DELF exam

The DELF is an official diploma from the French Ministry of National Education, issued by France Éducation International.
It certifies your French level, from A1 to B2, according to the Cadre européen commun de référence pour les langues (CECRL). This international diploma, recognized by educational institutions and employers worldwide, is valid for life.
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What is the DELF?

DELF: definition

The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) is an international certification recognized worldwide. It assesses a candidate’s ability to communicate in French in real situations, whether personal, social, professional, or academic.

Exam objectives

The DELF allows you to:

  • Obtain a recognized certification accepted by universities and higher education institutions
  • Validate your ability to interact in social, professional, or administrative life
  • Enroll in an academic program in France or in a French-speaking country
  • Strengthen your personal and professional project
  • Demonstrate your level for employment, an international exchange, or an immigration procedure

Who is the DELF for?

The DELF is intended for all learners, beginners or independent users:

  • International students,
  • Professionals in international mobility,
  • Individuals staying in a French-speaking country
  • New arrivals in France
  • Candidates wishing to submit a naturalization request (B2) or a long-term residence permit (B1)

Difference between the DELF and the DALF

The DELF and the DALF are two complementary diplomas. The main difference concerns the levels and the target audience.

  • The DELF certifies levels A1, A2, B1, and B2.
  • The DALF certifies levels C1 and C2, reserved for independent users.

The DELF

The DELF corresponds to the following levels:

  • A1–A2: basic users
  • B1–B2: independent users

It assesses the ability to communicate in everyday, social, professional, or academic situations according to the level.

The DALF

The DALF is used to:

  • Enroll in a French or French-speaking university
  • Access a job where advanced mastery of French is required
  • Complete international administrative procedures requiring a confirmed level

Levels: What is the difference between DELF A1, A2, B1, and B2?

The DELF includes four levels, each with a specific objective:

  • DELF A1 – beginner user: simple communication in daily life
  • DELF A2 – basic user: basic interactions in daily life
  • DELF B1 – independent user: understanding a clear message. Required for the long-term residence permit
  • DELF B2 – autonomous user: fluent communication, required for higher education in France at many institutions. Required for French naturalization

How the DELF works: the tests

Each DELF level includes four tests.

Group tests:

  • Listening comprehension
  • Reading comprehension
  • Written production

Individual test:

  • Oral production (with preparation time)
Level Listening comprehension Reading comprehension Written production Oral production
A1 20 min 30 min 30 min 5–7 min + 10 min preparation
A2 25 min 30 min 45 min 6–8 min + 10 min preparation
B1 25 min 35 min 45 min 15 min + 10 min preparation
B2 30 min 60 min 60 min 20 min + 30 min preparation

Possible accommodations for people with disabilities: extra time, adapted format, material assistance.

Why take the DELF?

Taking the DELF allows you to certify your French level and access opportunities in academic, professional, and administrative fields.

Academic recognition and validity

The DELF is an official diploma, internationally recognized, essential for working, studying, or completing administrative procedures in France or a French-speaking context.

Professional recognition

The DELF is a real advantage for working in a French-speaking professional environment. Employers in France and abroad recognize it as clear proof of your French level. It shows that you can communicate easily with French-speaking teams and hold positions where mastery of French is essential.

Validity

The DELF is a lifelong diploma. Unlike some language tests (TCF, TEF) that expire after two years, the DELF does not need to be retaken. It is a long-term asset for your professional, academic, and administrative life.

Why certify your French level with the Alliance Française de Lyon?

Since its creation in 1984, the Alliance Française de Lyon teaches the French language and promotes cultural diversity.

We are an examination center accredited by France Éducation International, located in the city center of Lyon, with exam-adapted rooms.

Our examiners are qualified and trained according to the official DELF and DALF standards.

In 2025, more than 2,800 candidates trusted the Alliance Française de Lyon to take their French exam.

When should you take the DELF in 2026–2027?

Check the calendar for each DELF exam:

DELF A1
DELF A2
DELF B1
DELF B2

How to register for the DELF exam?

  1. Choose your level
  2. Check the available dates
  3. Prepare your supporting documents:
  • ID card or passport (with photo)
  • Transcript or candidate number if you have already taken the DELF
  1. Proceed with the payment
  2. Receive your exam invitation by email one week before the tests

Other information:

  • Results are sent by postal mail within 6 weeks
  • The official diploma is sent approximately 6 months after the exam
  • Postponemnt and refund conditions
    A partial refund or postponement to a later session may be granted:
    – upon presentation of a medical, professional, or transport-related document (strike or delay)
    – document written in French and sent no later than the day after the exams to tests_examens@aflyon.org
    – subject to availability for rescheduling

DELF