TCF vs TEF vs DELF: Which French Exam Should You Take?

Key takeaways

• TCF and TEF are proficiency tests that report your level on the CEFR scale, with results valid for two years.
• DELF is a permanent diploma awarded at a specific CEFR level that never expires.
• TCF is the most widely accepted test for French university admission via TCF DAP.
• TEF Canada and TCF Canada are both accepted for Canadian immigration, but they have different formats.
• DELF is the best choice if you want a credential that stays on your CV without renewal.

Three French exams. Three issuing bodies. Three sets of rules, formats, and use cases. And almost no clear guidance on which one applies to your situation.

If you’re preparing for French certification, knowing the difference between TCF, TEF, and DELF before you register saves you from taking the wrong test and repeating the process later.

This guide covers what each exam measures, how each is structured, which situations call for each one, and the key differences in how scores and diplomas work.

italki connects you with 30,000+ expert tutors trusted by over 10 million learners worldwide, including experienced French online tutors who have coached learners for certification in all three formats.

Overview: TCF, TEF, and DELF at a glance

Feature	TCF	TEF	DELF/DALF
Issuing body	France Education International	CCI Paris Ile-de-France	France Education International
Type	Proficiency test (score)	Proficiency test (score)	Level-based diploma
Validity	2 years	2 years	Permanent (no expiry)
University use	Yes (TCF DAP for France)	No specific university version	Yes (widely accepted)
Immigration use	TCF Canada, TCF Quebec	TEF Canada, TEFAQ	No (not used for immigration)

The most important distinction:TCF and TEF tell you and institutions what your level is right now. DELF certifies that you have permanently demonstrated competence at a specific level. Book a trial lesson with an online French tutor and narrow down which exam matches your exact goal.

What is the TCF?

The TCF is issued by France Education International. The core exam has three mandatory sections: listening, structure of the language, and reading comprehension. The core sections produce a single score from 0 to 699, valid for two years. Prepare for the TCF with a French tutor who specialises in the exam to understand the scoring breakdown and target your weak sections.

What is the TEF?

The TEF is created by CCI Paris Ile-de-France. It measures proficiency across listening, reading, writing, and speaking with separate scores for each section.

Prepare for the TEF with a French teacher who specialises in the exam to build all four skills and understand how each section’s score contributes to your overall result.

Recommended reading: Cheap Online French Tutors for TEF Prep

What is the DELF?

The DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) is issued by France Education International and is fundamentally different: it is a diploma, not a proficiency test.

You register for a specific CEFR level (A1, A2, B1, or B2 for DELF; C1 or C2 for DALF) and take an exam designed for that level. If you pass, you receive a permanent diploma that never expires.

Each DELF level requires a minimum total score of 50 out of 100 and at least 5 out of 25 in each individual component.

Prepare for your target DELF level with a French online tutor who specialises in the exam to ensure you meet the minimum score in each component and earn your permanent diploma.

Key differences that affect your choice

Permanence: DELF/DALF never expires. TCF and TEF scores expire after two years.

University admission in France: TCF DAP is the standard requirement for public French universities. DELF B2 or DALF C1 is also accepted. TEF is not typically used for French university admission.

Canadian immigration: Only TCF Canada and TEF Canada are accepted by IRCC. DELF is not accepted for Canadian immigration.

Which French exam is right for you?

• Applying to a public French university? Take TCF DAP, or check whether the programme accepts DELF B2 or DALF C1.
• Applying for Canadian immigration? Take TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
• Need a credential that never expires? Take DELF or DALF at the appropriate CEFR level.
• Applying for French citizenship? TCF and TEF are both commonly accepted.

Identify which exam matches your goal with a French language tutor who can confirm your target test and build a prep plan around it.

How to prepare for any of the three exams

French teachers on italki can run a diagnostic session that tells you where you stand relative to your target level, which skills are closest to ready, and what the specific exam format expects. Each exam has its own question types, time limits, and scoring logic that general French study does not address.

For DELF, the speaking component is the most unpredictable section to prepare for alone. Rehearsing with a real teacher before the exam removes most of the day-of uncertainty. Whatever exam you are preparing for, targeted practice that mirrors the actual format is what separates a prepared candidate from one who hopes their general French is enough.

Choosing the wrong French exam means retaking a test you didn’t need and delaying your goal by months. A French tutor can run a diagnostic session that matches you to the right exam, shows you where you stand relative to your target level, and builds a prep plan specific to that exam’s format.

Trusted by over 10 million learners worldwide, italki has tutors specialising in TCF, TEF, and DELF preparation. Browse French tutors on italki and book a trial lesson today.

FAQ

Do French universities accept all three exams?

Most public French universities accept TCF DAP. Many also accept DELF B2 or DALF C1. TEF is generally not used for French university admission.

Which exam is easiest to pass?

At the same CEFR level, no exam is clearly easier. TCF and TEF report your current level as a score without a pass/fail threshold. DELF requires genuine competence at the specific level to award the diploma.

Can I use DELF for Canadian immigration? No. Canadian immigration via IRCC requires either TEF Canada or TCF Canada. DELF is not on the approved list of French language tests for IRCC immigration applications.