Free TCF sample tests cover all four sub-tests: Listening (42 questions, about 40 minutes), Reading (42 questions, 60 minutes), Writing (one letter, 45 minutes) and Speaking (two role-plays, about 20 minutes). The official TCF website publishes free samples with answer keys, and a free Exam Hero account gives you one full-length TCF mock test with instant AI feedback on Writing and Speaking. Take your first sample test under real timing before you start studying, mark it against the key and the criteria, and use the results to decide which sub-test and part to practise first.
- Free official TCF sample tests cover Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
- Take your first sample test before you start studying, not after, so it shows where to focus.
- Use the real timing: Listening about 40 minutes, Reading 15 plus 45 minutes, Writing 5 plus 40 minutes, Speaking 3 plus 5 minutes per role-play.
- Mark Listening and Reading against the key, and Writing and Speaking against the official criteria, not just your impression.
- Write down which part lost the most marks and why. That is your study plan for the next two to three weeks.
What is an TCF sample test?
An TCF sample test is a practice version of the real TCF, with the same four sub-tests, the same question types and the same timing. It lets you see exactly what test day looks like before you sit the exam.
You will see a few related terms:
| Term | What it usually means | Best used for |
|---|---|---|
| Sample test | An example paper that shows the real format | Learning the format and trying each question type |
| Practice test | Questions for one sub-test or part, often untimed | Drilling a specific skill, such as Reading Part A |
| Mock test | A full paper taken under exam conditions | Measuring your level and your distance to Grade B |
Where can I find free TCF sample tests?
The two best free sources are the official TCF website and a free Exam Hero account. Use the official materials to learn the format, and full mock tests with feedback to measure your level.
| Source | What you get | Feedback on Writing and Speaking | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official TCF website | Sample tests for all four sub-tests, with answer keys and model answers | Model answers to compare against | Free, with more official materials to buy |
| Exam Hero | One full-length mock test, plus one question in every part of the question bank | AI scores for each TCF criterion, within seconds | Free account, no card |
| Courses and books | Extra practice papers, often with teacher marking | Varies by provider | Paid |
Whatever you use, check that it follows the current format: three parts each in Listening and Reading, one letter in Writing, and two role-plays in Speaking. Older materials sometimes show a different structure.
Are TCF sample tests the same as the real exam?
The format, timing and marking are the same. The recordings, texts, case notes and role-play cards are different, so you cannot memorise answers.
- Listening and Reading use the same question types and question counts: 42 questions in each.
- Writing uses case notes for your profession, and your letter is assessed against the same six criteria.
- Speaking uses role-play cards for your profession, and your conversation is assessed against the same nine criteria.
What a sample test cannot copy is test-day pressure. That is why timing yourself strictly matters more than the source of the paper.
When should I take my first TCF sample test?
Take it before you start studying, ideally in the first week. A first sample test is a diagnosis: it tells you which sub-test is furthest from Grade B, so your study time goes where it moves your score most.
Many candidates wait until they "feel ready" and then discover in the last month that Writing, not Reading, is the problem. A low first score is useful information, not a failure.
How do I take an TCF sample test under real exam conditions?
Use a timer for every block, play the audio once, do not look anything up, and speak out loud for Speaking. Use this checklist:
| Sub-test | Timing to use | Rules to follow |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | About 40 minutes in one block | Play each recording once, with no pausing. Write answers as you listen. |
| Reading | Part A: 15 minutes, then Parts B and C: 45 minutes | Close Part A when the 15 minutes end. Do not go back to it. |
| Writing | 5 minutes reading, then 40 minutes writing | No writing in the first 5 minutes. No dictionary. |
| Speaking | 3 minutes preparation, about 5 minutes per role-play, twice | Speak out loud to a partner or an AI patient, and record it. |
If you cannot do all four in one sitting, split them over two days, but keep each sub-test in one block.
How do I mark a sample test and estimate my grade?
Mark Listening and Reading against the answer key, and assess Writing and Speaking against the official criteria. Record a score for each sub-test separately, because TCF has no overall score.
Listening and Reading
- Count your correct answers out of 42. In Listening Part A and Reading Part A, check spelling carefully: a misspelt answer may not get the mark.
- TCF says candidates awarded Grade B (350) typically get at least 30 out of 42. The exact conversion is not published, so treat 30 as the floor and aim for a margin above it.
- Record your mark for each part (A, B and C), not just the total. The part totals tell you what to practise.
Writing
- Check your letter against the six criteria: Purpose, Content, Conciseness and Clarity, Genre and Style, Organisation and Layout, and Language.
- Compare your content choices with the model answer. Which case notes did you include that the reader did not need? What did you miss?
- For a criterion-by-criterion score, use AI feedback or a teacher.
Speaking
- Listen to your recording and check the clinical communication criteria: did you explore the patient's concerns, signpost, explain in plain English and check understanding?
- Count long pauses and unexplained medical terms. Those are the most common linguistic problems.
How do I turn my sample test results into a study plan?
Find the part that lost the most marks in each sub-test, write down why, and spend most of the next two to three weeks on that part. Use this tracker after every sample test:
| Sub-test | Score or estimate | Weakest part | Why marks were lost | Next action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | [e.g. 27/42] | [Part A / B / C] | [spelling, missed detail, lost place] | [drill to do this week] |
| Reading | [score] | [part] | [time, vocabulary, distractors] | [action] |
| Writing | [estimated grade] | [lowest criterion] | [copied notes, vague purpose] | [action] |
| Speaking | [estimated grade] | [lowest criterion] | [no signposting, jargon] | [action] |
| Sub-test | Result | Weakest part | Why | Next action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 31/42 | Part C | Chose options that repeated words from the audio | Two Part C recordings a week, noting each speaker's opinion |
| Reading | 26/42 | Part A | Ran out of time with 6 questions left | Daily 15-minute Part A drill with a strict timer |
| Writing | Around C+ | Conciseness and Clarity | Letter was 290 words and included every case note | Three letters a week, cutting to about 200 words |
| Speaking | Around B | Information-giving | Did not check understanding | End every practice role-play with an explain-back question |
The priorities for the next three weeks are Reading Part A and Writing. Listening and Speaking only need maintenance.
How many TCF sample tests should I take, and how often?
Most candidates need four to six full tests over their preparation: one at the start, one or two in the middle to check progress, and two or three in the final fortnight. The targeted practice between tests matters more than the number of tests.
| Stage | Full tests | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 1 | Find your weakest sub-test and part |
| Middle of preparation | 1 to 2 | Check that the weak part is improving |
| Final two weeks | 2 to 3 | Build stamina and confirm a margin above 350 |
| Last 3 to 5 days | 0 | Review mistakes and rest |
For a full schedule, see the 8-week TCF study plan.
What are the most common mistakes with TCF sample tests?
- Pausing or replaying Listening. It makes your score look better than it will be on test day.
- Taking tests without reviewing them. Every wrong answer needs a reason next to it, or the next test will repeat the same mistakes.
- Only doing Listening and Reading. They are easy to mark, but Writing and Speaking are where many candidates fall short of Grade B.
- Judging Writing by length or vocabulary. A long, sophisticated letter can still score poorly on Content and Conciseness.
- Taking a full test every day. Tests measure progress. Part-by-part practice creates it.
Where should I go after my first sample test?
Go straight to the guide for your weakest part:
- Listening: Part A, Part B, Part C
- Reading: Part A, Part B, Part C
- Writing: referral letter template and example
- Speaking: role-play template and example
Then practise that part in the TCF question bank, where one question in every part is free.
