The certifications are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) : A2 level in DELF = A2 level in TEF = A2 level in TCF.

There is no certification that is easier or more difficult to pass.

Each one has its own particularities:

• French Assessment Test (TEF)

Issued by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recognised by the French Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports, recognised by the Ministry of the Interior, and internationally (notably in Canada).

Format: multiple choice questions (choose the correct answer from several options). Listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written production with 2 everyday life texts on a computer, face-to-face oral production with two everyday life situations.

It is not necessary to choose the level before registering, the difficulty increases with each question.

Versions: The " TEF Integration, Residence and Nationality (IRN )" is best suited for applying for a residence permit (multi-year or resident card) or French nationality. The " TEF Studies " is best suited for applying to a university.

Good to know: on the results document, it's possible to have different levels for each test, depending on the correct answers and the number of points: for example, A2 for listening and speaking, B1 for reading and writing. If you need to officially prove your B1 level, you must have achieved B1 in all 4 tests (or B2, but not A2).

Price: between 170 and 200 euros on average

Validity: 2 years

• Test of French Knowledge (TCF)

Issued by France Education International and recognised by the French Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports, recognised by the Ministry of the Interior, and internationally.

Format: multiple choice questions (choose the correct answer from several options). Listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written production with 3 texts on daily life on paper or computer, face-to-face oral production on everyday life topics.

It is not necessary to choose the level before registering, the difficulty increases with each question.

Versions: The " TCF Integration, Residence and Nationality " is best suited for applying for a residence permit (multi-year or resident) or citizenship. The "TCF for the general public" is suitable for all situations.

Good to know: the results document may show different levels, depending on the correct answers and the number of points: for example, A2 for listening and speaking, and B1 for reading and writing. If you need to officially prove your B1 level, you must achieve B1 in all four sections (or B2, but not A2).

Price: between 160 and 200 euros on average

Validity: 2 years

• DELF, DALF diplomas

Issued by the French Ministry of National Education and recognized internationally: the Diploma of French Language Studies (DELF) certifies levels A1 , A2 , B1 or B2 , the Advanced Diploma of French Language (DALF) certifies levels C1 , C2 .

Format: listening comprehension, reading comprehension and written production on paper, face-to-face oral production on everyday life topics and thematic topics, depending on the level.

Versions: the " General Public " diplomas are suitable for university studies, professional life, and applications for citizenship.

Good to know: you must choose your level before registering; the questions, time, and exercises are tailored to each level. If you need to officially prove you have a B1 level, you must take the DELF B1 exam directly and obtain a minimum score of 50 out of 100.

Price: from 100 to 250 euros

Validity: unlimited (valid for life).

How to choose?

• The DELF and DALF exams have an academic format, and the exercises are longer. It's important to understand the methodology and prepare thoroughly. The cost is generally higher, but you only take the exam once (it's valid for life, whereas TEF and TCF results are valid for two years).
• If you have taken courses regularly for a period of time, the DELF is the appropriate certification to confirm the level achieved.
• If you do not have the time or opportunity to prepare for the DELF exam, the TEF and TCF are shorter and the instructions for the exercises are simple to understand.
  The topics covered by the TEF and TCF are broader.
• If you do not know your exact level of French, it is best to take the TEF or TCF.
• If you are an employee in a company, in vocational training, or a student, ask your manager if it is possible to register to take the DCL, or the DFP, or the DUEF.

Before taking the exam, it is important to understand the organization and the points to work on.

There are several solutions:

• Courses at a training center

Training centers or language schools offer French courses and exam preparation (and sometimes the option to take the exam on site).

Prices vary depending on the number of hours, the course format (group or individual, online or in class), and the exam (usually included in the total price).

In some cases, it is possible to use the Personal Training Account (CPF) to pay for the training.

Read the Refugees.info fact sheet: "Using the personal training account (CPF) "

• Courses in an association

Associations generally offer free (or low-cost) group classes taught by volunteer teachers.

Some associations can register you and sometimes help you pay part of the exam fee.

To find an association, ask at your town hall or click on "French courses" and write your town on the Refugees.info homepage.

• Private lessons

Teachers or trainers offer individual courses tailored to your exam and your level.

Prices vary depending on the number of hours and the course format (online or in-person). The exam fee is separate; you must register and pay for it yourself at an exam center.

• Working alone

Some websites offer sample exams and preparation exercises:

> le Français facile avec RFI
> S'entraîner au TCF avec TV5 Monde or Apprendre le français avec TV5 Monde
> J’apprends (Langues Plurielles)
> Karibu (Bibliothèques sans frontières)
> Ensemble en France (France fraternités)
> Français premiers pas (CAVILAM)
Examples of TCF exams
Preparing for the TEF IRN
Preparing for the TEF studies
> Examples of subjects DELF A1 , DELF A2 , DELF B1 , DELF B2, DALF C1 , DALF C2.

There are also French as a Foreign Language (FLE) books with exercises, advice, and exam examples. Be sure to choose a recent book (check the year and "new edition" on the cover) to ensure it reflects the current exam formats.

In general, it is important to:

• read and listen to everyday documents (short videos, podcasts, articles, radio programs, work emails…) on general topics (nature, the internet, health, society…)
• Have conversations with French-speaking people (colleagues, parents at your children's school, neighbors, etc.) to practice speaking and improve your vocabulary.

How to choose?

• The appropriate method for preparing for the exam depends on:
  - your availability (full-time work, childcare…)
  - your budget (possibility of paying, money in your CPF…)
  - your city (training centers and associations near you, available places…)
  - your equipment (computer and wifi to take courses on the Internet…).
• Don't hesitate to ask questions to find solutions (evening or weekend classes if you are not available during the day, payment for classes in installments if your budget is limited, waiting list if classes are already full…).
• The most important thing is to work on your French regularly (rather than intensively just before the exam) and to stay motivated!

If you have taken courses at a training center or association, they will take care of the registration, either at the same center or at another examination center.

If not, you must contact an examination center yourself.

Each test center is different, please check:

• the dates of the next exams ("sessions" every week, or once a month, twice a year…)
• the registration deadlines
• the costs
• the possibility of registering on the website.

Don't hesitate to contact several centers to compare prices and don't wait until the last minute.

Here is the list of examination centers:

Centers for taking the Test d'évaluation du français (TEF)

Centers for taking the Test de connaissance du français (TCF)

Centers for taking the DILF, DELF, DALF exams

During the exam:

• listen and read the topics carefully
• stay focused, especially during listening comprehension
• manage your time to have enough time to finish the tests, reread and check the answers
• use formal sentences (avoid informal language).
• use appropriate and varied words on each topic.

Since January 1, 2026, there are new requirements for applying for a first multi-year residence permit or resident card:

• A2 level is required to apply for a multi-year residence permit
• Level B1 is required to apply for a 10-year resident card (spouse of a French citizen, parent of a French child, family reunification, spouse of a person with a 10-year card, etc.)

If you need a French language proficiency certificate, send the document with your residence permit application to the ANEF (Foreigners in France) website.

Everything is explained on the Refugees.info fact sheets " Applying for a residence permit " and " Renewing a residence permit ".

Since January 1, 2026, there are new requirements for applying for French nationality (by decree or by reinstatement):

• B2 level
• passing a civic exam on the values of the French Republic.

People with international protection from the Ofpra (refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, stateless persons) and their families are subject to the requirements regarding level of French and civic examination.

If your situation requires certification of your French language level, you have two options for documents to send with your naturalization application:

• certificate or diploma TEF B2 minimum, TCF B2 minimum, DELF B2, DALF C1 or C2, or DCL FLE B2 minimum, or DFP B2 minimum, or DUEF B2 minimum
  
  OR
• diploma or professional qualification obtained in France equal to or higher than level 3 of the national classification of training levels (baccalaureate, professional certificate, etc.).
  
  Please note that not all professional titles and vocational qualification certificates can be used to demonstrate French language proficiency in a naturalization application. To check if your diploma or professional title is recognized AND is at least equivalent to level 3, you can use the France Compétences search engine.

Other documents are required; everything is explained on the Refugees.info page "Applying for French nationality ".

You can use your French language level certification to submit an application:

• to a university

Read the Refugees.info fact sheet: "Registering at university"

• to a training program for a University Bridging Diploma

Read the Refugees.info fact sheet: "Taking a DU Passerelle training course"

• to a job offer ...

Don't forget to include it on your CV.