Today in French like in other languages, more and more candidates need their level in the foreign languages to be certified.
The only diplomas in French DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) were created 30 years ago. With 1165 centers of examination in 174 countries in the world, 400 000 candidates per year attend the tests, delivered by the French Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Research. Since 1985, they were 6.550.000 persons registered for DALF and DELF.
Besides, since 2000 one can observe a normalization of teaching foreign languages, with the international spread of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: this underlines a real willingness to improve teaching and certification, whatever the languages, throughout Europe.
The CIEP (Centre International d’Etudes Pédagogiques) activities includes the certifications of tests, the professional teams and examination centers. These certifications are recognized and used by the ministries of education of the 174 countries involved in French teaching and French culture promoting.
A practical diploma for each profile
DELF and DALF offer a large choice of certifications (diplomas and tests), from the very first steps in French (level A1) till the higher levels (C2). These 4 types of certification are adapted to all ages and publics:
- The DELF for all certifies 4 levels: A1, A2, B1, B2 and the DALF certifies levels C1 and C2
- The Junior and scholar DELF, for adolescents 12-17 years old at school (4 diplomas from A1 to B2)
- The Prim DELF for children in primary school certifies 3 levels (A1.1, A1.1 and A.2 )
- The DELF Pro, for professional French, certifies 4 independent diplomas from A1 till B2
DELF and DALF are independent and certify the mastering of 4 language skills: oral and written understanding, oral and written expression. These tests are based on realistic situations of everyday life: understanding audio messages and papers extracts for example, writing emails or dialogues, having a conversation and expressing about practical topics. They allow knowing precisely one’s abilities to master the situations in French speaking environments, following a vision focused on action: the users are seen like social actors having to fulfill practical tasks in personal, public, educational or professional environments.
Do students need a certified level in French to register in University?
For L1 (1st year), the extra-european students have to obtain the TCF (Test de Connaissance du français), based on 4 tests: oral understanding, grammar and vocabulary, written understanding and written production. The TCF, valid during 2 years, gives your level in French from A1 to C2.
More info on TCF?
Read www.ciep.fr/tcf and find the certified centers for TCF in the world: www.ciep.fr/tcf-tout-public/coordonnees-centres-passation
To register in L2 & 3, Master 1 & 2, PhD and institutions of Higher education, every institution decides the criteria of eligibility. The students must always ask information directly to the chosen institution of higher education.
And what about you?
Are you already learning French? Did you ever test your level in French? You can do it on www.campus-electronique.tm.fr/TestFle/ and you even can choose your mother language (English or Spanish) to be sure to understand better what you must do in the tests !
For further information on all the French tests, read CIEP website: www.ciep.fr and specifically for DELF and DALF, read the frequently asked questions: www.ciep.fr/delf-dalf/faq.
If you need learning French, wherever you live in the world, there is a French institute not far.
But if you cannot attend a regular course, My French Pass offers you the opportunity to learn regularly by Skype, with a native French teacher, from home or office. You also can visit us for workshops in St Antonin Noble Val. Discover our workshops here and contact My French Pass!
Certify your level!
Because it is motivating to have a goal when learning a language. It is rewarding also to graduate step by step from the very first sentences to the real conversation with French friends or professional peers!