Complete Guide to Passing French Proficiency Exam

Key takeaways:

• French proficiency exams (DELF, DALF, TCF, TEF) measure your ability to use French in real-life situations and are aligned with the CEFR scale from A1 (beginner) to C2 (advanced)
• DELF and DALF are lifetime diplomas ideal for academic certification, while TCF and TEF are 2-year placement tests commonly required for immigration and employment
• Each exam tests four core skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, with specific scoring requirements and task formats you need to understand before registering
• A French tutor helps you prepare faster by giving targeted feedback on speaking and writing, the two skills hardest to improve alone

A French proficiency exam is often a key step for learners who want to study, work, immigrate, or officially certify their French level. These exams can feel intimidating at first, especially if you’re unsure which test to choose or how to prepare effectively. 

In this guide, I’ll explain what French proficiency exams are, compare the main tests (DELF, DALF, TCF, TEF), and share practical preparation tips based on my experience teaching French and helping students prepare for official exams. You’ll also learn how working with a tutor can make exam preparation more efficient and less stressful. 

If you’re already thinking about exam prep, many learners choose to work with French tutors to get personalized guidance and targeted practice. 

What is a French proficiency exam? 

A French proficiency exam is an official test designed to measure your ability to use the French language in real-life situations. 

These exams assess how well you can understand and communicate in French across different skills. They are administered by official organisations such as France Éducation International and the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Paris), and are recognised internationally. 

Most French proficiency exams are aligned with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), which defines levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near-native). Your exam results can be used for: 

• University admission 
• Immigration applications 
• Job requirements 
• Personal or professional certification 

Get personalized exam prep from certified French tutors. Book a trial lesson

What are the main French proficiency exams? 

The most widely recognised French proficiency exams are DELF, DALF, TCF, and TEF. Each serves a different purpose, so choosing the right one matters. 

DELF and DALF 

DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) are official diplomas awarded by the French Ministry of Education. 

Levels covered: 

• DELF: A1, A2, B1, B2 
• DALF: C1, C2 

Validity: Lifetime 

Best for:

• Academic purposes 
• Long-term certification 
• Learners who want a permanent diploma 

Each level is a separate exam. You only take the level you want to certify.

TCF 

The TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) is a placement-style proficiency test administered by France Éducation International.

Levels covered: A1 to C2 (scored) 

Validity: 2 years 

Best for: 

• Immigration 
• University applications 
• Situations where a quick level assessment is required 

The TCF includes compulsory and optional sections depending on your goal.

TEF 

The TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) is administered by CCI Paris Île-de-France. 

Levels covered: A1 to C2 (scored) 

Validity: 2 years 

Best for: 

• Immigration (Canada, France) 
• Employment requirements 
• Official language assessment 

Exam	Levels	Validity	Best for	Format
DELF	A1–B2	Lifetime	Study, certification	Separate level exams
DALF	C1–C2	Lifetime	Advanced certification	Separate level exams
TCF	A1–C2	2 years	Immigration, placement	Scored test
TEF	A1–C2	2 years	Immigration, work	Scored test

Which French proficiency exam should you take?

The right exam depends on your goal. 

• Studying in France: DELF B2 or DALF C1 
• Immigration: TCF or TEF (specific versions required) 
• Job requirements: Depends on employer; DELF exam or TEF are common
• Personal certification: DELF or DALF

From my experience as a French tutor, a common mistake I see is choosing an exam based on perceived difficulty rather than purpose. Some learners prepare for DELF when they actually need a TCF score, which can lead to unnecessary stress or delays. 

Unsure which test you need? Get expert advice from a French tutor.

How are French proficiency exams structured?

Most French proficiency exams test four core skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. 

Skill	What examiners assess
Listening	Understanding spoken French in real contexts
Reading	Comprehension of texts, instructions, and arguments
Writing	Ability to organise ideas clearly in written French
Speaking	Pronunciation, fluency, interaction, and coherence

Even strong speakers sometimes struggle with writing or structured speaking tasks, which is why exam-specific preparation is essential. 

How French proficiency exams are scored

Understanding how each French proficiency test is scored helps you set realistic goals and know what score you need.

DELF and DALF scoring

DELF and DALF use a 100-point scale. Each of the four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) is worth 25 points.

To pass:

• You need a minimum total score of 50/100
• You must score at least 5/25 in each skill

This means you cannot completely fail one section and pass the exam. Even if you score 25/25 in three skills, a 0/25 in one section means you fail overall.

TCF and TEF scoring

TCF and TEF don’t have pass/fail grades. Instead, they assess your French language proficiency and place you on the CEFR scale ranging from A1 to C2.

Each section receives a separate score:

• TCF: Scores range from 100 to 699 points per section
• TEF: Scores range from 0 to 699 points per section

Your final results show which CEFR level you achieved in each skill. You might be B2 in reading comprehension but B1 in speaking, this is normal.

What scores do you actually need?

Different institutions and programs have different requirements:

• Most French universities require B2 level (DELF B2 or equivalent TCF/TEF scores) for undergraduate admission
• Graduate programs often ask for C1 level
• Canadian immigration requires specific minimum scores in each skill for TEF Canada or TCF Canada (typically CLB 7, equivalent to B2)
• Employment requirements vary by employer and position

Always check the exact score requirements before you register. Some programs specify minimum scores for individual skills, not just overall language proficiency.

Get exam-specific score guidance from online French tutors who understand university and immigration requirements.

What to expect: Exam-specific task examples

Knowing the format of each French proficiency exam helps you prepare effectively. Here’s what you’ll actually encounter on test day.

DELF example tasks

Source: France Éducation International

Section	Duration	What to Expect
Listening	30 minutes	Listen to interviews, radio broadcasts, or conversations; answer multiple choice questions or short written responses; you’ll hear each recording twice
Reading	60 minutes	Read articles, letters, or opinion pieces; answer comprehension questions; demonstrate understanding of tone, purpose, and argument structure
Writing	60 minutes	Write a structured essay (250 words minimum); common topics include expressing and defending a point of view, writing formal letters, arguing for or against a position
Speaking	20 min prep + 20 min exam	Part 1: Present and defend a viewpoint based on a short document; Part 2: Debate with the examiner, defending your opinion

Note: The format shown reflects B2 level structure. Task complexity varies by level (A1, A2, B1, B2), but all DELF exams test the same four skills.

TCF example format

The compulsory sections of the TCF consist entirely of multiple choice questions.

Section	Duration	Format
Listening comprehension	25 minutes	29 multiple choice questions; audio clips ranging from short everyday conversations to longer discussions; questions increase in difficulty
Reading comprehension	45 minutes	29 multiple choice questions; texts include emails, articles, instructions, advertisements
Language structures	15 minutes	18 questions testing grammar and vocabulary; focuses on sentence completion and error identification
Speaking (optional)	12 minutes	3 tasks: describe an experience, give information based on a scenario, present and defend your viewpoint; recorded and evaluated later
Writing (optional)	60 minutes	Task 1: Write an article or message based on given information; Task 2: Write an argumentative essay

TEF example structure

TEF structure is similar to TCF but with different timing and question counts.

Section	Duration	Format
Reading comprehension	60 minutes	50 questions; texts from authentic French sources
Listening comprehension	40 minutes	60 questions; includes conversations, announcements, interviews, radio excerpts
Written expression	60 minutes	Section A: Write a short note or message; Section B: Write an argumentative essay (200+ words)
Spoken expression	15 minutes	Section A: Simulated phone conversation (get information or give instructions); Section B: Present and defend opinions on a given topic

Practice real exam tasks with feedback from certified French teachers who know exactly what examiners look for.

How long does it take to prepare for a French proficiency exam?

Your preparation timeline depends on your current French level, target score, study intensity, and available resources.

Timeline based on starting level

According to Cambridge English, it takes approximately 200 guided learning hours to progress from one CEFR level to the next. The US Foreign Service Institute estimates that French requires 600-750 classroom hours (24-30 weeks of intensive study) for English speakers to reach professional proficiency (approximately B2 level).

A1 to B2 (DELF B2 or equivalent)

• Intensive study: 12–18 months with 10–15 hours per week
• Moderate pace: 18–24 months with 5–8 hours per week

B1 to B2

• Intensive: 6–9 months
• Moderate: 9–12 months

B2 to C1 (DALF C1 or equivalent)

• Intensive: 9–12 months
• Moderate: 12–18 months

Already at target level but need exam practice

• 2–3 months of focused exam preparation

Study approaches

Self-study only — Slower progress; harder to improve speaking and writing without feedback

French language course + tutoring — Faster, more targeted improvement; particularly valuable for speaking practice and writing corrections

Intensive programs — 4–8 weeks of daily study; best for students who can dedicate several hours daily

From my experience, students who schedule regular sessions with a tutor and combine them with independent practice (reading, listening, vocabulary building) tend to progress more efficiently. Consistent contact with the language matters more than occasional marathon study sessions.

Pro tip: Take an online French test or French level test to determine your current level, then build a French study plan with tutors who can assess your progress and adjust your timeline.

How to pass the French proficiency exam

Tips and resources:

1. One-on-one tutoring on italki 

Personalised tutoring is one of the most effective ways to prepare. A French teacher can: 

• Identify weak points quickly 
• Simulate real exam conditions 
• Give precise feedback on speaking and writing 

Many learners choose to learn French online with structured exam preparation

Book a trial lesson with a French tutor

2. Official exam samples 

Always practise with real exam formats. This helps you understand timing, question types, and expectations.

3. Preparation books 

Exam-specific books provide structured exercises and model answers. Use them alongside speaking practice, not instead of it. 

4. Apps and listening resources 

Podcasts, news clips, and listening apps help build comprehension speed, which is crucial under exam conditions. 

5. Study groups or communities 

Studying with others keeps motivation high and helps you discover strategies you might not use alone.

Retake policies: What if you don’t pass?

Understanding retake policies helps you plan realistically and avoid unnecessary stress.

DELF and DALF retakes

• No mandatory waiting period between attempts
• You can retake the exam as soon as the next session is available
• Each attempt is a separate registration and fee
• Previous scores are not visible to institutions, only the diploma you choose to submit

TCF and TEF retakes

• You can retake anytime, but scores are valid for only 2 years
• Each test attempt generates a new certificate
• Most candidates retake within 2–3 months if they need a higher score

Important: If you’re applying for immigration and your scores expire before your application is processed, you’ll need to retake the test.

Passing a French proficiency exam starts with choosing the right test and preparing in a focused, strategic way. Understanding exam formats, practising all four skills, and using targeted resources can make a significant difference. 

From my experience teaching exam candidates, learners progress faster when they combine self-study with guided speaking and feedback. Working with an experienced tutor helps you avoid common mistakes and prepare with confidence. 

Prepare smarter for the DELF exam with personalized lessons from expert French teachers. Practice real exam tasks, get feedback, and improve quickly.

FAQ

Which French test is the easiest?

There’s no universally “easiest” French exam, difficulty depends on your learning style and goal. DELF assesses a fixed level with pass/fail scoring, while TCF and TEF use multiple choice for compulsory sections and place you on the CEFR scale. The easiest exam for you is the one that matches your current level and the one you’re actively preparing for.

Which is harder, DELF or TCF?

DELF requires you to demonstrate a specific CEFR level across all skills—if you’re not at that level, you’ll fail. TCF places you on the CEFR scale, so you can’t “fail,” but you might not score high enough for your purpose. DELF tasks are more open-ended; TCF compulsory sections use multiple choice. Prepare for whichever format your institution requires.

Is the TEF exam hard to pass?

TEF doesn’t use pass/fail scoring, it measures your proficiency and assigns a CEFR level. Whether it’s “hard” depends on what score you need. If you require B2 but you’re at B1, you’ll need focused preparation. The listening (60 questions) and reading (50 questions) sections test stamina and speed. With structured study, most learners reach their target score.

What is the exam for French proficiency?

The main French proficiency exams are DELF, DALF, TCF, and TEF. DELF and DALF are lifetime diplomas from the French Ministry of Education. TCF and TEF are 2-year placement tests. Academic study usually requires DELF or DALF; immigration often requires TCF or TEF (specific variants for Canada or France). All are aligned with the CEFR.

Which exam is easy, TEF or TCF?

TEF and TCF are similar in structure and difficulty, both assess your level across the CEFR scale. TCF has 29 listening questions in 25 minutes; TEF has 60 questions in 40 minutes. The pacing difference might suit different test-taking styles. Your choice should be based on which test your institution accepts, not perceived difficulty.

What is A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 for French?

A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 are the six CEFR levels measuring language proficiency.

• A1 (beginner): basic phrases and introductions.
• A2 (elementary): routine tasks and simple descriptions.
• B1 (intermediate): travel situations and opinions.
• B2 (upper intermediate): fluent interaction with native speakers.
• C1 (advanced): flexible use in professional contexts.
• C2 (mastery): spontaneous, precise expression.