Alicante · CDI Assessment Group
French exams
TCF · TEF · DELF · DALF
Compare TCF, TEF, DELF and DALF for study, work and personal goals. Start with the qualification your institution or authority requires.
Four qualifications. Different purposes.
A current proficiency result or a diploma at a chosen level: the distinction matters.
TCF
Test de connaissance du français
A test of current French proficiency, with different versions for study, work and administrative procedures.
Explore TCF Proficiency testTEF
Test d’évaluation de français
A French proficiency test with distinct study, Canadian, Québec and French administrative versions.
Explore TEF Selected-level diplomaDELF
Diplôme d’études en langue française
A level-specific French diploma from A1 to B2, with no expiry date.
Explore DELF Selected-level advanced diplomaDALF
Diplôme approfondi de langue française
Independent advanced French diplomas at C1 and C2, valid for life.
Explore DALFStart with what you need it for.
These prompts help you check the requirement. They do not determine admission or immigration eligibility.
All purposes
Before choosing, ask the receiving institution or authority for the exact examination, version, skills, minimum result and permitted result age.
Study & academic applications
Ask the institution which diploma or test result it accepts. DELF B2, DALF and study-focused tests may serve different requirements; acceptance is never automatic.
Work & professional goals
Check the level and qualification requested by the employer or professional body. A multilevel test and a level-specific diploma answer different needs.
Immigration & administrative procedures
Canada, Québec and French administrative procedures have distinct rules. General TCF or TEF information is not proof that a particular version meets your pathway.
Compare at a glance
TCF and TEF report your proficiency through a test result with limited validity. DELF and DALF are independent diplomas at a selected level, valid for life. The right choice begins with the organisation or procedure that will receive your result.
On a small screen, scroll the table sideways. All four exams stay available.
| Exam | Qualification | Levels | Validity | Best used when… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCF | Proficiency test | A1–C2; IRN through B2 | Two years | A current skills result for the exact study, work or administrative requirement. |
| TEF | Proficiency test | A1–C2; IRN A1–B2 | Two years | A current result from the specific version required for your application. |
| DELF | Selected-level diploma | A1–B2 | Valid for life | A specific French diploma level is required or useful |
| DALF | Selected-level advanced diploma | C1–C2 | Valid for life | Advanced French certification matches the receiving institution’s requirement |
Make your preparation specific.
Use official examples first. Identify the task types, practise under realistic time limits and review the skills that matter for your selected version or level. Test practice supports language learning; it does not replace it.
- Check the exact format and required skills.
- Try the organiser’s official sample tasks.
- Build a preparation plan around your current level and deadline.
Alicante · CDI Assessment Group
Talk to CDI before you register.
Tell us what you need the qualification for and when you need it.
Ask CDI about French exams- Your goal and the receiving institution or authority
- The exam or version you are considering
- Your current French level and any deadline
Contact CDI to confirm which named French exams and versions are currently available at our Alicante centre, whether registration assistance is offered, and which preparation options are available. Exam administration, registration assistance and preparation are separate services.
We will confirm the available service before agreeing a next step. An enquiry does not reserve an examination place.
Agree the next step
- Identify the requirement
Share your goal and any instructions from the receiving institution or authority. Confirm the exact exam, version and level.
- Confirm what CDI offers
Ask separately about official exam administration, registration assistance and preparation. Availability is specific to the named exam and version.
- Agree the next step
Once the relevant service is confirmed, follow its registration or preparation instructions. An enquiry does not reserve an exam place.
Before you decide
A few practical questions about choosing an exam and contacting CDI.
Practical questions
Which French exam should I choose?
Check the requirement of your university, employer or administrative procedure first. The exact version, level, skills and result validity matter as much as the exam name.
Can I take all four examinations at CDI?
Do not assume that every exam or variant is available at our centre. Contact CDI to confirm the named examination, version and current availability.
Can CDI help with registration or preparation?
Ask us to confirm the support available for your chosen exam and version. Registration assistance and preparation do not by themselves mean that CDI administers that official examination.
Are TCF and TEF accepted for every immigration pathway?
No. Required versions, skills and scores depend on the authority and pathway. Follow current official instructions; this guide does not determine individual eligibility.
Do DELF and DALF diplomas expire?
The diplomas are valid for life. A receiving institution may still set its own level, evidence or application requirements.