French Exams
DELFDiplôme d’études en langue française
A level-specific French diploma from A1 to B2, with no expiry date.
- Levels
- A1, A2, B1 and B2
- Assessment
- Four language skills
- Result
- Pass a selected level
- Diploma validity
- Valid for life
What DELF certifies
DELF awards an independent diploma at the level you choose: A1, A2, B1 or B2. Each level assesses listening, reading, writing and speaking. It is a selected-level examination, rather than a test that places every candidate on a multilevel scale.
Choose DELF when a particular level-specific diploma meets your goal. Check the exact level and version accepted by the receiving organisation before registering. A diploma does not guarantee admission, employment or an administrative outcome.
Who is it for?
- Learners who need a diploma at a specific French level.
- Applicants whose university, employer or other receiving organisation accepts DELF.
- Candidates seeking a lasting record of their achievement in French.
DELF: choose a version and level
Check the diploma and level your goal requires.
Start with the university, employer or authority that will receive your result.
DELF tout public
For older teenagers and adults. Four independent diplomas: A1, A2, B1 and B2.
DELF junior / scolaire
For adolescents, with themes suited to their everyday and educational experience. Covers A1, A2, B1 and B2.
DELF Prim
For children in primary education or of the corresponding school age. Covers A1.1, A1 and A2.
Skills and timing by level
Compare the four skills across DELF tout public levels.
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Scroll sideways on a small screen to read every component and timing.
| Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | About 20 min | 30 min | 30 min | 5–7 min + 10 min preparation |
| A2 | About 25 min | 30 min | 45 min | 6–8 min + 10 min preparation |
| B1 | 25 min | 45 min | 45 min | About 15 min + 10 min preparation |
| B2 | About 30 min | 60 min | 60 min | 20 min + 30 min preparation |
The table describes the tout public version. Listening, reading and writing are collective papers; speaking is assessed individually. The examination centre confirms your timetable and the format for your version.
Understand your results
Each skill is marked out of 25. To pass, you need at least 50/100 overall and at least 5/25 in every skill. The diploma does not expire. You can enter your chosen level without first obtaining the preceding DELF diploma.
Prepare for your level
- Start with the requirement you need to meet, then choose a realistic level using the official descriptions and sample tasks.
- Try an official sample under timed conditions. Review all four skills, including any skill that could fall below the minimum score.
- Practise the written task types and oral interaction for your selected level; use the candidate manual to understand instructions and assessment.
- Confirm the examination version and timetable before arranging travel or committing to a deadline.
Check before registering
Register through an approved examination centre and confirm its offered versions, levels, deadlines, fees and identification requirements. Contact CDI separately to confirm current examination availability, preparation support and any registration assistance in Alicante.
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 DELF
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 examsDELF questions
Do I have to pass A2 before B1?
No. The diplomas are independent, so you can register for a level without holding the preceding diploma. Choosing a suitable level still matters.
Does DELF expire?
The diploma is valid for life. A receiving organisation may set its own level, evidence or admission requirements, so confirm these directly.
Which DELF version should I choose?
Tout public is intended for older teenagers and adults; junior/scolaire is for adolescents; Prim is for children. Confirm the appropriate version with the examination centre.
Can I take DELF at CDI?
Contact CDI to confirm which French examinations and variants are currently available at the Alicante centre, what preparation support is offered and whether registration assistance is available. An enquiry is not an exam booking.