What Is the DALF Exam?

The DALF is the Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française, or Advanced Certificate of French Language Proficiency, issued by the French Ministry of National Education (via France Éducation Internationale).

It is the official French proficiency certificate for fluent or near-fluent French speakers.

Specifically, it focuses on testing for CEFR levels C1 and C2 (the top two levels of proficiency as assessed by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

What you need to know about the DALF exam

Here’s your guide to key facts about the DALF exam, including levels, format, scoring, costs and dates.

Levels

The DALF is not a test for beginner or intermediate French speakers – instead, those learners should look at the DELF exam. When you take the DALF, you will choose to take either the C1 or C2 level test. 

At the C1 level, you’ll be expected to use and understand complex grammar and vocabulary, express yourself clearly and engage in detailed discussions.

The C2 level is the same, but with added levels of subtlety and higher expectations of near-native fluency in French speaking and writing.

Essentially, at the C1 Level, you’ll be expected to be a fluent speaker of a second language. 

At the C2 level, you’ll be expected to have philosophical discussions and use complex reasoning in French.

Format

The DALF test format varies based on your chosen level.

C1

• Oral comprehension (40 minutes)

Two exercises – listen and respond to questions 

• Written comprehension (50 minutes)

One exercise – read and respond to questions 

• Writing production (2 hours 30 minutes)

Two exercises:

1. Synthesize given information in 220-240 words maximum 

2. Compose one written text of 250 words minimum 

• Oral production (1 hour to prepare, 30 minutes of testing)

Two parts – monologue and conversation exercises 

C2

• Reading comprehension and written production (3 hours 30 minutes)

One exercise – produce a structured text (for example, an article, editorial, report or speech) based on a collection of documents consisting of approximately 2,000 words 

• Oral comprehension and production (1 hour preparation, 30 minutes testing)

Three exercises: 

1. Summarize the content of an audio document 

2. Give a personal reflection based on the issue presented in the document

3. Debate with the exam jury 

Scoring

Both tests are marked out of 100 points, and you need to score at least 50 out of 100 to pass.

• The C1 test has 25 points per level. You need at least five points on each section to pass.

• The C2 test has 50 points per level. You need at least 10 points on each section to pass.

Costs

The exact cost varies based on your testing center and location. Due to the length and complexity of the tests, the DALF tends to be more expensive than the DELF. In the US, taking the DALF typically costs around $245.

Dates

Most testing centers conduct DALF exams a couple times a year. The test needs to be taken in person, so to find a test date, you’ll need to find a testing center near you or one that you’re willing to travel to, and then look up its scheduled exam dates.

DALF vs DELF: Key differences

The DELF and DALF are both official French proficiency certificates administered and accepted by the French government. Both types of certificates, once obtained, are valid for life.

The DELF tests from CEFR level A1 (beginner) to B2 (upper intermediate).

The DALF tests CEFR levels C1 and C2 (advanced).

Deciding which is right for you will depend on your current or target French proficiency level and the reason you want to take the test.

If, for example, you’re applying to undergraduate or graduate school in France, you may be able to move forward with the DELF B2, but you may have an easier time with admissions if you get the DALF C1. 

For French immigration and citizenship, you’ll likely need to complete at least the DELF B1 or B2, depending on the specific status you’re applying for and your circumstances.

Is the DALF right for you? Ideal candidates

The primary audiences for the DALF are

• Students, especially those applying to French universities.

• Professionals, especially those applying to French-language companies or work programs.

• Immigrants, especially those going for French citizenship (even though the DALF C1 is higher than the minimum level for eligibility).

In short, anyone with a high level of competency in French who is planning to study or work in a French-speaking environment may want to consider the DALF. A good score on an advanced test can help your application or resumé be considered more favorably.

Common mistakes to avoid and fast improvement tips

Here are a few preparation tips, frequent pitfalls and quick-win strategies to help improve scores for the DALF exam.

DALF exam preparation tips

• Take DALF practice tests online to get used to the format of the questions.

• Listen to sample DALF recordings and practice summarizing them and taking different positions on the topics discussed.

• Time yourself to make sure you can complete the various exercises without running over time or running out of things to say.

• Make use of French media, including radio, novels and newspapers to get used to reading and thinking about many different topics from a variety of sources.

• Lean on French-speaking friends and family, classmates or tutors to get practice speaking on topics continuously and for various lengths of time.

Tips for exam day

• Take notes as you listen to audio documents, and don’t get distracted by small details you miss – focus on understanding as much as you can, not obsessing about a word you didn’t catch.

• Make sure you read all the way through each exam question and test document before answering, making notes as you go.

• Organize your thoughts to give structure to your spoken and written responses.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Don’t jump in before you’re ready – the DALF exam is the most advanced French proficiency certification available, so take your time preparing and schedule a test date that gives you plenty of time to practice and study.

• Beware of mismanaging your time or ignoring word counts during testing.

• Don’t forget to defend your arguments or include personal opinions. Remember, the examiners are there to challenge your positions, and while it can feel uncomfortable, your task is to show your ability to defend your opinion in French, not agree with them.