DELF-DALF-TCF DIPLOMAS
Description
DELF and DALF diplomas are internationally recognised certificates for French language skills. Each of the seven levels sets a minimum standard of French knowledge and skills, allowing them to be used as a benchmark in a number of situations. Those with the DALF are exempt from language entrance exams at French and Swiss Universities.
Because they certify a consistent standard of skills, the DELF and DALF diplomas are widely used by the labour market in recruitment and selection, and training and development programmes.
They are official diplomas issued by France Éducation international, formerly the Centre international d’études pédagogiques (CIEP), an operator of the French Ministry of Education and a member of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE).
DELF DALF Suisse reports to the French Embassy in Switzerland. All examinations are prepared and distributed in France by France Éducation international.
France Éducation international is recognised in France and abroad for its work in education, certification and international cooperation. More than 200 people contribute to these activities under the supervision of the French ministries responsible for higher education and research. These certification programmes, which are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), are internationally recognised and frequently used by foreign ministries responsible for education. They assess ability in the four language skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing. To ensure fairness between candidates, only examiners and trainers authorised to apply the content and standardised procedures established by France Éducation international may assess candidates. To ensure the quality of examination sessions, compliance checks may also be carried out in approved test centres, in accordance with the procedures and criteria provided to centre managers for self-assessment. The DILF (Diplôme initial en langue française) is intended for non-French-speaking adults aged 16 or over with a basic level of French, including absolute beginners and newcomers to France. It validates CEFR level A1.1.
Version
The DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) exists in several versions. We prepare adults for the two that concern them:
- DELF tout public “General public” — the standard adult version,
- DELF Pro for those doing vocational training or internships.
It validates levels A1, A2, B1 and B2 of the CEFR.
The DALF (Diplôme approfondi en langue française) is for experienced users. It validates levels C1 and C2 of the CEFR.
Characteristics
Characteristics of the DELF and the DALF
- All DELF DALF diplomas are independent from each other.
- DELF DALF diplomas are valid for life and all over the world.
- Skills are tested at each graduation DELF-DALF (oral and written expression, oral and written understanding).
Hours
(These numbers include overall personal time devoted to learning, not just lessons: homework, reading, writing, listening [watching movies, listening to a radio station, audio tapes, podcasts] other language websites or apps and interacting with other French speakers, through chat or activities)
DELF A1 - 80 hours from absolute beginner level A0
DELF A2 - 160 hours from beginner level A0 - 100 hours from DELF A1
DELF B1 - 310 hours from beginner level A0 - 150 hours from DELF A2
DELF B2 - 490 hours from beginner level A0 - 180 hours from DELF B1
DALF C1 - 690 hours from beginner level A0 - 200 hours from DELF B2
DALF C2 - 890 hours from beginner level A0 - 200 hours from DELF C1
The TCF
The TCF (test de connaissance du français) is a certificate-based test. It accurately assesses listening and reading, as well as command of language structures. Candidates may also sit additional tests assessing speaking and writing.
The four version of the TDF are for:
- Those who want to assess their French skills for personal, academic or professional reasons (TCF for the “general public) ,
- Students who wish to enrol in the first year of a bachelor’s degree in a French university or school of architecture (TCF for university admission - TCF for the DAP) ,
- Those who wish to obtain French nationality by decree or by marriage (TCF for French nationality - TCF ANF) ,
- Those who wish to set up home in Quebec and are requesting a permanent visa. (TCF for Quebec).