TEF vs DELF vs DALF: What’s the difference and which French exam should you take?

Ananya A Kukanur
4 days ago
3 min read

If you're learning French and need official proof of your proficiency, you've likely come across TEF, DELF, and DALF. While all three assess French language proficiency, they serve different purposes, are issued by different institutions, and have different formats and recognition.

What is TEF?
What is DELF?
What is DALF?
Which French Exam Should You Take?
TEF vs DELF vs DALF: Side-by-Side Comparison
Final Thoughts

Here’s a clear breakdown to help you choose the right one based on your goals.

What is TEF?

TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) is a standardized French proficiency test created by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris (CCIP). It is designed for non-native French speakers and is widely used for:

Immigration to Canada or Quebec
Applying for French citizenship
Academic or professional reasons

Key Points:

TEF evaluates your French level from A1 to C2 in a single test.
It's not pass/fail — your score determines your CEFR level.
Valid for 2 years.
Several versions exist:
TEF Canada – for Canadian immigration
TEFAQ – for Quebec immigration
TEF Naturalisation – for French citizenship
TEF Études – for academic applications

What is DELF?

DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) is an official diploma issued by the French Ministry of Education, designed for beginner to intermediate levels: A1 to B2.

Key Points:

You choose the level (A1, A2, B1, or B2) and take that specific exam.
Each level is assessed independently.
Highly recognized worldwide.
Valid for life — no expiration.
Useful for:
Academic admissions
Job applications
Personal or professional proof of French skills

What is DALF?

DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) is the advanced counterpart to DELF, covering levels C1 and C2.

Key Points:

Like DELF, DALF is a lifetime diploma.
Aimed at advanced speakers who want to demonstrate near-native fluency.
Often required for:
Admission to French universities
High-level professional roles in French-speaking countries

🧭 Which French Exam Should You Take?

The right exam depends on why you’re learning French and what you need the certification for:

Your Goal	Take This Exam
Immigrating to Canada or Quebec	TEF Canada / TEFAQ
Applying for French citizenship	TEF Naturalisation
Studying in a French university	DELF B2 or DALF C1
Showing general language proficiency	DELF or DALF
Assessing your exact current level	TEF
Beginner looking for an official diploma	DELF A1–B1
Advanced user needing official proof	DALF C1–C2 or TEF

📊 TEF vs DELF vs DALF: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	TEF	DELF	DALF
Full Name	Test d’Évaluation de Français	Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française	Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française
Levels Covered	A1 to C2 (all in one test)	A1 to B2 (you choose one level)	C1 to C2 (you choose one level)
Purpose	Immigration, studies, work	Academic, work, general use	Higher education, advanced professions
Who Issues It	CCIP (Chamber of Commerce – Paris)	French Ministry of Education	French Ministry of Education
Recognition	Canada, Quebec, citizenship, general use	Global recognition	Global recognition
Validity	2 years	Lifetime	Lifetime
Exam Format	Modular: Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing (some optional)	Level-specific modular tests	Level-specific modular tests
Scoring	Scaled score mapped to CEFR	Pass/fail per level	Pass/fail per level
Best For	Immigration, flexible level assessment	Beginners to upper-intermediate learners	Advanced learners

📝 Final Thoughts

TEF is ideal if you're migrating to Canada or Quebec, or applying for French citizenship.
DELF/DALF are better if you need a lifetime diploma for studies, work, or long-term proof of your French skills.
Choose DELF if you’re beginner to intermediate, and DALF if you're advanced.
Not sure about your level? Check out LearnningTree; we offer exam guidance, and a complete range of online French language courses to help you prepare confidently for exams.