DELF and DALF diplomas

What are the DELF and DALF diplomas?

The DELF diploma (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) and the more advanced DALF diploma (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) are internationally recognized official diplomas awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify the competency of candidates from outside France in the French language.

There are 6 diplomas, according to the levels outlined in the CEFR: DELF A1, DELF A2, DELF B1, DELF B2, DALF C1, and DALF C2. At each level, 4 skills are evaluated: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Who can take the diplomas?

Anyone who is not a native French speaker and who would like his/her French skills to be recognized for personal or professional purposes can take the exams.

These diplomas are not mandatory for students at Western.  The DELF and DALF are non-Western diplomas that students have the option of taking in addition to the required course work, if they wish to do so.

What diplomas should I take?

The 6 DELF /DALF diplomas are independent from one another, so you can take the examination of your choice.

How do I prepare for the exam?

The language courses offered by the Department of French Studies at Western prepare you to achieve the following language levels as outlined by the CEFR:

  • French 1002 and French 1010: These pre-university courses prepare you to achieve the A1 and A2 levels. They prepare you for the DELF A1 and DELF A2 diplomas.
  • French 1910 and French1900 E: These 1st year university courses prepare you to achieve the B1 level. They prepare you for the DELF B1 diploma.
  • French 2905A/B & 2906 A/B: This 2nd year university course prepares you to achieve the B2 level. It prepares you for the DELF B2 diploma.
  • French 3900: This 3rd year university course prepares you to achieve the C1 level. It prepares you for the DALF C1 diploma.

Most DELF and DALF examination centers (like the Alliance française de Toronto) also offer preparation courses. In addition, many publishers sell materials that can help you self-study specifically for the exam of your choice. Examples of French publishers are:   

Searching these websites using key words referring to your level (A1, A2, B1, etc.) or exam (DELF, DALF) will direct you to materials designed to help you reach your goals.

Where and when can I take the exam?

The Faculty of Education at the university of Western Ontario is an accredited examination centre for the DELF and DALF diplomas up to the C2 level.  For further information on registering for testing please visit the Faculty of Education website. 

The Alliance française de Toronto is the another accredited exam centre, located in the GTA for the French-government diplomas. For a list of other approved examination centers in Canada and around the world, please consult http://www.ciep.fr/en/delfdalf/annuaire_centres.php

For dates of examinations, registration forms, registration deadlines, and registration fees, please consult the Alliance Française's website.

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