Guide · DELF, DALF, TCF or TEF
Which French exam should you choose?
Studies, work, immigration, naturalisation or lasting certification: the right exam depends above all on your goal. Our guide to choosing in 2 minutes.
The short answer
Which exam for which goal?
The table to decide quickly.
| Your goal | Recommended exam | Validity | How it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lasting diploma for your studies or your CV | DELF / DALF | For life | You choose the level of the exam |
| Immigration or an administrative procedure | TCF / TEF | 2 years | You get a score and a level |
| Officially assess your current level | TCF / TEF | 2 years | Your result determines your level |
| Precisely certify a B2, C1 or C2 level | DELF / DALF | For life | You take the exam for the level you chose |
Your goal
What is your project?
Start by identifying your main goal.
-
Studying in French
French-speaking university or school: the level required is often B2 or C1. → DELF B2 or DALF C1
The DELF – DALF guide -
Enhancing your professional profile
Lastingly certify your French on your CV. → DELF / DALF
The DELF – DALF guide -
Immigration or an administrative procedure
Official procedure, naturalisation, Canada, Quebec. → TCF or TEF depending on the procedure
The TCF guide -
A procedure in Switzerland
Check which certificate and level are accepted by the authority concerned. → According to the official requirements
Differences
DELF / DALF or TCF / TEF: what is the difference?
The DELF and DALF are diplomas valid for life; the TCF and TEF assess your level at a given moment.
Official diploma
DELF / DALF
Choose this if you want a permanent diploma.
- Valid for life
- You choose your level before the exam
- DELF: A1 to B2 · DALF: C1 and C2
- Ideal for lasting certification
Level test
TCF / TEF
Choose this if you need a recent result for a specific procedure.
- Certificate valid for 2 years
- The result shows your score and your level
- Used in certain administrative procedures
- Often required for immigration
CEFR levels
What is your level of French?
The levels are defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, from A1 to C2.
- A1
First steps
Introducing yourself, asking simple questions, understanding everyday expressions.
DELF A1 - A2
Everyday life
Talking about family, work, leisure and your immediate surroundings.
DELF A2 - B1
Independence
Getting by in most situations, telling a story, giving your opinion.
DELF B1 - B2
Fluency
Arguing, defending a point of view, understanding complex subjects.
DELF B2 - C1
Precision
Expressing yourself fluently and in a structured way, at university and at work.
DALF C1 - C2
Mastery
Understanding everything and grasping the finest nuances of the language.
DALF C2
Before you register
Check the official requirements
Important
The organisation requesting the certification always has the final say
University, employer, administration, embassy or immigration service: the type of exam accepted, the level required and the period of validity may vary depending on your procedure. Also consult the official sources:
- DELF – France Éducation international ↗
- DALF – France Éducation international ↗
- TCF – France Éducation international ↗
- TEF – Le français des affaires (CCI Paris) ↗
- CEFR – Council of Europe ↗
Free placement test
Don’t know your level?
Start with our online placement test to identify your current level.
Take the placement testFrequently asked questions
Choosing your French exam: your questions
What is the difference between the DELF/DALF and the TCF/TEF?
The DELF and DALF are official diplomas valid for life: you choose the level before the exam. The TCF and TEF are level tests valid for 2 years: your result determines your level, from A1 to C2.
Which exam should I choose to study at university?
Most often the DELF B2 or the DALF C1, depending on the institution. Always check the level required by the university.
Which exam should I choose for immigration to Canada or Quebec?
The TCF Canada, TCF Québec, TEF Canada or TEF Québec, depending on the immigration programme.
Which exam for French nationality or a residence permit?
The TCF IRN or the TEF IRN (Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité), depending on the requirements of the French administration.
Which exam for a procedure in Switzerland?
Always check with the authority or organisation concerned which certificate and level are officially accepted.
I don’t know my level: where do I start?
Take our free online placement test. It helps you choose the right level of DELF or DALF, or estimate your TCF or TEF result.
Can I take the exam at the Alliance Française de Genève?
We prepare you for the DELF, DALF, TCF and TEF, but we are not an exam centre for these certifications: registration is done with an approved centre.
Also discover
Our other French courses in Geneva
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Our teaching team will guide you
Tell us about your project: we will help you choose the most suitable exam and preparation.