DELF-DALF Exams

FRANÇAIS

Exams offered at the SFU Exam Center

The SFU Exam Center offers the following exams:

Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) :

  • DELF B1 TOUT PUBLIC
  • DELF B2 TOUT PUBLIC

Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF) :

  • DALF C1

The following chart describes the different levels:

Level

Description  

DALF C1

Proficient user

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

DELF B2

Independent user

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.

Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

DELF B1

Independent user

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.

Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

DELF TOUT PUBLIC

The DELF TOUT PUBLIC is a general diploma and is sufficient for most assessments required for adults and young adults.

This chart is adapted from the Cadre européen commun de référence pour les langues : apprendre, enseigner, évaluer (CECR) « Tableau 1 – Niveaux communs de compétence – Échelle globale » (pages 25 to 28).

If you are applying to the French Module of the Professional Development Program at SFU, find out which level is required for admission.

Format and duration of the exams

Each exam consists of two tests:

  • Group test - listening, reading and writing
  • Individual test - speaking

You can consult detailed descriptions of the DELF and DALF exams.

Individual speaking tests are scheduled on the same day following the group test.  If and only if the number of candidates does not allow us to schedule the tests the same day as the group test, the tests will be scheduled on the Saturday or within two weeks of the group test. Please note that you cannot choose the date or time of your individual speaking test. The schedules will be confirmed once registration numbers are confirmed.  

The group test starts at 9 a.m.

Exam

Group test

Preparation for individual test   

Individual test

DELF B1

1 hour and 55 minutes*

10 min.

15 min.

DELF B2

2 hours and 30 minutes

30 min.

20 min.

DALF C1

4 hours

1 hour

30 min.

* Duration starting in March 2020 (used to be 1 hour and 45 minutes)

Location

The exam sessions take place on one of the campuses: SFU Burnaby, SFU Vancouver (Harbour Centre) or SFU Surrey.
The March 2020 session will take place at SFU Surrey.

Results

Results should be available 4 to 6 weeks after the exams. Diplomas may take up to 6 months to arrive after the exams.