French Exams
DALFDiplôme approfondi de langue française
Independent advanced French diplomas at C1 and C2, valid for life.
- Levels
- C1 or C2
- Assessment
- Advanced written and oral French
- Result
- Pass the selected diploma
- Diploma validity
- Valid for life
What DALF certifies
DALF certifies advanced French through two independent diplomas: C1 and C2. You choose the level before the examination. C1 assesses four skills separately; C2 combines comprehension and production in written and oral assessments.
DALF may be relevant when advanced French is required for study or work. Confirm the diploma, level and any additional conditions with the receiving institution. Language certification is one part of an application and does not guarantee an offer.
Who is it for?
- Advanced learners who need a C1 or C2 French diploma.
- Applicants checking French-language requirements for higher education.
- Candidates who want to demonstrate advanced French for professional or personal purposes.
DALF: C1 or C2
Check the diploma and level your goal requires.
Start with the university, employer or authority that will receive your result.
DALF C1
Four separate skill assessments, including written synthesis and argument, plus an oral presentation and discussion.
DALF C2
Two integrated assessments: written comprehension and production, and oral comprehension and production. Emphasises precise, structured use of complex information.
Skills and timing by level
C1 assesses four skills separately. C2 integrates comprehension and production.
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Scroll sideways on a small screen to read every component and timing.
| Level | Written / collective assessments | Oral assessment | Scoring |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Listening ≈40 min; reading 50 min; writing 2 h 30 min | 30 min + 1 h preparation | Four skills, 25 points each |
| C2 | Integrated reading and writing: 3 h 30 min | 30 min + 1 h preparation after two listens | Two assessments, 50 points each |
C1 collective papers total about four hours; the individual oral assessment is separate. C2 has a different integrated structure. The centre confirms your individual timetable and examination instructions.
Understand your results
For C1, passing requires at least 50/100 overall and at least 5/25 in each skill. For C2, it requires at least 50/100 overall and at least 10/50 in each integrated assessment. Both diplomas are valid for life.
Prepare for your level
- Compare official C1 and C2 tasks before selecting a level; advanced everyday fluency alone does not show how you will manage the examination tasks.
- Practise identifying and synthesising the main arguments in substantial written and audio material without copying the source.
- Develop a clear line of argument, precise language and organised conclusions; practise defending and qualifying your position in discussion.
- Use official sample papers under timed conditions, following the instructions and dictionary rules for the selected assessment.
Check before registering
Contact an approved examination centre for the level, session, fees, deadline and individual oral timetable. Ask CDI which French examinations, preparation support and registration assistance are currently available in Alicante before making arrangements.
Provider information explains the exam; it does not establish CDI authorisation or an available local session. Confirm the version, accepted result, identification requirements, dates and fees with the relevant organiser or authorised centre.
Official practice & information
Alicante, Spain
Ask CDI about DALF
Tell us your goal, the exam or version you are considering, your current French level if known and any target deadline. We will confirm the relevant CDI service before you make arrangements.
Contact CDIExam administration, registration assistance and preparation are separate services. Availability must be confirmed for your chosen version.
Compare the examsDALF questions
Is DALF a multilevel test?
No. C1 and C2 are independent diplomas. You choose the level before registering, rather than receiving whichever level a multilevel test result indicates.
Must I already hold DELF B2?
The diplomas are independent. You do not need the preceding DELF or DALF diploma to register, but should assess whether your skills match the selected level.
Does DALF guarantee university admission?
No. It can provide evidence of advanced French where accepted, but each institution sets its own language and academic requirements. Check the specific programme.
What can I arrange through CDI?
Contact CDI to confirm current DALF availability at the Alicante centre, the preparation support offered and whether registration assistance is available. These services must not be assumed to be the same.