French language tests and diplomas
Categories: Language diplomas
If French is not your first language, it is highly likely that you will have to take a French language test or obtain a French language diploma as proof of your French skills if you want to work or study in a French-speaking country. The following is an overview of the most well known French language tests and diplomas:
French Ministry of Education
DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française – Diploma in French language studies) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française – Higher diploma in French language studies) are official qualifications awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify the competency of candidates from outside France in the French language. DELF and DALF are composed of 6 independent diplomas that correspond to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (DELF A1, DELF A2, DELF B1, DELF B2, DALF C1 and DALF C2).
DELF junior is a special version of the DELF diploma designed for teenagers. The available levels are: DELF junior A1, DELF junior A2, DELF junior B1 and DELF junior B2.
The 6 diplomas that make up DELF and DALF are completely independent, which means that candidates can register for the examination of their choice, according to their level. At each level, 4 skills are evaluated: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
DILF (Diplôme Initial de Langue Française – Initial diploma in French language) is a qualification in French as a foreign language that assesses basic users (level A1.1 of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). It is an initial step towards the DELF and DALF.
TCF (Test de connaissance du français) assesses a person’s level of French language for general purposes. All candidates receive a certificate of results that grades them at one of six levels (from A1 to C2) on the competency scale defined by the Council of Europe (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This means that it is not possible to fail the TCF. There are 4 types of examinations: TCF for the general public, TCF for future students and students, TCF for international bodies and TCF for Quebec.
More information on the Alliance Française’s website or the website of the Centre international d’études pédagogiques.
Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry
TEF (Test d’Evaluation de Français) is an assessment of proficiency in the French language. The candidate is assessed according to 7 levels from level 0 (very basic knowledge of the French language) to level 6 (proficiency). The test consists of 150 questions and assesses written comprehension, oral comprehension, vocabulary and structure. Optional tests in written expression and oral expression can also be taken.
DFP (Diplômes de français professionnel – Diplomas in professional French) evaluate the written and oral competence of French in various professional fields. The following diplomas are offered:
- Diplôme de français professionnel A2 (Diploma in professional French level A2)
- Diplôme de français professionnel B1 (Diploma in professional French level B1)
- Diplôme de français professionnel AFFAIRES B2 (Diploma in professional French BUSINESS level B2)
- Diplôme de français professionnel AFFAIRES C1 (Diploma in professional French BUSINESS level C1)
- Diplôme de français professionnel AFFAIRES C2 (Diploma in professional French BUSINESS level C2)
- Diplôme de français professionnel scientifique et technique B1 (Diploma in professional scientific and technical French level B1)
- Diplôme de français professionnel tourisme et hôtellerie B1 (Diploma in professional French for tourism and hotel industry level B1)
- Diplôme de français professionnel secrétariat B1 (Diploma in professional French for secretariat level B1)
- Diplôme de français professionnel secrétariat B2 (Diploma in professional French for secretariat level B2)
- Diplôme de français professionnel juridique B2 (Diploma in professional legal French level B2)
- Diplôme de français professionnel médical B2 (Diploma in professional medical French level B2)
- Diplôme de français langue professionnelle (DFLP) (Diploma in professional French language, levels A1-A2)
More information on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s website. (French only)
Alliance Française Paris
Diplôme de Hautes Études Françaises (DHEF) (Diploma in higher French studies), recognized by the French Ministry of Education, certifies French language competence close to that of a native speaker, at level C2. It consists of two compulsory parts: oral comprehension and report writing, and written comprehension and expression, and one optional part: literary option or translation option.
More information on the Alliance Française’s website (this page is currently only available in French).
Test de français international (TFI)
TFI evaluates the French language skills in business and academic environments for French learners of all levels. It is similar to the TOEIC test for English and evaluates reading and listening comprehension. It consists of a multiple-choice test containing 180 questions and evaluates the French language skills according to a single continuous scale.
More informations on the ETS website.
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