DELF-DALF Exams
Exams offered at the SFU Exam Centre
The SFU Exam Centre 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 TOUT PUBLIC
The following chart describes the different levels:
Level |
Description |
| DELF/DALF TOUT PUBLIC | The DELF/DALF TOUT PUBLIC is a general diploma and is sufficient for most assessments required for adults and young adults. |
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 B2 Independent user |
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. |
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. |
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:
- 3 group tests - listening, reading and writing
- 1 individual test - speaking
You can consult detailed descriptions of the DELF and DALF exams.
Exam |
Group tests | Preparation for individual tests |
Individual tests following the preparation |
DELF B1 |
1 hour and 55 minutes |
10 minutes |
15 minutes |
DELF B2 |
2 hours and 30 minutes |
30 minutes |
20 minutes |
DALF C1 |
4 hours |
1 hour |
30 minutes |
Group Tests
For each exam level, all candidates take the group tests together on the same day at the same time.
The group tests begin at 9 a.m. Candidates should arrive 30 minutes before the start of the group tests. Candidates arriving after the start of the group tests (during the audio file) will NOT be allowed to take the exam.
Individual Tests
For the individual tests, each candidate is scheduled separately. You cannot choose the date or time of your test. Whenever possible, we will try to schedule your individual speaking test on the same day as the group tests. If the number of candidates does not allow us to schedule the individual tests on the same day as the group tests, your individual test may be scheduled another day (before or after the group tests, including Saturdays, within two weeks of the group tests).
NOTE
- The dates, times and locations of exams will be sent to candidates by email approximately one week prior to the week of DELF-DALF exams taking place.
- The number of spots for each exam is limited. If there are no more spots available or if it is past the registration deadline, contact educprog@sfu.ca.
Minimum score required to pass
Minimum required to pass and obtain the diploma: 50/100
Minimum required on each component of the exam to obtain the diploma: 5/25
| Tests | Score (maximum) |
| Listening (group) | 25 |
| Reading (group) | 25 |
| Writing (group) | 25 |
| Speaking (individual) | 25 |
Admission to the PDP/PLP French Module
For the DELF B1, if you took the exam prior to September 2022, an overall passing grade of 50% with a minimum score of 15/25 for each component of the exam is required for admission to the PDP/PLP French Module. For DELF B1 exams taken in September 2022 or later, a minimum score of 12/25 will be accepted for each component of the exam.
For the DELF B2 and the DALF C1, an overall passing grade of 50% with a minimum score of 5/25 for each component of the exam is required for admission to the French Module.
For PDP French Module admission, check the minimum language requirements here.
Location
The exam sessions generally take place on one of the campuses: SFU Surrey, SFU Vancouver (Harbour Centre) or SFU Burnaby.
Results
Results should be available from 2 to 4 weeks after the exams. Diplomas may take up to 4 to 6 months to arrive after the exams.