How the DELF works
The DELF (Diplôme d'études en langue française) is an official diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education. It certifies a level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and it never expires.
Four papers, four skills
At every level, the DELF assesses the same four skills:
- Listening — recorded material followed by questions.
- Reading — written documents followed by questions.
- Writing — a piece of writing in a set format and length.
- Speaking — an interview and a presentation with an examiner, after a preparation period.
The first three are sat together on the same day; the speaking paper is individual and often on a different date.
Timings by level
Marking
Each paper is marked out of 25, for 100 points overall. You pass from 50/100, provided you score at least 5/25 in every one of the four papers. A single paper below that threshold fails the whole diploma — which is exactly what a mock exam is for.
The levels
Each diploma stands alone: you can sit B2 without having taken B1. You choose the level that matches what you can do, not a fixed progression — which is why testing yourself before registering is worth it.
While the mock exams are being prepared
The papers are on their way. In the meantime you can book an official DELF session, or work on your level in class.