Quick facts — DELF & DALF
Official French-language proficiency diplomas issued by France's Ministry of Education (via France Éducation international, formerly CIEP). Six levels aligned to the CEFR: DELF A1, A2, B1, B2 and DALF C1, C2. Each level tests four skills, scored /100. Pass mark 50/100. The diploma is permanent — it never expires.
What are DELF and DALF?
DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) are the French government's official certifications of French-language proficiency. They are awarded by the France Éducation international (FEI) on behalf of the Ministry of National Education, and delivered through Institut Français branches and approved exam centres in more than 170 countries.
The two qualifications together cover the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). DELF covers the four "independent user" and below levels (A1–B2); DALF covers the two "proficient user" levels (C1–C2). Each level is a standalone diploma — you sit only the level you choose, and the certificate you receive is valid for life.
They are widely recognised by French universities, employers, immigration authorities, and governments worldwide as proof of French ability. For learners considering Canada specifically, the separate TEF Canada and TCF Canada tests are the accepted routes — see our TEF vs TCF Canada guide.
DELF Versions and Who They're For
The same levels are available in several audience-specific versions. The exam structure and pass rules are identical — only the content context (topics, text types) differs. Choose the version that matches your situation.
Which version should I take?
Most learners take DELF Tout Public. School-age candidates take the Junior or Prim versions so the topics feel age-appropriate. The Pro version is for CV-building in French-speaking workplaces. The level (A1, B2, etc.) and the diploma's value are the same across versions — pick the one whose content fits you.
Structure by Level
Every level from A1 to B2 tests the same four skills — listening, reading, writing, and speaking — each scored out of 25 for a total of 100. The difficulty, duration, and task complexity grow with each level. DALF C1 and C2 reorganise the four skills into broader integrated tasks.
C1 and C2 are structured differently. At C1, the written exam combines a document synthesis and an argumentative essay; the oral exam includes a presentation built from source documents with preparation time. At C2, the two "épreuves" integrate skills — one tests listening comprehension and speaking, the other tests reading and writing.
Scoring and the Pass Rule
For DELF A1–B2, each of the four skills is worth 25 marks (total 100). To pass, you need a minimum of 50/100 overall and at least 5/25 in each individual skill. A very high score in one skill cannot rescue a skill that falls below 5 — the minimum-per-skill rule is a hard requirement.
For DALF C1 and C2, scoring is grouped into two broader "épreuves" worth 50 each, but the same 50/100 pass threshold and a balanced performance across components applies. Failed sections cannot be retaken individually — you must resit the entire level.
No partial retakes
If you fail one skill, you fail the level — you cannot retake only the failed section. This makes balanced preparation across all four skills essential. A candidate with strong writing but weak listening fails the whole diploma, no matter how good the writing is.
How to Choose the Right Level
Because you sit only one level per exam session, choosing correctly matters. Most candidates under-aim out of caution and end up with a certificate below their true ability, or over-aim and fail. Match the level to your actual goal and your current competence honestly.
Note: since the 2020 reform of the French naturalisation process, applicants must demonstrate B1 level in spoken French. The DELF B1 is the most direct way to satisfy this, though the state also accepts certain other certifications — confirm current requirements on the official immigration.gouv.fr pages before applying.
Choose by ability, not aspiration
If you need B2 for university but your current level is solid B1, sitting DELF B2 now risks a fail and the lost fee. It is usually faster to earn DELF B1 (which you can pass), then prepare specifically for B2 over the next few months. Two passes look better than one fail.
Preparation Strategy
The most reliable preparation sequence is the same across all levels: build topic vocabulary first, then drill past papers, then simulate the speaking exam. Skipping vocabulary building to go straight to past papers is the most common reason otherwise-prepared candidates fail — the reading and listening papers move quickly, and without strong receptive vocabulary you lose time guessing.
Find official preparation materials and the candidate handbook on the FEI DELF-DALF pages. Past papers, sample papers, and the official exam guide are free to download.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does DELF cost?
Fees are set by each exam centre and vary by country and level. As a guide, DELF A1–B2 typically costs around €100–€200, and DALF C1/C2 around €200–€250. Check current fees with your nearest approved centre — usually an Institut Français branch or a university language department.
How long are results valid for?
The diploma itself is permanent and never expires — once you pass a level, you hold that certification for life. However, some institutions (certain universities or employers) may ask for a result obtained within the last 2–3 years, similar to IELTS practice. The certificate does not state an expiry date.
Can I retake a failed level?
Yes — you can register for the same level again at a future session. You cannot retake only the failed skill; you must resit the full level. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
Is DELF accepted for Canadian immigration?
For Express Entry and most Canadian immigration pathways, IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada, not DELF. DELF is a French government qualification and is not on the IRCC list of accepted tests. If your goal is Canada, see our TEF vs TCF Canada guide instead.
How does DELF compare to IGCSE French?
They are different qualifications for different purposes. IGCSE French is a Cambridge school qualification targeting roughly CEFR A2 with elements of B1. DELF B1 or B2 is an official proficiency diploma recognised by the French government. An IGCSE A* candidate is broadly comparable to DELF A2 approaching B1, but the formats and mark schemes differ. See our IGCSE French 0520 guide for the full comparison.