French exams and levels
DELF, DALF, TEF and TCF — and which one you need.
10 minutes · A free lesson from Start here · Roman and Urdu pronunciation guides and English meanings are shown under each phrase
French is measured on the CEFR levels, A1 to C2. The main exams are:
| Exam | Levels | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| DELF | A1, A2, B1, B2 | study, work and residence in France; the diploma does not expire |
| DALF | C1, C2 | university study and advanced professional use |
| TEF Canada / TCF Canada | results converted to Canadian levels (NCLC) | Canadian immigration, including Express Entry |
| TCF (other versions) | all levels | university entry, and residence or nationality in France |
Requirements change and differ between programmes — always check the official rules for your application.
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: Which exams are used for Canadian immigration, including Express Entry?
- TEF Canada or TCF Canada
- The DALF C1
- The DELF A1
Show the answer
A: TEF Canada or TCF Canada — TEF Canada and TCF Canada results are converted to Canadian levels (NCLC).
Quick check: Which levels does the DELF cover?
- C1 and C2
- A1 to B2
- Only B1
Show the answer
B: A1 to B2 — The DELF covers A1, A2, B1 and B2. The DALF covers C1 and C2.
Quick check: How long is a DELF diploma valid?
- Two years
- Five years
- It does not expire
Show the answer
C: It does not expire — DELF and DALF diplomas do not expire.
Quick check: What happens to accents when you type an answer?
- They count, as in the exam
- They are ignored
- You must leave them out
Show the answer
A: They count, as in the exam — Accents count. A bar of letters such as é, è and ç appears when you type.