DILF, DELF and DALF are national French language diplomas for foreigners. These diplomas allow you to attest your fluency in the French language with companies and universities. They are coordinated by the French Ministry of Education and based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for the languages of the European council.

• DILF (Diplôme Initial de Langue Française) is a qualification in French as a foreign language that assesses basic users. It is an initial step towards the DELF and DALF.
• DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) corresponds to one of four lower levels of the CEFR: A1, A2, B1 and B2. At each level, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are evaluated.
• DALF (Diplôme Approfondi en Langue Française) corresponds to one of two upper levels of the CEFR: C1 and C2. At each level, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are evaluated.

Find out more about the DILF, DELF, DALF exams and download a full series of oral sample subjects.

The Test de Connaissance du Française (TCF) is an examination of the National Education Department. It tests the general French language skills of non-native speakers wishing to certify their level of French for professional or personal reasons.

The TCF test includes 80 multiple choice questions in the compulsory section. There are two optional sections which test speaking skills with a series of questions that increase in difficulty.

The grading of the test is centralized with the CIEP (Centre International d’Etudes Pedagogiques). Compulsory sections are graded with a scanner; optional sections are proofread twice by an authorized team of graders. Grades are translated into six levels, from « elementary » to « advanced » according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and ALTA, in which CIEP is a member.

Conducted by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris (CCIP), the different Diplômes de Française Professionel (DFP) exams are for those wishing to work in certain professional sectors. French language exams can be taken in:

• Tourism
• Science and Technology
• Secretarial
• Law
• Foreign Affairs