Table of Contents
- DILF, DELF, and DALF explained
- Benefits of DELF and DALF
- How DELF and DALF exams work
- DELF and DALF 2025: Dates, location, and cost
- Can I retake the DELF and DALF exam?
- How to prepare for DELF and DALF
Are you looking to certify your French language skills? Perhaps you're looking to work in a French-speaking context or aiming for a position that requires a high level of French language proficiency.
A quick online search will be full of results about DELF and DALF exams.
These diplomas are classified as the "only official French language proficiency qualifications." They are designed and administered by the Institut Français itself. This earns them international recognition, a standard that's easy for employers to interpret around the world.
There are actually three types of diplomas from the Institut Français: DILF, DELF, and DALF. To learn what each diploma is and how its exams work, read our complete guide below!
DILF, DELF and DALF explained
DILF, DELF, and DALF stand for:
- Diplôme Initial de Langue Française
- Diplôme d'Ẹtudes en Langue Française
- Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française
Originally, these diplomas tested to their own three levels of difficulty. But now, the diplomas and exams have been brought in line with standard CEFR levels.
The DILF exams test entry-level French. This is CEFR A1.1, also known as A0 at Progress with Lawless French. This diploma can only be taken in France. As it isn't internationally available, it isn't widely known. And A1.1-level French doesn't have much benefit in a professional capacity.
Instead, most examinees choose the DELF exams. DELF encompasses CEFR levels A1, A2, B1, and B2. Each of these exams is independent. You can choose to take any one of the four without having taken the previous exams.
For more advanced learners, there are the DALF exams. DALF exams can be taken at either level C1 or C2.
Benefits of DELF and DALF
International recognition is the number one reason to take a DELF or DALF exam. Wherever you work, these diplomas are both respected and understood.
Having the diploma on your CV is much more powerful than writing "French language proficiency." It proves not only your skill but that you should be taken seriously. Even if you don't need the language for your work, it will make you stand out!
And best of all, these diplomas last forever! Once you have the qualification, there's no need to renew it.
Which French exam should I take?
How should you choose which exam to take? Remember that the DELF exam and DALF exam follow the CEFR levels. So all you need to know is your French language CEFR level.
What if you're not sure of your current CEFR level in French?
Use our free placement test to figure it out! If you don't have a Progress with Lawless French account yet, sign up for free today to access the placement test.
Should I take a DELF or DALF exam if I'm still in school?
It depends on how you want to use the language. If you intend to only work in the UK, local companies should be familiar with what GCSE French and A-Level French mean. Additional diplomas may not be necessary.
But if you intend to use the language for work, even in the UK, international certification is still a great idea! It's an impressive diploma for anyone to have.
How DELF and DALF exams work
Every DELF and DALF exam is made up of 100 points. These are split evenly across four sections: reading, writing, speaking, and listening (25 points in each section).
The exams work on a pass/fail basis. To pass the exam, you need to get 50/100 points. However, you must get at least 5 points in each of the four sections to pass.
As each exam is a different level of difficulty, they each have their own structure and materials. Learn the details of each exam's content via the links below:
- DELF
- DALF
DELF and DALF 2025: Dates, location, and cost
Every year, the Institut Français decides the cost, dates, and locations of DELF and DALF exams in the UK. Here is the latest information for 2025.
Exam Locations
In the UK, the DELF and DALF exams take place at the Language Centre of the Institut Français, or associated examination centres.
The main centre is at 13 Cromwell Place, London, SW7 2JN. For examination centres elsewhere in the UK, see this map. Or for exams outside of the UK, check the France Education International website.
Exam Cost
For 2025, the Institut Français has published the following UK exam fees:
- DELF
- A1 – £95
- A2 – £100
- B1 – £135
- B2 – £150
- DALF
- C1 – £195
- C2 – £225
Exam dates
2025 has six sessions, or opportunities, to take the DELF and DALF exams. Institut Français notes that the dates and times of oral exams in particular are subject to change depending on candidate numbers. But at the time of writing, they were published as follows:
January 2025
- Enrollment deadline: 6th November 2024 – 3rd January 2025
- Exam dates: January 21st – 23rd
- Results date: 28th February
January only has DELF B1 and B2 exams, not A1, A2, or DALF C1 and C2.
March 2025
- Enrollment deadline: 21st January – 11th February
- Exam dates: 14th – 28th March
- Results date: 9th May
June 2025
- Enrollment deadline: 14th April – 2nd May
- Exam dates: 2nd – 17th June
- Results date: 4th August
July 2025
- Enrollment deadline: 23rd May – 13th June
- Exam dates: 8th – 11th July
- Results date: 27th August
July only has DELF B1 and B2 exams, not A1, A2, or DALF C1 and C2.
October 2025
- Enrollment deadline: 18th August – 1st September
- Exam dates: 1st – 14th October
- Results date: 28th November
December 2025
- Enrollment deadline: 15th – 29th October
- Exam dates: 1st – 12th December
- Results date: 30th January 2026
Can I retake the DELF or DALF exam?
Yes! Both the DELF and DALF exams can be retaken as many times as you need. However, the Institut Français requires that you wait at least 60 days between exams.
How to prepare for DELF and DALF
There are three steps to taking the DELF and DALF exams:
- Identify your CEFR level
- Study up!
- Apply for the exam
We're here to help you with all three. Use our placement test to figure out your language level. Use our exercises and kwizzes to improve your skill. Then visit the Institut Francais website to register for the exams.
Just like that, you'll have an international French diploma!
Get access to our placement test as well as all our free resources by signing up for a free account today!
