What: Official diplomas (A1, A2, B1, B2) that certify French ability according to the CEFR. They exist in several varieties (Tout Public / Junior / Prim / Pro) with age-appropriate content but the same diploma level. ([France Éducation international][1])

Decide which level & variety to take:

•  Choose the CEFR level that matches your real ability (A1 → beginner, B2 → independent user). You don’t have to pass A1 to register for A2, etc. Decide also the variety: “Tout public” (adults), “Junior / Scolaire” (students), “Prim” (children), or “Pro” (work-oriented).

1. Find an authorised exam centre (Alliance Française / Institut / FEI centres worldwide). Centres and dates are published by France Éducation International and by local Alliances.

2. Fill the registration form for the session and pay the fee before the centre’s deadline. Each centre handles fees/dates locally.

3. After registration you will receive a convocation (exam schedule and candidate number) — keep it. Some centres send a fee receipt you must present on exam day.

The DELF tests the four skills in every level: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking. The usual organisation:

• Epreuves collectives (written tests): Listening + Reading + Writing are usually held together on the same day — back-to-back in one session.

• Oral (Speaking): Scheduled separately (often same week or different day), as an individual oral exam with an examiner.

These are standard approximate timings — exact minutes can vary a little by centre/edition.

• A1 — Written collective ≈ 80 min; Speaking 5–7 min with 10 min prep.

• A2 — Written collective ≈ 100 min; Speaking 6–8 min with 10 min prep.

• B1 — Written collective ≈ 115 min; Speaking ≈ 15 min with 10 min prep.

• B2 — Written collective ≈ 150 min; Speaking ≈ 20 min with 30 min prep.

  (See official tables for exact minute breakdowns per skill.)

• Listening (Compréhension orale): short recordings (dialogs, announcements), you answer comprehension questions. Recordings often played twice at A1–B1; B2 uses a slightly different pattern.

• Reading (Compréhension écrite): one or more authentic texts with comprehension questions (finding info, interpreting short passages).

• Writing (Production écrite): tasks vary by level — short note/message at A1, personal letters/essays/articles at A2–B1, argumentative essay at B2 (longer, more structured). Time to plan and write is provided.

• Speaking (Production orale): A1/A2: guided exchange and role play; B1: guided conversation, interactive exercise, discussion of a document; B2: present and defend an opinion based on a short document. You usually get preparation time with a dossier or prompts.

Each skill is marked out of 25, so total = 100. Minimum to pass is 50/100 overall. In addition, you must obtain at least 5/25 in each skill — a score lower than 5 in any skill invalidates the diploma irrespective of total.

• Results timeline: Centres usually publish results a few weeks after the session (the timing varies by centre — plan for several weeks). You’ll be informed how to collect your diploma or transcript.

• Diploma: If you reach the pass criteria you receive the DELF diploma for that level; the diploma is valid for life and is internationally recognized.

You can retake the same DELF level as many times as needed until you pass. However, you cannot “retake just one module/skill” — the full examination at that level must be taken again (no partial re-sit). Also, if you want to retake an already-obtained diploma you must formally surrender the earlier diploma in writing before the new session (and be aware of the risks: failing the new attempt can invalidate the old one).

• Bring: original government-issued photo ID (passport / national ID / driver’s licence), your convocation/receipt if required, pens/pencils, eraser. Photocopies / digital receipts are sometimes not accepted — check centre rules.

• Arrive early: centres typically ask candidates to arrive well before the start time (check convocation). Late arrivals may be refused and the session considered failed.

• Not allowed: mobile phones, notes, dictionaries (unless specific authorised accommodation exists), or any electronic devices in the exam room. Specifics are set by the centre’s rules.

• Familiarize with format: do several full practice tests under timed conditions.

• Speaking: practise short structured answers, role-plays and opinion defence (B2). Learn useful connectors and set templates for introductions/conclusions.

• Writing: plan a short outline before you write; for higher levels pay attention to argument structure and linking phrases.

• Listening/Reading: practice skimming/scanning for answers and note-taking for audio.

• Use official past papers / sample tasks from France Éducation International or local Alliances; mock orals at your centre are especially helpful.

Choose level & variety → find centre → register & pay → keep convocation → bring ID & convocation on exam day → do written tests (collective) → do oral at scheduled time → wait for results (weeks) → collect diploma if eligible.