DELF

Overview

DELF (Diplôme d'études en langue française) is an official French-language diploma for non-native speakers, run by France Education International for the French Ministry of National Education and Youth. It covers the first four levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): A1, A2, B1 and B2. The two higher levels, C1 and C2, are a separate diploma called DALF.

Each DELF level is an independent diploma. You can register directly for B1 or B2 without first sitting A1 or A2. A DELF diploma, once awarded, does not expire and does not need to be renewed.

DELF is delivered through a worldwide network of exam centres approved by France Education International, in many countries outside France. Because each centre runs its own sessions and sets its own local price, exact dates and fees differ from country to country; check your nearest approved centre for both.

Who can apply

There is no nationality, education or age requirement to register for DELF. The "DELF tout public" (general public) version is the standard one and suits adult and older teenage candidates.

For school-age candidates, France Education International also offers "DELF junior" (about 13 to 20 years old, outside France) and "DELF scolaire" (in schools linked to France by an education agreement). Both use the same levels, the same exam structure and the same pass mark as DELF tout public; only the topics and texts are written for a younger audience, and the certificate does not say which version was taken. Younger candidates may also sit DELF tout public if the junior or scolaire dates do not suit them.

A separate "DELF Prim" exists for children roughly 7 to 12 years old, at levels A1.1 and A2.

Levels

A1

The starting CEFR level: understanding and using very simple, familiar everyday expressions.

A2

Basic, everyday communication: simple exchanges about familiar topics and immediate needs.

B1

Independent use of French for familiar situations at work, study or travel, and the ability to explain opinions and plans.

B2

Fluent, spontaneous use of French, including following detailed arguments and producing clear, well-structured text on a range of topics.

Across all four levels, every candidate sits the same four tests: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written production, and oral production (speaking). Listening, reading and written production are sat together, back to back, in one collective written session; oral production is a separate, individual test in front of two examiners, usually scheduled on its own day.

Exam pattern

At every level, listening comprehension is tested first through recordings played to the whole room, followed by reading comprehension and then written production, all in the same sitting with no break between them. Oral production always has an individual, face-to-face format with two examiners; at B2 it has three parts, a short presentation followed by a longer discussion with the examiners on a given topic.

Marking and results

Each of the four tests is marked out of 25 points, for a total out of 100. To pass, a candidate needs at least 50 out of 100 overall, and at least 5 out of 25 on every individual test; scoring below 5 on any one test fails the whole diploma, even with a high total. Markers are examiners accredited by France Education International.

Results are published a few weeks after the exam date, through the exam centre where the candidate registered. A passing result leads to the DELF diploma for that level, issued by France Education International; the diploma has no expiry date.

Fees

DELF registration is paid to the local exam centre, not to France Education International directly, and each centre sets its own fee in its own currency. Fees typically rise with the level (A1 cheapest, B2 the most expensive of the four), reflecting the longer written session and oral test at higher levels. Check your chosen exam centre's own page for the exact current fee in your country.

How to apply

1. Find an exam centre approved by France Education International in your country or city (official Alliances Francaises, Instituts francais and other approved partner centres run DELF sessions worldwide).

2. Check that centre's own session calendar: dates, levels on offer and its registration window. Centres set their own sessions, and registration can close several weeks before the written exam, so register early.

3. Register and pay directly with that centre, choosing the level (A1, A2, B1 or B2) that matches your current French ability.

4. Attend the written session (listening, reading, writing) and the separate oral production test on the dates the centre gives you, bringing the identity document the centre asks for.

5. Collect your results and, if you pass, your diploma, from the same exam centre.

Preparation tips

• Practise all four skills, not just the ones that feel strongest: a very low score on any single test fails the diploma regardless of your total.

• For the written session, time yourself on full-length past exercises so the listening, reading and writing sections together feel manageable within the real time limit.

• For oral production, especially at B1 and B2, practise speaking for the full length of the test without notes, since the real exam is a live conversation with examiners, not a scripted answer.

• Choose the level that matches your everyday ability rather than the highest level you can study for, since each level is scored and awarded independently.

FAQs