FAQ: DELF / DALF exam

Do I have to be a student at a French language centre to take the DELF or DALF?

Anybody who wants their French skills to be recognised can take the DELF or DALF, and there are no prior conditions. If you are not French and would like your French skills to be recognised for personal or professional purposes. You can take DELF and/or DALF. If you are a non-French-speaking French person you can obtain authorisation from the National Commission for DELF and DALF to take the DELF examinations.

Which diploma should I take?

The DELF and DALF diplomas are independent, so you can take the examination of your choice. You can also sit the examinations for a number of diplomas during the same examination session.

Where do I register?

Candidates must register in approved examination centres in France or outside France. You can register in one country or in different countries, and there are no time limits.

What is The Alliance Française?

The Alliance Française or (AF), is an international organization that aims to promote French language and culture around the world. Its primary concern is teaching French as a second language and is headquartered in Paris (Alliance Française Paris Ile-de-France), with locations throughout France for foreign students and 1,016 locations in 135 countries. By 2014, the Alliance had 850 centres in 137 countries, on five continents. More than 440,000 students study French at one of the centres run by the Alliance.

Can I register online?

No. Candidates must register with the examination centres.

Can I register via the CIEP?

No. Only examination centres are authorised to register candidates. The CIEP is not an examination centre.

Can I take an examination more than once?

Candidates can take examinations as many times as necessary, until they pass. However, they cannot take the examinations for a diploma that they already hold, unless they revoke the existing diploma in writing before the examination session. If a candidate does not pass the diploma on the second attempt, the first diploma will remain invalid.

Can the examination results be challenged?

The decisions of the DELF and DALF national boards of examiners are final. To find out the conditions for viewing examination papers, candidates must contact their examination centre.

Are DELF and DALF valid everywhere?

Yes. DELF and DALF receive the recognition enjoyed by all official qualifications awarded by the French Ministry of Education.

Are DELF and DALF valid for life?

Yes.

How can I get a statement of equivalent qualification?

You must contact the last examination centre where you took an examination.

How can I find out what my level of French is?

Candidates can take the TCF (French competency test) to find out their level of French for general purposes in each skill (reading, writing, listening, speaking). Information: www.ciep.fr/en/tcf/