I retake it?

The civic exam, as many times as needed. The TEF IRN, after 20 days, with all 4 parts on the same day. The TCF IRN, after 30 days. Retaking the civic exam (in French)

Classes and level test

How do I find out my level?

With the free level test, at the centre, with a teacher: about an hour, speaking included, with no mark. At the end, we tell you your level and which class to take. It does not replace the TCF IRN or the TEF IRN. The free level test (in French)

Where and when are the classes?

At the centre, 6 rue Ampère in Saint-Denis, in small groups of the same level, with a teacher. During the day, in the evening or on Saturdays. From level A1 to level B2. French classes (in French)

How long does it take to move up a level?

It depends on your level today and how much time you have. After the free test, we give you a realistic number of hours and exam date. We never promise a deadline. From level A2 to level B1 (in French)

How much does a class cost?

The price is confirmed in writing, on the quote, before you enrol. Nothing is paid before. Funding may be possible depending on your situation: CPF, payment in instalments, employer or France Travail. French classes (in French)

Do you prepare préfecture applications?

No. We give information, but we do not prepare your application and we do not give legal advice: for that, contact an association or a lawyer. We tell you which level and which exam match your card.

I speak little French: how can I contact you?

Write to us on WhatsApp, or send a voice message if writing is difficult. The team speaks French, English and Arabic. Contact us (in French)