What is the DALF Certificate?
The Advanced Certificate of French Language Proficiency (DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française)) is an official French language diploma awarded by the French Ministry of National Education. It certifies advanced proficiency in French and is intended for non-native speakers. The DALF is recognized internationally and is valid for life. Get a DALF certificate online.
It covers the two highest levels of the CEFR:
- DALF C1: Advanced user
- DALF C2: Mastery
DALF Versions
| Version | Target Group | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| DALF C1 | Adults 18+ | C1 |
| DALF C2 | Academics/Professionals | C2 |
Note: No junior/child versions (unlike DELF).
Exam Structure
DALF C1 (4h total)
| Section | Duration | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Compréhension Orale | 40 min | Long audio (interview/lecture), MCQs & summaries |
| Compréhension Écrite | 50 min | Long texts (1,500-2,000 words), synthesis |
| Production Écrite | 2h 30min | Essay (250+ words) + structured argumentation |
| Production Orale | 30 min | Presentation + debate (prep: 1h) |
DALF C2 (3h 30min total)
| Section | Duration | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Compréhension & Production Orale | 30 min | Analyze audio documents + debate |
| Compréhension & Production Écrite | 3h | Write coherent text (e.g., report/article) from documents |
Registration Process
- Find a center (Alliance Française, French Institutes, FEI partners).
- Choose C1 or C2 (cannot take both in same session).
- Submit:
- ID photo
- Registration form
- Proof of prior French study (recommended but not mandatory)
- Pay fees (non-refundable).
Cost (2024)
| Level | Price Range (EUR) | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | €150-€250 | $160-$270 |
| C2 | €180-€300 | $190-$320 |
*Prices higher outside France (e.g., US: $300-$400).*
Eligibility
- No formal prerequisites, but recommended:
- C1: 600+ hours of French study
- C2: 1,000+ hours or DALF C1 pass
- Minimum age: 18 (no upper limit).
- Not for beginners (A1-B2 should take DELF).
Results & Certification
- Results: 4-8 weeks post-exam.
- Passing: 50/100 minimum, with ≥5/25 per section.
- Diploma: Issued by French Ministry of Education (mailed in 3-6 months).
- Validity: Lifetime (unlike TCF’s 2-year validity).
- Retakes: Failed sections can be retaken within 1 year (at some centers).
Preparation Tips
- Official Resources:
- FEI’s Réussir le DALF books
- France Éducation International past papers
- Practice:
- Write 300-word essays weekly (C1)
- Analyze French media (Le Monde, RFI)
- Mock Exams:
- Take timed tests at Alliance Française.
Get a valid DALF certificate online. Pass the DALF exam on the first attempt. Apply for a DALF certificate online. Get a DALF Tout Public certificate online.
Why Take the DALF?
- Required for entry into French universities (C1 often expected)
- Proof of near-native fluency for professional or academic use
- Accepted for immigration or naturalization in some French-speaking countries
- Recognized by employers, institutions, and governments worldwide