DELF 2025 test training
What is the DELF ?
The DELF is a diploma that is open to everyone, whether foreign or French . Its main version, the DELF "general public", aims to certify mastery of French for the first four levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), i.e. from level A1 (elementary) to B2 (independent).
It is issued by France Éducation International, a public institution under the supervision of the French Ministry of National Education. It is accepted worldwide by administrations, employers, and higher education institutions.
Unlike other tests, it is valid for life.
The different versions of the DELF
The DELF is available in different versions which correspond to the level of French and the age of the candidates.
The DELF "general public" is aimed at adults and older adolescents. It includes four independent diplomas certifying the first four levels of the CEFR scale:
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DELF A1 (introductory elementary);
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DELF A2 (elementary intermediate) required for long-term resident card applications;
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DELF B1 (independent threshold) required to obtain French nationality;
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The DELF B2 (advanced independent) is required to enter certain French-speaking schools and universities.
Please note: French levels C1 and C2 are certified by two other separate diplomas: the DALF C1 and the DALF C2 (advanced French language diploma).
Depending on the candidate's profile, there are other versions of the DELF:
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The DELF “Junior / School” is aimed at adolescents aged 12 to 17. It is based on themes adapted to the candidates’ age and assesses levels A1 to B2;
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The DELF “Prim » is intended for children aged approximately 7 to 12. It allows the assessment of initial French skills (from level A1.1 to A2);
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The DELF “Pro” corresponds to the professional version of the diploma.
The DELF exams
This article only covers the DELF “general public” tests. This version of the test brings together four separate diplomas that correspond to the first four levels of the CEFR: A1, A2, B1 and B2. You must choose your exam based on your current level or that required by the company or higher education institution to which you are applying.
All diplomas consist of three group tests and one individual test assessing the four fundamental language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Only the length of the exam and the complexity of the questions vary depending on the level chosen.
Listening comprehension
The test consists of listening to audio recordings (dialogues, public announcements, radio broadcasts, etc.) and then answering questions.
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DELF A1
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DELF A2
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DELF B1
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DELF B2
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Duration (in minutes)
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20
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25
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25
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30
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Number of exercises
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4
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4
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3
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2
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Reading comprehension
In this test, you must read several written documents (newspaper articles, brochures, etc.) and answer comprehension questions. The length and complexity of the texts vary depending on the exam.
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DELF A1
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DELF A2
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DELF B1
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DELF B2
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Duration (in minutes)
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30
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30
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45
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60
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Number of exercises
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4
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4
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2
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2
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Written production
This test involves writing one or more texts while following a given instruction (writing an email, writing a text to publish on a forum, completing a form, etc.). The number of productions and the expected length depend on the test.
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DELF A1
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DELF A2
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DELF B1
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DELF B2
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Duration (in minutes)
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30
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45
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45
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60
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Number of exercises and content
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2
Fill out a form and write a message of at least 40 words
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2
Write 2 texts of at least 60 words each
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1
Write 1 text of at least 160 words)
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1
Write 1 text of at least 250 words)
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Oral production
This individual test takes place in front of a jury. Depending on the level, it consists of two or three parts, with a guided interview, a monologue and an oral interaction activity (exchanges, role plays, debates, etc.).
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DELF A1
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DELF A2
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DELF B1
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DELF B2
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Duration (in minutes)
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5 to 7 (+ 10 preparation)
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6 to 8 (+ 10 preparation)
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15 (+ 10 preparation)
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20 (+ 30 preparation)
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Content
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3 parts Guided interview, information exchange, and simulated dialogue
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3 parts Guided interview, followed monologue and interactive exercise
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3 parts Guided interview, expression of a point of view and interactive exercise
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2 parts Monologue followed, and interactive exercise
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Understanding the notation
Regardless of the level of diploma, each of the four tests is marked out of 25 points, for a total of 100 points.
To validate it, you must meet two conditions:
- obtain at least 5/25 in each test (a mark lower than 5/25 in one of the tests is eliminatory);
- obtain an overall score of at least 50/100.
Once obtained, it is valid for life.
How to train for the DELF ?
The DELF is a diploma that requires preparation over time. Like any standardized test, you must familiarize yourself with the exam structure and practice in conditions close to the actual exam.
To facilitate your training, PrepMyFuture has designed, in partnership with the Alliance Française de Paris, an online preparation containing the following resources:
- 60 course sheets;
- over 1,500 training exercises to work on each skill;
- 3 full practice tests and 1 DELF mini-test to prepare you in real conditions;
- detailed answers to identify and understand common errors in the exam.
Accessible to all levels, our training covers DELF B1 test preparation and DELF B2 test preparation . Try it today!
How to register for the exam ?
To register for the test, contact an examination center directly in France or abroad. You will find a list of all centers on the official France Éducation International website.
The center of your choice will then provide you with the necessary information (dates and locations of the exam, registration fees, documents to provide, etc.). When registering for the DELF, you must provide an identity document which must be the same as the one presented on the day of the exam.
Where to take the DELF ?
You can take the DELF exam at one of the many exam centers in France and around the world. Typically, centers organize one exam session per month for each level (A1, A2, B1, and B2). Contact your center to find out the exam dates. The various DELF exams are exclusively in-person.
Why take the DELF ?
The DELF has the advantage of being an official diploma recognized worldwide. Holding the DELF can be useful for working or pursuing university studies in a French-speaking country, applying for naturalization, or simply to assess your language level.
If you wish to enter a higher education institution or a grande école in France or Canada, obtaining the DELF B2 may exempt you from taking French tests (always check the required level with the institution concerned).
Professionally, it is recognized by many companies as reliable proof of your French language skills. It is therefore an asset on your CV when applying for a job or internship requiring fluency in the language.
Finally, the DELF is a diploma with no validity limit: once obtained, you keep it for life.
Tips for passing the DELF
To successfully complete all DELF exams and achieve a score of at least 50/100, we recommend preparing several weeks in advance. Before you begin, make sure you choose the diploma that best suits your level of French (A1, A2, B1, or B2). If you're aiming for a job or specific training program, find out about the CEFR level requirements and available online resources.
Once you have defined your goal, work on each skill separately:
- To improve your listening comprehension, listen to shows, podcasts or watch videos in French whenever you have the opportunity;
- To improve your reading comprehension, read a little every day: press articles, magazines, news, etc.;
- To strengthen your written production, practice writing short texts while respecting the test instructions;
- Finally, to improve your speaking skills, communicate with native speakers as much as possible and remember to record yourself: it's an excellent way to monitor your progress.
Once you've mastered the test instructions, practice in real time with practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and time management. Take the time to correct your mistakes and understand your areas for improvement!
With preparation tailored to your needs and goals, you'll have everything you need to tackle the exam in the best possible conditions. Start your free tests now!
