French Language Tests and diplomas

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
The CEFR is the reference document that describes and standardises language proficiency levels for the purposes of developing standards, tests and certification in the language field. There are 6 levels: A1-A2 / B1-B2 / C1-C2.

1. Proficiency Tests : TEF, TCF, DCL, CLOÉ

TCF - Test de Connaissance du Français
Delivered by France Education International
> General French language test for all non-francophone audiences who wish, for professional or personal reasons, to have their knowledge of French validated in a simple, reliable and fast way.

TEF - Test d’Évaluation de Français
Delivered by the CCIP - Paris Ile de France Chamber of Commerce and Industry
> Test recognised in particular by National Education. Students wishing to enroll in an undergraduate program at a French university can take the TEF exams.

DCL FLE - Diplôme de Compétence en Langue
Delivered by the Ministry of Education
Designed specifically for adult and professional audiences.

CLOÉ French as a Foreign Language
The CLOE FLE Certification allows the evaluation and certification of general and professional skills in French as a foreign language from level A1 to level C2. It is delivered by the network of Language Study Centres of the Chambers of Commerce in France.
Find a testing centre

2. The French Language Diplomas : DILF, DELF, DALF

DILF, DELF and DALF

Delivered by the French Ministry of Education and Higher Education, DILF, DELF and DALF are diplomas based on the 6 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. They are independent and valid without any time limit. Internationally recognized, they can be passed in more than 1000 examination centers worldwide.

DILF : Diplôme initial de langue française
– Audience : Beginners and newcomers in France
– Level: A1.1

DELF - Diplôme d’études en Langue Française
– Audience : all public
– Levels : A1-A2-B1-B2

DALF - Diplôme approfondi de langue française
– Audience : adults in a university or professional setting
– Levels : C1-C2

Resources to prepare for DELF and DALF
– Document to download

DELF-DALF : 4 options for specific audiences

DELF Prim
– Children aged 8 to 12, in primary education

DELF junior
– Adolescents in school education

DELF scolaire
– Adolescents in school education

DELF Pro
– Persons undergoing vocational integration or promotion

3. Diplôme Universitaire d’Études françaises

DUEF - Diplôme Universitaire d’Etudes Françaises validates the language training provided in university FLE centres for levels A1 to C2 of the European reference framework for languages.

From level B2 onwards, the training accentuates the university orientation, the objective being to allow foreign students to continue their studies in a French higher education course.

Recognized by many universities as an attestation of the level of language required to enroll in a department.

Some centres also offer a complete training in French on University Objectives, which is validated by an DU F.O.U.

Find out more : :
Diplôme Universitaire d’Etudes Françaises

Paris-Sorbonne University Diplomas

Since 1961, Sorbonne Université has offered 5 diplomas corresponding to 5 levels of language proficiency and knowledge of French culture. These diplomas are:

The Intermediate French Language Certificate B1: threshold level

The Certificat pratique de langue française - module "Compréhension et expression" B2: entrance examination to the University in Bachelor’s degree (excluding DAP), Master’s degree or Doctorate.

The Certificat pratique de langue française C1: exempts European Union nationals from the language test required at the Paris-Sorbonne University.

The Diploma in French Language and Literature C2: dispenses with any language test for registration at the Paris-Sorbonne University.

The Higher Diploma of French Studies "C3": reserved for holders of the French baccalaureate or equivalent.

Information and contact :
Sorbonne University FLE Examination Centre

Diplomas in French for Professions

The professional French diplomas of the Paris Ile-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry - are intended for all those who wish to validate their ability to communicate in French in a professional context.

The A2 and B1 Dfps: generalists, are intended for all those who want to start in professional French.

Level B1, C1 and C2 Pfds: provide the ability to master the general know-how common to all forms of professional communication

Information and contact :
CCIP - Le Français des affaires

The CCIP Professional French Diplomas cover levels A1 to C1, in 7 specific areas of activity: Business - Science and Technology - Law - Health - International Relations - Tourism, Hospitality, Catering - Fashion.

Access to the French nationality : certifications

The law of 7 March 2016 on the law of foreigners and its implementing decree provide that foreigners who wish to settle permanently on the French territory must justify level A2 - with reference to the European Framework for Languages - written and oral for issuance of residence permit.

Access to French nationality, on the other hand, requires the attainment of the level B1 oral knowledge of French.

Any person who has to prove his or her level of French in order to acquire French nationality must therefore prove that he or she has the required level of knowledge of the national language, namely B1, but only orally: “take part in a conversation” - “express oneself orally continuously”...

Applicants must produce either a school diploma - a college certificate, CAP, BEP - or a certificate of language level issued by a certifying body, private or public, approved by the French Ministry of the Interior.

French certifications approved by the Ministry of the Interior:
TCF - French Knowledge Test issued by France Education International
TEF - Test d’Évaluation de Français issued by the Paris Ile de France Chamber of Commerce and Industry