The DELF (Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) are official qualifications awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify the competency of candidates from outside France in the French language according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (proficiency levels A1 through C2), taking into account all four linguistic competences: writing, reading, speaking and listening.
Created by a team of psychometricians and experts in language testing, these tests are recognized on an international level and often used by foreign education ministries as a scale to evaluate their students’ level in French.
Which diploma is right for me?
The diplomas that make up DELF and DALF are completely independent. This means that candidates can register for the examination of their choice, according to their level. All examinations include the four skills (written production, written comprehension, oral production, and oral comprehension) at every level, with varying degrees of interaction and mediation required depending on the level. A score of at least 50/100 is required in order to be awarded the diploma, which--once received--is valid for life.
All of the examinations have been designed to reflect the principle of action used by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which defines users of a language as "social actors who have tasks to perform (that are not only linguistic) in given circumstances, in a given environment and within a specific area of action, which may be personal, public, academic or professional". Different examinations corresponding to different diplomas are offered:
DELF/DALF Tout Public (all ages, but recommended for high schoolers and above; DELF Levels A1 to B2, DALF Levels C1 and C2)
This is the most general version of the diploma. The examinations cover all general subjects in correspondence to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
**The DALF diploma is the advanced version of the DELF offered for the Tout Public examination; only C1 and C2 levels are offered.
DELF Prim (elementary school; Levels A1 to A2)
The DELF Prim is oriented toward young students learning French (7-12 years old). DELF Prim examination can be taken at A1.1, A1 or A2 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
DELF Junior (secondary school; Levels A1 to B2)
The DELF Junior (or Scolaire) is oriented toward students learning French in secondary school (12-17 years old). DELF Junior can be taken at A1, A2, B1 or B2 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
DELF Pro (professionals; Levels A1 to B2)
The DELF Pro is the professional version of the DELF diploma. The subjects of the examinations are adapted to the working world. DELF Pro examinations can be taken from the A1 to B2 level. (Please note that the DELF Pro will no longer be offered after the calendar year 2021.)
Where can I take an examination to get a French language diploma?
Outside of France, DELF and DALF exams can be taken in more than 1200 centers across 175 countries. In the United States, you can find your closest DELF/DALF examination center by searching the official list of approved USA examination centers. (search for "Etats Unis" in the drop-down menu).
When can I take a DELF-DALF examination in 2021? How much does it cost?
Please see the following calendar and list of prices per level.
