Learning French

Test Centers

Some of the larger Alliance Française chapters are test centers for the administration of language tests emanating from France and recognized by French universities and other agencies. These tests include:

  • DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) and
  • DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française)
  • TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français)
  • TEF (Test d'Évaluation de Français)
  • Examens de Français des Affaires de la CCIP (Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris)
  • CFP (Certificat de Français Professionnel)
  • DFA1 (Diplôme de Français des Affaires, premier degré)
  • DFA2 (Diplôme de Français des Affaires, deuxième degré)

    • DELF and DALF     The DELF (Diplôme d'études en langue française) and DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française) are developed and administered by the CIEP (Centre international d'études pédagogiques) in Sèvres, outside of Paris. These exams are official qualifications awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify the competency of candidates from outside France in the French language. The DELF and DALF are composed of 6 independent diplomas that correspond to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (see Education Handbook, pages 155-159).

    The 6 diplomas that make up DELF and DALF are completely independent. This means that candidates can register for the examination of their choice, according to their level (see CEF/CECR Global Scale).
    At each level, 4 skills are evaluated:
  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Writing

    • Candidates may take the DELF and DALF at the following Alliances Françaises:
  • AF de Seattle (WA)
  • French Institute Alliance Française (NY)

    • More detailed information on the DELF and DALF is available at: www.ciep.fr/delfdalf - TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) The TCF is developed and administered by the CIEP (Centre international d'études pédagogiques) in Sèvres, outside of Paris. Designed to facilitate international exchange and professional mobility, the TCF is geared towards foreign learners of French who are looking for a simple and reliable means of having their French language skills officially recognized. The test is scored on a scale from 1 to 6.

    The basic TCF (90 minutes) consists of 80 multiple-choice items in three sections:
  • compréhension écrite
  • maîtrise des structures grammaticales
  • compréhension orale
    • These sub-tests are sent to Paris and scored electronically.

    The candidate may also take two additional sub-tests (2 hours).
  • compréhension orale
  • compréhension écrite

    • Candidates may take the TCF at the following Alliances Françaises:
  • AF de Berkeley (CA)
  • AF de Denver (CO)
  • AF de Los Angeles (CA)
  • AF de Miami (FL)
  • AF de Puerto Rico (PR)
  • AF de San Francisco (CA)
  • AF de Tulsa (OK)

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    More detailed information on the TCF is available at: www.ciep.fr/tcf
    TEF (Test d'Évaluation de Français)

    Designed to test the students' ability to understand and to express themselves in French, the TEF is intended for those who wish to study in France or to work in an international company where French skills are required. For Canadian immigrants applying for Permanent Residence in the independent/skilled worker category, the TEF is the approved test for demonstrating French language ability. Upon taking the TEF, candidates receive a certificate which is valid for one year. The results are given on a scale of 0+ to 6 together with an individual evaluation of the candidate's competence.

    The basic TEF (2 hours 10 minutes) consists of 150 multiple-choice items in three sections:
  • compréhension écrite (CE): 60 minutes, 50 questions
  • compréhension orale (CO): 40 minutes, 60 questions
  • lexique et structure (LS): 30 minutes, 40 questions

    • The candidate may also take two optional subtests:
  • compréhension écrite (EE): 60 minutes, 2 essay questions
  • compréhension orale (EO): 35 minutes, 2 discussion topics

    • Candidates may take the TEF at the following Alliances Françaises:
  • AF de Houston (TX)
  • AF de la Nouvelle Orléans (LA)
  • AF de Puerto Rico (PR)
  • AF de San Francisco (CA)
  • AF de Washington (DC)
  • FIAF de New York (NY)
  • French Library/Alliance Française de Boston (MA)

    • More detailed information on the TEF is available at: www.fda.ccip.fr

    Examens de Français des Affaires de la CCIP The Business French exams prepared and administered by the CCIP (Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris) validate the candidate's knowledge of French within a professional work-oriented context. These exams reflect three levels of competence.

    Candidates may take the CCIP Business French exams at the following Alliances Françaises:
  • AF de Boston (MA)
  • AF de Chicago (IL)
  • AF de Saint Louis (MO)
  • AF de Westchester (NY)
  • FIAF de New York (NY)

    • More detailed information on each of the above exams plus sample exam questions are available at: www.fda.ccip.fr

    CFP (Certificat de français professionnel)
      The CFP corresponds to an advanced beginner or low intermediate level of proficiency, representing approximately 250-300 hours of instruction.

    DFA1 (Diplôme de Français des Affaires, premier degré)
      The DFA1 corresponds to a high intermediate or advanced level of proficiency, representing approximately 450-500 hours of instruction.

    DFA2 (Diplôme de Français des Affaires, deuxième degré)
      The DFA2 corresponds to an advanced or superior level of proficiency, representing approximately 600 hours of instruction.