DELF and DALF are six independent French diplomas aligned to the CEFR. DELF covers A1, A2, B1 and B2; DALF covers C1 and C2. You choose a level before the examination rather than taking one general paper that assigns any level.
This guide's detailed track is DELF B2 for older adolescents and adults. Confirm the exact diploma, level and candidate version accepted by your university, employer, authority or professional route. A French diploma can be well recognised without being universal proof for every purpose.
Distinguish DELF, DALF and other French tests
DELF
DELF validates one of the first four CEFR levels. The “tout public” version is intended for older adolescents and adults. DELF Prim and junior/scolaire versions use contexts suited to younger candidates; they are distinct versions, not study shortcuts.
Each level is an independent diploma. You do not need to pass A1, A2 and B1 before registering for B2.
DALF
DALF covers C1 and C2. These levels demand advanced synthesis, argument, precision and control. A learner who can manage DELF B2 interaction may still need substantial development before DALF C1 production and mediation tasks.
Do not book DALF only because it sounds more prestigious. Choose it when the recipient asks for C1 or C2 and your diagnostic evidence supports that level.
TCF and other certifications
TCF is a test that reports a level or score under its own rules; DELF and DALF are level-specific diplomas. Different TCF versions are designed for different purposes. An organisation may specify DELF B2, DALF C1, a particular TCF version or another proof.
Never swap one for another based on a general statement that both assess French. Ask for the accepted exam title, minimum result, required components and valid test date.
Choose your CEFR level and candidate version
Use the official level description and a current official sample.
- A1: basic introductions and immediate needs.
- A2: routine exchanges and familiar everyday information.
- B1: connected communication about familiar experiences, plans and opinions.
- B2: clear, detailed production, argument and interaction around concrete and abstract issues.
- C1: flexible advanced use, synthesis and well-structured extended production.
- C2: highly precise comprehension and expression across complex material.
For DELF B2, you should be able to understand the position and organisation of substantial texts and recordings, write a developed argument, present a viewpoint and defend it in interaction.
Choose the version that matches your profile. Older adolescents and adults normally consider “tout public”; younger candidates should check Prim or junior/scolaire eligibility and local availability. The receiving organisation should confirm that the diploma and level satisfy its rule.
Official DELF B2 skills and pass rule
DELF B2 assesses four skills:
- Compréhension de l'oral: 25 points; about 30 minutes.
- Compréhension des écrits: 25 points; 60 minutes.
- Production écrite: 25 points; 60 minutes.
- Production orale: 25 points; about 20 minutes after 30 minutes' preparation.
The total is 100 points. To receive the diploma, you need:
- at least 50 out of 100 overall; and
- at least 5 out of 25 in every skill.
A result below 5 in any one skill is eliminatory even if the total reaches 50. This changes preparation priorities: a candidate with excellent Reading but severely weak Speaking is not ready simply because an informal total looks high.
The official diploma is valid for life. That does not force every institution or administrative route to accept it in every circumstance. Check the recipient's current level, version and document requirements before booking.
Start with a four-part diagnostic
Use the official DELF B2 sample materials. Complete Listening and Reading without pauses, translation tools or answer checking. Complete Writing in one timed block. For Speaking, respect preparation time and record the monologue and interaction.
Build a diagnostic sheet with:
- comprehension score by exercise and question demand;
- evidence of missed purpose, detail, attitude or argument;
- time spent planning and revising Writing;
- whether the written response respects the situation and develops a position;
- length and organisation of the oral presentation;
- ability to answer objections and follow-up questions;
- repeated vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation problems.
Answer-key percentages are useful only for the objective portions. Writing and Speaking require level-specific judgement. Use the official criteria and, where possible, a qualified reviewer familiar with DELF.
Set two thresholds for readiness: a total buffer above 50 and no vulnerable skill near the 5-point floor. The exact buffer is a personal risk decision, not an official extra pass mark.
Follow a DELF B2 study workflow
Phase 1: close language gaps
Strengthen connectors, tense control, pronouns, agreement, argument vocabulary and the language of cause, consequence, concession and qualification. Read and listen to varied French sources, then summarise the speaker's or writer's position in your own words.
Phase 2: learn task demands
For each official task, identify:
- what information is given;
- what action the instruction requires;
- the expected audience and register;
- how the response is organised;
- which evidence proves completion.
Practise one demand at a time. For example, separate “identify a speaker's position” from “follow supporting detail” before combining them under time.
Phase 3: integrate the four skills
Use one theme across the week. Read two positions, listen to a report, write a reasoned response and deliver an oral presentation with objections. This builds flexible language around ideas rather than memorised model answers.
Phase 4: simulate and repair
Complete full timed sections and review them the following day. Every error should produce a repair drill: paraphrasing, extracting evidence, outlining in five minutes, correcting agreement or answering an unexpected oral question.
In the final weeks, practise consecutive exam sections so concentration and time control match the real demand.
Review Production écrite and Production orale
For Writing, first check the task:
- Is the required communicative situation respected?
- Is the position clear?
- Are reasons developed with examples or consequences?
- Does the structure guide the reader?
- Is the register consistent?
Then check language:
- sentence boundaries and paragraphing;
- connectors used for real logical relationships;
- lexical precision and avoidance of unnecessary repetition;
- tense, mood, agreement and pronoun control;
- spelling and accents.
Do not replace your own response with a polished model. Mark two or three recurring problems, revise the response and apply the same corrections in a fresh task.
For Speaking, review the presentation and discussion separately. In the presentation, check problem framing, progression, examples and conclusion. In interaction, check whether you listen, answer the actual challenge, clarify, qualify and defend a position without becoming a memorised monologue.
Record one first attempt, annotate pauses and weak reasoning, then repeat once. A second recording should show a specific improvement, not merely faster speech.
Booking and readiness checklist
- I confirmed whether I need DELF, DALF, TCF or another named certification.
- I confirmed the exact CEFR level and candidate version accepted.
- I contacted an authorised centre for its current dates, fee, location and registration deadline.
- My personal details match the accepted identity document.
- I downloaded the current official page and sample for my exact level.
- I understand the DELF B2 total and per-skill minimum.
- I can finish each section within the published duration.
- I have completed a full diagnostic without unofficial assistance.
- A competent reviewer has assessed recent Writing and Speaking work.
- No skill remains dangerously close to the eliminatory floor.
- I checked the recipient's own document and submission rules.
- I allowed time for results, administrative processing and a contingency.
Quick answers
What is the difference between DELF and DALF?
DELF covers CEFR A1-B2. DALF covers C1-C2. Each level is a separate diploma.
Do I need DELF B1 before DELF B2?
No. The diplomas are independent. Register for the level required and supported by your current ability.
How do I pass DELF B2?
Score at least 50 out of 100 overall and at least 5 out of 25 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Can a high total compensate for one very low skill?
No. A score below 5 out of 25 in any skill is eliminatory.
Is DELF B2 the same as TCF?
No. DELF B2 is a level-specific diploma. TCF is a separate test family with its own versions and result rules.
Does a DELF or DALF diploma expire?
France Éducation international states that the diploma is valid for life. The organisation receiving it can still set its own acceptance or document conditions.
Is DELF B2 accepted by every university?
No. Universities and programmes set their own language requirements. Confirm the named certificate, level and any skill or recency condition directly.
