DELF is a proficiency assessment test for evaluating the understanding of a candidate in the French language. It assesses on Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening skills.
How is French language Proficiency Evaluated?
The French language proficiency tests are conducted for those native language is not
French. The French proficiency, namely, DELF, DALF, TEF, TCF, etc. offer international standard for measuring and determine who can communicate effectively on an independent and proficient level in French.
The exams are designed to assess the communicative skills of a candidate in a real-life situation, rather than the theoretical, linguistic, and formal grammatical knowledge.
Importance of French Proficiency Test
You can demonstrate your level of French competency by passing an international language test (TEF or TCF) or by earning a diploma (DELF or DALF). Since these certifications give job seekers and employees a competitive advantage. Thus, it is a great asset to include on your resume.
Documentary proof of French language test certificate added to other requirements will put you on your way to a smooth interview process. The test result will somehow restrict the interviewer on the types of questions you are supposed to answer. Instead of asking you about things like “what is an office called in French.” It is most likely that you would instead be asked, “what level did you attain in DELF/DALF? It is as a result of your French language test certification included in your qualifications.
You want to study in France or any French speaking countries? These diplomas and certifications are recognized and accepted by French universities and institutions for undergraduate entry as well as for postgraduate admission.
There are few more advantages like boosting one’s confidence and improving the odds if you’re planning to immigrate to French-speaking countries. Besides, it will help you when you visit Frenh speaking nations in Europe or Africa, Career in French, and of course, confirmation of your French proficiency level.
DELF / DALF Exams
If you want to test your proficiency in French, there is one test you cannot afford to miss, and that’s the DELF/DALF certification tests. DELF stands for Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française while DALF stands for Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française.
These two proficiency tests are designed for non-native French speakers as a way of certifying their knowledge in French. Each year in the world, over 300,000 students register to take a various French proficiency test.
The above tests are crucial, and they’re currently being administered and awarded by the French Ministry of Education. They are acknowledged as an international benchmark test that gauges your skill and knowledge in French.
The proficiency tests of DELF and DALF consist of six different diplomas that also meet the standard set by the CEFR (Common European Reference Framework for Languages). Each of these diplomas is strictly independent of one another. It means that candidates are free to register and sit for the test of their choice.
Appearing for DELF Junior/Prime is restricted to candidates aged, whereas there are no age restrictions on the other versions of DELF / DALF. A candidate may give several examinations during the same session, but may not appear for two versions at the same level (e.g. DELF A1 and DELF Pro A1). One can take the same examination as many times as may be necessary for obtaining the desired diploma. However, they may not appear for a qualification they already hold.
A person is evaluated for different proficiency tests at each level – namely reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Their proficiency level will be certified after attaining a set minimum overall pass mark.
The certificates you will obtain from DELF and DALF are valid for a lifetime and are highly respected across the world. It is even more impressive that once you pass the DALF C1 exams. Then, you never need to take any other entrance examination when entering into any French University.
The DELF/DALF tests are conducted by Center International d’études pédagogiques (CIEP) for the French Ministry of Education.
There are multiple levels of Certifications and students gradually progress from one level to another
DELF A1: Breakthrough or beginner
DELF A2: Waystage or elementary
DELF B1: Threshold or intermediate
DELF B2: Vantage or upper intermediate
DALF C1: Effective Operational Proficiency or Advanced
DALF C2: Mastery or proficiency (Near-native)
Each of these has its accompanying CEFR level marking, as well.
List of different French Diplomas
DELF Prim (ages 8-11) – This is an official diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify the proficiency in French as a Foreign Language of children ages 8 to 12. There are only three levels, namely A1.1, A1, and A2.
DELF Junior (ages 12 +) – It is a specially adapted version for juniors/teenagers of the DELF diplomas. The levels evaluated are A1 to B2.
DELF Pro – It assesses communicative skills in familiar business situations. It allows non-francophone adults in training or activity to enhance their French language skills in the world of work. Total levels are four — A1, A2, B1, B2.
DELF Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (for all age groups) – DELF is carried for levels A1 – B2. All four exams, A1, A2, B1, and B2, necessarily have the same structure.
Where are the DELF Exam Centers in India?
The Alliance Française conducts DELF Exams at its several centers in India.
Northern India – Chandigarh, Delhi, Jaipur.
Eastern India – Kolkata.
Western India – Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Indore, Mumbai, Pune, Panjim, Vadodara,
Southern India – Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mangalore,
Trichy, and Trivandrum. Some of the test centers change every year.
When are the DELF exam dates in 2020?
Generally, DELF exams are conducted four times in a year, i.e., March, June, September, and December. DELF Pro, DALF, DELF Prim, and DELF Junior are also conducted a few times in a year though not at every center of Alliance Française.
Get in touch with the AF center nearest to you for confirmation on the exam dates
What are the DELF exam fees in 2020?
The DELF exam fees in 2020 are
DELF A1 and A2 (Internal – Rs 5310 / External – Rs 8,850)
DELF B1 and B2 (Internal – Rs 5900 and External – Rs 10,620)
DALF C1 and C2 (Internal – Rs 8260 and External – Rs 11,800)
Palium Skills offers and the course contents are designed and customized as per international standards DELF.
If you’re interested in pursuing a French Language in classroom or online then get in touch with us. Palium Institute of Foreign Languages conducts DELF level courses in A1, A2, B1, B2.
