OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION DIPLOMAS
OF FRENCH LANGUAGE SKILLS:
THE DELF, DALF AND TEF
DELF AND DALF DIPLOMAS
DELF (Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) are official qualifications awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify the competency of candidates from outside France in the French language. They are now monitored by the CIEP (Centre International d'Etudes Pédagogiques) in Paris.
DELF and DALF are composed of 6 independent diplomas of which qualifications are consistent with:
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the international standards for test development (http://www.alte.org )
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the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/cadre_en.asp)
There is also a specially adapted version of the DELF diplomas for teenagers.
The 6 diplomas (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2) that make up DELF and DALF are completely independent. This means that candidates can register for the examination of their choice, according to their level.
At each level, 4 skills are evaluated: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
The DELF and the DALF are designed to assess the communicative skills of a candidate in a real situation, using authentic documents, and evaluate know-how (writing a letter, asking for information, exchanging opinions) rather than the linguistic and formal grammatical knowledge.
WHY TAKE THE DELF AND THE DALF?
The DELF and the DALF are officially recognized by the French Ministry of Education and the European Consortium for Foreign Languages, and constitute the equivalent of the American TOEFL. People who have passed the DALF (C1 or C2) are exempt from taking language tests for entrance into French universities. In addition, they are recognized and valued by French and European employers.
WHO CAN TAKE THE DELF?
The DELF and the DALF suit the needs of high school students, college students and adults.
If you are not French and would like your French skills to be recognized for personal or professional purposes…
…you can take DELF and/or DALF.
If you are a non-French-speaking French person…
…you can obtain authorization from the National Commission for DELF and DALF to take the DELF examinations.
WHAT DOES THE EXAM CONSIST OF?
DELF EXAMS
DELF A1
This level recognizes basic knowledge. It is the most basic level at which a language is used, called the “discovery” stage. At this stage, the learner can interact in a simple way: he/she can speak about him/herself and his/her immediate environment.
DELF A2
DELF A2 is based on the same principle: it recognizes the linguistic competency of a basic user, considered as a social actor. The candidate can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring the most common polite phrases and exchanges of information.
DELF B1
At this level, the user becomes independent. He/she can maintain interaction: he/she can understand and maintain a discussion and give his/her opinion. He/she is capable of dealing with situations likely to arise in daily life.
DELF B2
A B2 user has a degree of independence that allows him/her to construct arguments to defend his/her opinion, explain his/her viewpoint and negotiate. At this level, the candidate has a degree of fluency and spontaneity in regular interactions and is capable of correcting his/her own mistakes.
DELF, junior version
The junior version of DELF has the same basic structure as the standard DELF. Only the topics are different: the materials take into account the interests of young people. It can only be taken by children of secondary-level age. The diploma awarded is identical to the standard DELF diploma.
There are four diplomas for teenagers and schoolchildren:
DELF A1 & A2 for basic-level users
DELF B1 & B2 for independent users
DALF EXAMS
DALF C1
Language users at level C1 are independent. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously. They have a large vocabulary and can choose the appropriate expression to introduce their comments. They can produce clear, well-structured discourse without hesitation and which shows controlled use of structures.
DALF C2
C2 users' proficiency in the language is illustrated by precision, appropriateness and fluency of expression. C2 candidates are capable of using the language for academic and advanced-level purposes.
TEF: TEST D’EVALUATION DU FRANCAIS
WHERE AND WHEN CAN I TAKE THE TEF?
The TEF - Test d’Evaluation du Français is destined to assess the level in the French language of people who are not native French speakers.
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It assesses comprehension and expression skills in general French.
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It gives a quantitative and qualitative measure of the level of candidate's linguistic and communication skills.
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It offers a detailed and personalized analysis of results.
The overall objective of the TEF is to measure the level of candidates' knowledge, linguistic and communications skills in general French. The TEF includes:
3 Compulsory Sections
(2 hours 10 minutes)
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2 Optional Sections
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Written Comprehension
Listening Comprehension
Vocabulary and Structures
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Written Expression (1 hour)
Oral Expression (35 minutes)
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TAKING THE DELF-DALF AND TEF EXAMS
All three of these exams are offered in New York City in the fall and spring at the French Institute Alliance Française.
For registration dates and dates of examination sessions in New York, visit the site of the French Institute Alliance Française: http://www.fiaf.org/frenchclasses/frenchexams.shtml
French Institute Alliance Française
Language Center
22 East 60th Street
New York, NY 10022
Tel: (646) 388-6612
Email: languagecenter@fiaf.org
For other examination centers in the USA contact your local Alliance Française. You will find a listing of the Alliance Française in the USA on the web:
http://www.afusa.org/chap/alli_loca.html
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE EXAMS?
You can prepare for the exam by taking courses at FIAF, and by consulting specific textbooks in the Library:
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Courses at FIAF: FIAF offers several grammar review classes and specific workshops; please consult website or call the School Office
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Resources at the FIAF Library:
Books to prepare for the DELF and the DALF tests (classed as 449/DIP) are available in the Centre de Ressources FLE in the FIAF Library. These include workbooks and sample tests guidebooks.
INTERNET RESOURCES.
Le Centre International d’Etudes Pédagogiques (www.ciep.fr)
This site gives sample questions from the exams, as well as information concerning exam centers, sessions, dates of exams, and fees. Email:delfdalf@ciep.fr
L’Ambassade française aux Etats-Unis (www.frenchculture.org Click education and then “Studying in France” then “Practical information”
Provides a calendar of exam dates, a detailed description of the diplomas and a FAQ page. Links to all of the Alliances Françaises in the US.
FrenchResources.com http://www.frenchresources.info/module_ressources/en/htm/body/body_certifications.htm
Provides information on the various evaluative tests offered to determine a person’s level of knowledge in French: DELF/DALF, TEF, etc
J:/textsforpublic/pathfinders/delfdalfeng – Last updated 8/10
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