French Proficiency Test in India: DELF, DALF, TEF, TCF Exams!

What is the French Proficiency Test?   

What is the exam pattern for the French exam?  

Is French language certification necessary for PR or student visa?  

This blog answers all your questions about the French exam. It will help you understand the different types of French language proficiency tests, their relevance, exam pattern, and cost.

What is the French Proficiency Test? 

A French proficiency test is an assessment of one’s ability to write, speak, and read in French. These are also called French language certification exams, as you earn a certification upon passing the exam successfully.

Also, these tests are standardized and graded according to international language proficiency scales like the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).  

Most importantly, these French exams are mandatory for Indians to qualify for admission to French universities and some European colleges. Also, it’s compulsory for you to have French language certification to get a job or permanent residency in many countries like France, Canada (Quebec), Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Africa, and other North American countries.  

Some of the popular French level tests are:

1. DELF (Le Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française)
2. DALF (Le Diplôme Approfondi de Langue FrCLBançaise)  
3. TEF (Test d’Evaluation de Français)
4. TCF (Le Test de connaissance du français)

The International Centre recognizes DELF and DALF for French Studies ((Centre International d’études pédagogiques or CIEP) for France’s Ministry of Education.   

DELF is the French test for beginners, while DALF is for advanced learners. We will know more about these exams in the following sections. Further, there are also recognized school-level French exams that are accepted by the authorities:  

1. IB French (International Baccalaureate)  
2. AP French (Advanced Placement French Language and Culture)  
3. GCSE French (General Certificate of Secondary Education)  

Please note that all these certifications serve different purposes. So, before you decide to prepare for any French test, carefully assess your requirements and the relevancy of the exam.

Understanding DELF & DALF French Exams 

Here, we will understand the different levels of tests in DELF and DALF exams, their pattern, and their importance.  

DELF – (Le Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française)   

DELF or Diplôme d’études en langue française (translated: Diploma in French Studies) is a French test for beginners. It certifies a student in the language at the A1, A2, B1, and B2 levels as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.  

The exam structure is the same for all four levels; only the difficulty of the questions varies between levels.  

Structure Of the DELF French exam 

The pattern of the DELF French exam is as follows:  

• Listening 

You will have to listen to recordings of no more than 3 minutes and answer the questions based on your understanding. The recording will be played twice.   

At the B2 level, you will have to listen to two recordings. The first recording will be played twice, but the second recording will be played only once.   

• Reading 

This is to assess your French reading and understanding skills. You will have to read a comprehension and answer the questions related to it. It will be multiple choice questions where you will have to select the correct answer out of 4 options.   

At the B2 level, comprehension will be relatively lengthy and more complex.  

• Writing 

The writing test aims to evaluate your writing skills in the French language. Because of the test’s nature, the difficulty of the questions asked depends on your level.   

At the A1 level, you will be asked to write down your personal information in 40 words.   

And at the A2 level, the questions are lengthy, and students are asked to write long descriptions about themselves or describe an event. 

At B1 and B2 levels, students are asked to write supporting or against a topic.   

• Speaking 

The speaking French level test checks your conversational skills in the language. A1 and A2level exams test students based on guided conversation or simple sentences.  

On the contrary, at the B1 and B2 levels, you will have to describe an experience or present your argument on a given topic. 

DELF French Exam Time Limits

The time for the DELF French level test is as follows: 

DALF – (Le Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française)

DALF or Diplôme approfondie de langue française (translated: Diploma in Advanced French), is for advanced French learners. The French proficiency test has two levels: C1 and C2. C2 is the highest level of certification in the French language.  

Candidates who hold C1 and C2 level certifications have capabilities like native French speakers. The exams at both levels are different.

DALF C1 Exam Structure 

Oral Comprehension assesses listening skills through recordings, akin to the DELF exam but at a significantly higher difficulty level.  

Written Comprehension evaluates reading abilities by requiring students to understand and respond to complex passages.  

Written tests writing skills through essay composition. This section aims to evaluate both argumentative abilities and grammatical accuracy.  

Speaking French exam is conducted as a structured interview, during which candidates discuss a given text after a preparation period. This assesses oral fluency and Comprehension.  

DALF C2 Exam Structure 

The first part consists of Oral Comprehension and production. You will have to listen to a 15-minute recording and discuss the facts of the recording with the examiners.  

The second exam part is written Comprehension, where a candidate is asked to write a 2000-word essay on the given text.

DALF French Exam Time

The time limit for DALF French language certification is as follows:

Additional French Proficiency Tests to Consider

Other French proficiency tests that are recognized the same as DELF and DALF are as follows:  

TEF (Test d’Evaluation de Français)

The Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) is a standardized French language exam administered by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP). Unlike tests based on CEFR levels, the TEF evaluates French proficiency according to specific target groups:  

• Prospective French university students  

• Individuals planning to immigrate to France  

• Current French residents seeking residency permits  

• Individuals planning to immigrate to Canada  

• Individuals planning to immigrate to Quebec  

TEF certificates are valid for five years. 

TCF (Le Test de connaissance du français)

The TCF exam is the way to go if you want admission in French-speaking countries, apply for relevant jobs, or get permanent residency.  

By qualifying for the exam, you will earn enough certification to prove your language skills at the graded CEFR level.  

Please note that the relevancy of these French exams varies. Choose the one that best suits your eligibility.  

What Is the Cost of the French Proficiency Test?

The average cost of a French proficiency test is as follows:  

• DELF/DALF: It costs you somewhere between €100 to €200 (approximately ₹8,500 to ₹17,000).  

• TEF: The French exam will cost around $390 for TEF Canada exam and $450 for the regular TEF. 

• TCF: Prices can vary, but it’s generally less expensive than DELF/DALF.  

The cost of a French proficiency test depends on factors like the type of test you are taking and the location of the test center.  

Also, remember to check the official website for the latest test charges, as authorities update them every year.

How Can Kochiva Help You Qualify for the French Proficiency Test?

Qualifying for French proficiency tests can be challenging, and mastering French alone can be even more daunting. This is where Kochiva steps in to make a significant difference in your learning journey.

Kochiva offers a comprehensive course to elevate your French skills and prepare you for proficiency tests. Our curriculum is meticulously crafted to help you excel in all four key areas: speaking, writing, listening, and reading in French.

Learn from experienced and certified French language experts who guide you through every aspect of the language. Our online lessons incorporate gamified learning experiences and interactive in-class activities to make learning French enjoyable and engaging.

With small class sizes of 9-12 learners, we ensure personalized attention for each student, helping you quickly grasp concepts and advance your language skills. Our lessons cover everything you need to know to master French, from basic grammar to advanced conversational skills.  

At Kochiva, we aim to make learning French effective and fun. Join us and take a significant step towards qualifying for your French proficiency test and advancing your career and personal growth. Ready to get started? Contact us today and begin your journey to mastering French!