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Update regarding the Diplôme d’études langue française (DELF) exam for Spring 2021:
Dates and times for the exam are mandated by FEI and communicated to the Ministry of Education DELF Centre, who in turn provides this information to school boards across Ontario. The current situation regarding COVID-19 in our communities is constantly evolving and health and safety standards continue to change in order to adapt necessary precautions which are required to keep staff and students safe.
The very specific requirements needed to properly administer, complete and assess the collective component of the exam (reading, writing and listening), along with the oral component of the exam do not allow us to be able to provide the DELF to students this year. Under the current health and safety guidelines it will not be possible to maintain both the standards mandated by FEI and the directives provided by the Durham Public Health Department. Although we recognize and appreciate the importance of the DELF exam to students as recognition of their commitment to their French language studies and their language proficiency, we must continue to maintain the high levels of health and safety precautions that will keep all staff and students safe from COVID-19.
Updated information regarding the DELF exam for this current academic year and potential opportunities through Alliance Française Toronto Alliance Francaise Toronto will be available for students and their families on the DELF webpage of the Board website.
DELF Exam Update (March 1, 2021):
With the support of our community partner, Alliance Française Toronto, we are pleased to announce an opportunity for current Durham Catholic District School Board Grade 12 students to participate in the DELF exam this spring. Alliance Française Toronto has made available a very limited number of spots for DCDSB students with registration based on a first-come, first served basis. Each of the four levels of the exam (A1, A2, B1 and B2) have 20 spots open to interested students through a registration process handled exclusively by Alliance Française Toronto at their North York campus between May 3 - 6, 2021.
Please note that the exam registration process, transportation, and all applicable fees apply and are the responsibility of the student. Alliance Française Toronto will assume responsibility for all communication with students relating to the exam process and is not the responsibility of DCDSB staff. Registration closes on April 1, 2021.
For additional information and to register, please contact Rachel Pestre at rachel@alliance-francaise.ca.
Diplôme d’études langue française (DELF)
Through partnerships with the Ministry of Education and Alliance Française de Toronto, we are pleased to offer Core French and Extended French students registered in a Grade 12 FSL course (Semester 1 or 2) the opportunity to participate in the Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) Proficiency Exam.
If you are entering Grade 12, take time to review the DELF levels at http://www.ciep.fr/delf-junior-scolaire and/or www.destinationdelf.ca.
Benefits of DELF
The benefits of completing the DELF proficiency exam are:
- Official proof of a student's French language skills.
- Recognized in 160 countries.
- Recognized by universities, employers and the Canadian Federal Government.
- The diploma is valid for life.
- Helps students set future language learning goals.
Watch our video and learn why our students are taking the DELF Proficiency Exam.
What is the DELF Proficiency Exam?
The Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) is an internationally recognized assessment of French proficiency. The exam measures a student's ability to use French in everyday life. Students' French skills are measured across four areas:
- Listening;
- Speaking;
- Reading; and
- Writing.
Our students choose one of three testing levels to complete - A2, B1, and B2. The student's French teacher will discuss the best testing level for a student to complete.
The DELF Proficiency Exam has two components - a written exam and an oral interview.
Upon completion, successful candidates will receive a DELF diploma from France’s Ministry of National Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is the DELF Proficiency Exam? |
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The Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) is an internationally recognized test of French proficiency. It is based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which defines language proficiency along six global levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Students participating in the DELF exam as part of this opportunity will have the choice of completing an A2, B1 or B2 level exam. At each level, proficiency is measured across four competencies: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The French Ministry of National Education based in Paris, France awards successful candidates a diploma that is valid for life. The exam is:
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| Who can participate in the exam process? |
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Students registered in a Grade 12 French course (Core French or French Immersion) and who have not previously taken the DELF are eligible. Students across the region have an opportunity to participate in the DELF exam. A limited number of spaces are available. Additional information regarding eligibility to participate in the DELF proficiency exam can be obtained from your school. |
| When does the exam take place? |
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The exam dates are selected by France Education International, which is the Ministry of Education in France. Dates and times of the exam cannot be modified in any way. |
| Where does the exam take place? |
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Information regarding exam location will be posted once registration information is available. Students will be informed of their location site in advance of the exam dates. Transportation to and from the exam site is not provided. |
| How do I register? |
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Future opportunities to register for the DELF will be communicated on this webpage. Families are encouraged to speak with their current French teacher for additional information. |
| What is the registration fee for the exam? |
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The registration fee for the exam is based on the level selected. For reference, in previous years the B1 and B2 level exams, the fee was $130 and for an A2 level exam, the fee was $75. All fees are payable prior to completing the online registration and are non-refundable, and registration fees are subject to change. |
| What is the deadline to register? |
| Registration information will be posted once available. |
| How will students be selected to participate in the exam process? |
| Limited spaces are available and are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis based on each secondary school and will be equitably distributed between the French Immersion and Core French programs. |
| When will I be informed if I have been successful in registering? |
| Students will be informed in early April if they have been successful in the registration process. Information will be shared from the school. |
| What is the passing grade for each level of the DELF exam? |
| The minimum passing grade for each exam (A2, B1 and B2) is 50/100. It is important to note that a score of less than 50% does not entitle the student to receive a DELF certification in the next lower DELF level. For this reason, choosing the appropriate levelled exam is an important factor to consider. Students are encouraged to speak to their French teacher for guidance in making this decision. |
| Do the oral and written exams happen on the same day? |
| The written exam must take place on the dates provided by France Education International (Ministry of Education in France). All efforts are made to have students complete the oral component of the exam on the same day however; some oral exams may need to be scheduled on days outside of this date. |
| When will I be informed if I have passed my exam and when will I receive my certificate? |
| Students will be informed before the end of the school year if they have been successful in passing their exam. Certificates are sent directly from France and will be mailed to students’ home addresses in the fall. It is important that a clear mailing address is included on your registration form and that it is an address that will be valid for a minimum of eight months from the time of registering. |
| Where can I find online resources to support the DELF exam? |
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Online resources to support preparation for the oral and written parts of the exam can be found at the following websites:
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Testimonials
- "DELF is a great experience. I now want to study French throughout university." - Chelsea.
- "The DELF program not only helped me develop my French skills, but also my self-confidence." - Nicole.
- "DELF is a rewarding experience for all involved. We commend all students for their dedication and commitment to study French and we will continue to inspire our students to want to take this challenge." - FSL Teachers.
Contact us
For more information about DELF, please email Carol Caputo, Teaching and Learning Consultant for French as a Second Language (FSL) at the Durham Catholic District School Board at carolm.caputo@dcdsb.ca.