There are different types of exams for the French language :
- the TCF: Test de Connaissance du Français/Test of knowledge of the French language;
- the DELF: Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française/Accreditation of French language ability;
- the DALF: Diplôme Approfondi en Langue Française/Advanced certificate of French language proficiency.
TCF : Test de Connaissance du Français
The TCF is an attestation of one’s French language level. It hence reflects the language level at a specific moment.
Valid for two years, it evaluates oral and written comprehension, and command of the working language. With this diploma, it is possible to enter at a French university at the Masters or Doctorate level, or you can also obtain work.
General fees for the TCF :
- mandatory test (1h30) : 110 € -> written comprehension, oral comprehension and command of the working language;
- optional written test (1h45): 60 €;
- optional oral test (15 min): 60 €.
There are other kinds of TCF :
- the TCF DAP for registering a French university as an undergraduate (licence).
- the TCF Québec for immigration to Québec.
- the TCF RI (Relations Internationales/international relations) : for the integration of intergovernmental organizations.
DELF & DALF
- DELF : Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française/accreditation of French language ability)
- DALF : Diplôme Approfondi en Langue Française/advanced certificate of French language proficiency)
The DELF/DALF are French proficiency certifications for non-native speakers of French awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify the competency in the French language.
They evaluate oral and written comprehension, oral and written production; they are valid for life and are recognized throughout the whole world.
It consists of six independent certificates (DELF A1, DELF A2, DELF B1, DELF B2, DALF C1, DALF C2) corresponding to the six levels of the Common European Framework for Languages.
The fact that the 6 diplomas are independent from each other means that candidates can register for the test of their choice that best corresponds to their level without having to take the lower level tests.
It consists of six independent certificates (DELF A1, DELF A2, DELF B1, DELF B2, DALF C1, DALF C2) corresponding to the six levels of the Common European Framework for Languages.
The fact that the 6 diplomas are independent from each other means that candidates can register for the test of their choice that best corresponds to their level without having to take the lower level tests.
Before taking the test for a specific certificate, make sure you have completed the hours of recommended French courses:
- DELF A1 : 60 hours from Beginner’s Level
- DELF A2 : 160 hours from Beginner’s Level (100 hours from DELF A1)
- DELF B1 : 310 hours from Beginner’s Level (150 hours from DELF A2)
- DELF B2 : 490 hours from Beginner’s Level (180 hours from DELF B1)
- DALF C1 : 690 hours from Beginner’s Level (200 hours from DELF B2)
- DALF C2 : 890 hours from Beginner’s Level (200 hours from DALF C1)
You can take the TCF or the DELF for whatever reason you may choose :
- for personal reasons: determine your own knowledge of the French language;
- for professional: in order to be recruited or to obtain a promotion;
- for academic reasons: to be admitted to an establishment of higher education (university, colleges, art schools, business schools). Diploma required: DELF B2 (minimum) or DALF C1.
Bridging courses between the TCF and the DELF are possible (to skip a level).
Check with the organisation where you will pass the exam.
Check with the organisation where you will pass the exam.
Learn Real French Now offers DELF, DALF, TCF exam preparation courses.
During these specific courses, learners undergoe intensive training in the different testing areas of the exam.
All the learners we have prepared for one of these examinations have graduated with excellent results.

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Learn more about our DELF, DALF, TCF exam preparation courses through distance learning or course in Montpellier.