Training for the DFP (Professional French Diploma) test 2025

What is DFP ?

Created in 1958, the DFP is an exam aimed at anyone over 16 years old whose mother tongue is not French, and who would like to have their mastery of French recognized in a professional environment, both written and oral.

The DFP is issued by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR) scale, ranging from level A1 to level C1.

The DFP is a level exam. Therefore, you must choose in advance the diploma you wish to take (from A1 to C1 depending on the DFP version). It is therefore necessary to reach the required level to obtain the corresponding diploma.

This diploma is a major asset for promoting language skills in the workplace. Indeed, the DFP is recognized by numerous French and foreign ministries, educational institutions, and companies, including:

• The French Ministry of the Interior
• Several ministries in Europe (Switzerland, Italy, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Austria, etc.)
• The Diplomatic Academy of Vienna in Austria, the Lausanne Hotel School in Switzerland, Bocconi University in Milan in Italy, Chosun University in South Korea, Podomoro University in Indonesia, Georgetown, DePaul and Vanderbilt Universities in the United States...
• The International Organization of La Francophonie (for the DFP International Relations)

The DFP diploma is valid for life.

The 4 versions of the DFP

The DFP is available in several levels (ranging from A1 to C1) and in several versions depending on the sector of activity: business, international relations, health and tourism-hotel-restaurant.

The DFP Business

The DFP Affaires is intended for students and professionals who work or will be required to communicate in French in an administrative, commercial or relational context.

This diploma is aimed in particular at company or administration staff, in all functions which put them in communication, orally or in writing, with French-speaking interlocutors.

It is offered from level A1 to C1 according to the CECRL scale.

The DFP International Relations

The DFP International Relations is aimed at staff of international organizations, non-governmental organizations, diplomatic representations or administrations linked to international relations, in all functions which put them in communication, orally or in writing, with French-speaking interlocutors.

The diploma is offered from level B1 to C1.

The DFP Health

The DFP Santé concerns staff in healthcare establishments (hospitals, retirement homes, care centers), private practices or in humanitarian structures required to interact with healthcare teams as well as with French-speaking patients.

The diploma is offered from level B1 to C1.

The DFP Tourism-Hotel-Restaurant

The DFP Tourism-Hotel-Restaurant is aimed at professionals in the tourism, hotel or restaurant sector responsible for welcoming French-speaking customers and/or developing the French-speaking market.

It is offered from level A2 to B2.

The DFP tests

The DFP consists of two compulsory tests, based on professional situations:

1. The "Understanding and Processing Information" section includes several activities based on the analysis of several written and/or audio documents. The expected response types can take various forms: multiple-choice questions (MCQ), drop-down menu, drag-and-drop in a table, or even free text entry. This section is conducted on a computer. The test time varies between 45 minutes and 2 hours depending on the level presented.
2. The "Oral Interaction" section includes two activities, one interaction activity and one presentation activity. This test assesses the ability to interact and express oneself in French in realistic professional situations (speaking, responding to a client, oral presentation, negotiation, etc.).

This section is assessed by an authorized examiner.

The test time varies between 5 and 15 minutes depending on the level, with an equivalent preparation time.

The number of activities, documents to be processed and their nature varies according to the versions of the DFP and the level presented on the day of the exam.

To learn more about the content of each test according to the DFP version, consult our page dedicated to preparing for the DFP Affaires

Understanding the notation

The DFP is a qualifying examination aligned with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR). When registering, the candidate selects the level they wish to have assessed.

Each part of the exam (“Understanding and processing information” and “Interacting orally”) results in a score out of 100.

To pass the DFP, the candidate must, regardless of the level presented:

• obtain at least 50 points out of 100 in each test
• obtain a mark of at least 60 points out of 100 on all tests

To obtain the DFP “with Mention”, the overall average of the two tests must reach at least 80/100.

How to train for the DFP ?

Your success in the DFP depends on a precise understanding of the tests and the expectations associated with each level. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the exam format, including the different types of instructions and the types of expected answers.

To prepare for the DFP in the best possible conditions, an official online preparation program is available on the PrepMyFuture platform. To effectively revise for the DFP, it offers a level assessment, a practice test, and 1,000 questions. Accessible at any time, it allows you to practice for all the tests thanks to targeted exercises and detailed answers. Discover our training courses now!

Co-developed with the CCI Paris Île-de-France, the PrepMyFuture preparation is the only one to offer recent official practice tests.

How to register for the exam ?

Registration for the DFP is done at an approved examination center, in France or abroad. Consult the official list of examination centers, then contact the one that suits you best to obtain practical information: registration conditions, available dates, and documents required.

Registration for the DFP is open to anyone over the age of 16. No prior diploma is required to take the DFP.

Once your registration is confirmed, the examination center will send you an invitation by email indicating the date, time, location of the chosen test, as well as the instructions to follow on the day of the test.

Where to take the test ?

The DFP can be taken in France or abroad at an approved center. The complete list of examination centers is available online. In France and abroad, centers organize sessions throughout the year.

If successful, your diploma will be sent to you within 2 to 3 weeks after the exam.

Why take the DFP ?

The DFP allows you to showcase your French language proficiency in real-life workplace situations, both written and spoken. Internationally recognized by businesses, the education sector, ministries, and international organizations, this diploma represents an asset on your CV and application file. It can facilitate career advancement, international mobility, or integration into the French-speaking job market.

Finally, the DFP is a diploma with no validity limit: once obtained, you keep it for life.

Tips for passing the DFP

The DFP is a demanding exam. Beyond mastering the language, it's essential to know how to apply it effectively in real-life situations. To succeed, targeted preparation is essential.

Your success in the DFP begins with a good understanding of each test: format, task types, duration, and assessment criteria. Practice regularly, strengthen your professional vocabulary by reading specialized documents (press, reports, industry articles, professional correspondence, etc.) and listening to audio materials in French. Also remember to work on time management, a determining factor on exam day.

And above all, rely on the resources designed by PrepMyFuture, including methodological tips for each of the DFP tests. This is an excellent way to practice in conditions close to the real exam and to familiarize yourself with the DFP. Start your training with our free mini-tests!