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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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Online registration will be available on this web page when registration for DELF opens in the spring. Payment for exam fee must be completed first using School Cash Online. NOTE: You will need the School Cash Online Reference number found on the receipt in order to complete the online registration. Payment must be received in order to be eligible to participate in the exam. |
| 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 B1 and B2 level exams, the fee is $130 and for an A2 level exam, the fee is $75. All fees are payable prior to completing the online registration and are non-refundable.
School Cash Online is the only payment option available this year. |
| 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.