There are several French exams that certify your level of mastery of the French language. These diplomas are valid for life and can be a real professional advantage.
At the Alliance Française of Kandy, you can take the DELF and DALF exams.
The Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF or Diploma of French Language Studies) is an internationally recognized French Language Proficiency Certificate awarded by France’s national Ministry of Education. It consists of a series of 4 assessments to evaluate and certify the French language skills of applicant. The DELF is made up of four diplomas, independant of each other (meaning that you could take level B1 even if you have not taken level A1 or A2)
A1/ A2 Corresponds to a Basic Level
B1/ B2 Corresponds to an Intermediate Level
At each level, the four language skills are evaluated (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Here is a short summary of what can be expected at each level :
For Children (7 to 12 y.o)
DELF prim (A1.1, A1 and A2)
This version of the DELF is intended for children who are beginners in French as a foreign language and who are undertaking studies at the French elementary level. The tests are developed on the same model as the DELF tout public, but the subjects are adapted to the age of the candidates.
For Teenagers (12 to 17 y.o)
DELF Junior (A1, A2, B1, B2
The exams are adapted to the teenage lifestyle and correspond to the interests of teens.
Tout Public (teenagers, adults)
DELF A1
is the first level. You are capable of simple interactions. At this level, you must be able to introduce yourself and ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, people you know, and things you have.
Duration of evaluation: 1h20
DELF A2
is also a basic level. In addition to the skills of A1, you are able to perform simple tasks of daily life.
Duration of evaluation: 1h40
DELF B1
is an intermediate level. You are considered an independant user capable of managing familiar situations encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. You can deal with most situations that may arise while traveling in a French speaking country. You can describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Duration of evaluation : 1h45
DELF B2
is a higher degree of independence. You can understand the main ideas of a complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialisation. You can converse with native speakers with a degree of fluency and spontaneity. You can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Duration of evaluation : 2h30
The Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF or Advanced diploma in French language) certificate is useful to anyone wanting to pursue higher education studies in France or in French, as it certifies you have the required language skills and you won’t need to take a separate language test.If you’re planning on applying to study a master’s degree at a university in France, you have to pass DALF C1. It’s also open to you if you simply want to improve your French for pleasure – and if you enjoy working autonomously, you’ll really enjoy this course. DALF is also often the diploma of choice for anyone wanting to get a job in large companies where employees are expected to be fluent in French
DALF C1
requires a high level of language competence which is tested within a rigorous framework. Moreover, it requires a vast knowledge of cultural, social, political, economic and scientific French topics. In addition, you are expected to understand the way French people submit an exam, which can be very different from what you are used to in your own country.
Duration of evaluation: 4h
DALF C2
C2 users' proficiency in the language is illustrated by precision, appropriateness and fluency of expression. C2 candidates are capable of using the language for academic and advanced-level purposes.
Duration of evaluation: 3h30
Whatever your level with the French language, it is better to follow an exam preparation course than to attempt to study for the French exams on your own because each exam has its special characteristics and methodologies that can be difficult to discover and understand alone.