Proving French Language Ability - Diplôme d'études en langue française - DELF/DALF
The DELF (Diplôme d'études en langue française) and the DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française) are French language examinations that consist of six diplomas.
These diplomas are awarded by the French Ministry of Education and certify a candidate's level of French proficiency.
What is the difference between the DELF and DALF?
The DELF examinations are taken at four individual levels: A1 and A2 (Beginner), B1 and B2 (Intermediate). The DALF examinations are taken at two individual levels: C1 and C2 (Advanced). Each examination is independent, meaning a candidate can register for the examination at whichever level they choose. Each examination evaluates French language abilities in listening, reading, writing and speaking, although only the Listening and Speaking modules are required for Quebec Immigration.
About the DELF/DALF exam
Listening ability
| Level | Test | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Listen to recordings and answer questions about everyday life. | 20 minutes total |
| A2 | Listen to recordings and answer questions about everyday life. | 25 minutes total |
| B1 | Listen to recordings and answer questions about everyday life. | 25 minutes total |
| B2 | Listen to recordings and answer questions on various topics. | 30 minutes total |
| C1 | Listen to recordings and answer questions on various topics. | 40 minutes total |
Speaking ability
| Level | Test | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Three part test consisting of a guided conversation, exchanging information, and role-play. | 5 to 7 minutes of conversation |
| A2 | Three part test consisting of a guided conversation, exchanging information, and role-play. | 6 to 8 minutes of conversation |
| B1 | Three part test consisting of a guided conversation, interactive exercise, and expressing an opinion on a document. | 15 minutes of conversation |
| B2 | Stating and defending an opinion based on a short document. | 20 minutes of conversation |
| C1 | A presentation based on a series of written documents, followed by a discussion with the examiner. | 30 minutes of conversation |
Listening/Speaking abilities
| Level | Test | Duration |
| C2 | Consists of three parts:
| 90 minutes total |
How the DELF/DALF is graded according to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
| Diploma received | DELF A1 | DELF A2 | DELF B1 | DELF B2 | DALF C1 | DALF C2 |
| Quebec Skilled Worker Language Points for listening and speaking | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Quebec Skilled Worker Language Points for reading and writing | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
DELF/DALF Frequently Asked Questions
- DELF - An applicant must score at least 50 points out of 100 pass the level.
- DALF C1 - A minimum of 50 points, in addition to at least 5 points per part is required to pass the level.
- DALF C2 - A minimum of 50 points, in addition to at least 10 points per part, is required to pass the level.