French language certifications and diplomas (DELF/DALF) [fr]

General information on DELF/DALF exams

The French Ministry of Education, through its operator France Éducation international, offers a wide range of certifications (diplomas and tests) in French as a foreign language to evaluate the competencies of non-native French speakers.

These diplomas and tests are standardised against six levels (A1-A2-B1-B2-C1-C2) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).

DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en langue française)/DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de langue française) diplomas are valid for life and are internationally recognised.

There are four formats offered in New Zealand ; DELF/ DALF Tout Public, DELF Prim, DELF Junior, and DELF Scolaire.

For more information, see www.france-education-international.fr/en/delf-dalf

The Alliance Française network is responsible for administering the exams, with overall coordination provided by the Embassy of France.

What are the advantages of having a DELF or DALF certification?

Access to French universities
Achievement of DELF B2, DALF C1 or C2 provides exemption from the university entrance language tests in all French universities, for the DAP (demande d’admission préalable) university entrance procedure required to access French tertiary institutions.

A professional advantage
Having a French language certification is an attractive feature on your CV and could assist in obtaining employment in French-speaking countries.

Tests adapted to your level
Seven levels and four exam formats are offered, from A1.1 to C2 in line with European standards. DELF-DALF certifications are independent diplomas meaning that candidates can enrol directly in the level corresponding to their French level. To pass the exam, 50% of the points must be achieved over four language competencies. A higher mark in one competency could compensate for a lower mark in another competency. A mark lower than 5/25 in one of the competencies is grounds for failure.

Worldwide recognition
The DELF/DALF diplomas are internationally recognised in 174 countries over five continents and offered in over 1000 accredited exam centres. They are an opportunity for non-native French-speakers to validate their French level, whether for academic or professional purposes. All formats of DELF (Tout public, Junior, Scolaire and Prim) have the same value and offer the same advantages.

Join the network of 500 000 candidates per year in the world!

These diplomas have the potential to open doors to the French-speaking world, with countries on all five continents.

Calendar 2024

[(DELF DALF for the general public:

• Saturday 4th of May 2024
• Saturday 19th of October 2024

DELF Junior : Saturday 11th of May and 2nd Novembre 2024
DELF Prim : Saturday 11th of May and 2nd Novembre 2024
DELF Scolaire : Saturday 24th of August 2024

Please note that not all sessions are offered by each Alliance Française.

Contact your nearest Alliance Française !

DELF-DALF exam centres
Alliance Française Auckland
Alliance Française Palmerston North
Alliance Française Wellington
Alliance Française Nelson-Tasman
Alliance Française Christchurch
Alliance Française Dunedin
Alliance Française Hamilton