WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE THE DELF?
Do you want to know your French level and give evidence of it thanks to an international diploma? Get the DELF/DALF and take advantage of their opportunities!
What's this about?
DELF/DALF is delivered by the French Ministry of Education. They are the only State diplomas in foreign languages, and they officially certify your writing and speaking skills in the Victor Hugo’s language.
There are several levels of certifications which follow the scale of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL): A1, A2, B1, B2 for DELF (Diplôme d’étude en langue française) and C1, C2 for DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française). That estimates four linguistic skills: listening, writing, speaking and reading.
Every diploma is independent, you can choose directly the examination of your level. Level B2 gives you access to higher education of a French-speaking university. And when you get it, DELF/DALF is valid for life!
It gives evidence of a robust reference all over the world. It is recognized by those Ministries of Education from more than 164 countries and more than 1000 examination centres propose it worldwide. It requires a deep and complete preparation equivalent to its standards.
The various diplomas
DELF consists of 5 diplomas and supplies an offer adapted to all ages and all backgrounds. So, children, teenagers, adults and professionals have access to a dedicated diploma.
The difference between DELF « Junior » and DELF « Scolaire » is purely administrative. If there is an agreement between the local educational authorities and the France embassy, your child will take DELF « Scolaire ». In both cases, the same subjects are estimated and during the diploma delivery, the « Junior » or « Scolaire » mention is not specified.
DELF « Pro » is distinguished from DELF « tout public » thanks to transverse themes about work world. It is intended either for people wishing to fit professionally into a French-speaking environment, or to validate their achievements during an experience in a French-speaking environment.
Finally, DALF is the highest level (C1-C2). It is addressed to adults who follow a higher education or people with an already advanced level in French.
How to prepare for it and obtain it?
Various organizations or independent professors offer a preparation for DELF or DALF. Price rate can vary according to:
- The country where the preparation is made,
- The number of hours needed,
- The choice of the organization or professor.
Below, you could find an estimation of the hours needed according to your level (A1, A2, B2, etc.):
If you are beginner and if you wish to take the B2, you will need to study French at least 550 to 600 hours in total.
To go faster, do not hesitate to dive as much as possible into a French-speaking environment:
- Read French by means of internet articles, newspapers and books.
- See again your movies or series preferred directly in French or with subtitles in French.
- Listen to French videos, songs, series and movies.
- Speak French thanks to exchanges with French speakers (Web abounds in free offers of linguistic exchange).
A result superior to 50/100 is necessary to get the diploma at the required level. You also have to obtain at least 5 points for each test to get the certificate.
I deeply invite you to visit the CIEP site, which provides you with samples of the examination.
How much does a DELF or DALF examination cost?
The registration cost can vary according to the country where you take it and the chosen level. Generally, the price increases with the level.
I recommend you pay all the expenses at the time of the registration, because the lack of payment in time may result in the cancellation of your examination.
Here are the costs most practised of the time in France for DELF « Tout public »:
- A1 or A2: 90 €
- B1 or B2: 100€
- C1 or C2: 130 €
As for DELF « Pro », its cost can be increased by about 10 to 20 euros compared with DELF « tout public ».
In case of cancellation from your part, most of examination centres do not pay off registration fees. On the other hand, you can move the examination date before the end of the registrations. The deadline will be indicated on your file. Then you could benefit from a date adjournment without additional costs.
In case of an absence on the examination day, an evidence such as a medical certificate is accepted most of the time until 5 days after the test. The centre would give you a new date and you would not have to pay any extra fees.
Where to take DELF or DALF?
The CIEP (Centre international d’études pédagogiques) is an operator of the French Ministry of Education. One of its roles consists of the promotion of the Francophonie. It approves the examinations centres and guarantees the validity of your diploma in French language. I advise you to verify that your examination centre is approved by the CIEP before paying your registration fees.
More than 1000 approved examination centres exist on the international stage.
Click here to find yours : Centres CIEP off France and Centres CIEP in France.
Audrey Stephan
A happy French teacher.
June 18, 2019
