If you plan to study, work, or settle in France, the DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) are among the most widely recognized French language certificates. Officially issued by the French Ministry of Education, they are valid for life and accepted by universities, employers, and administrations.
In this guide, we explain how to register for the DELF and DALF exams in France, step by step, and what you should know before choosing a test center.
Choose the Right DELF and DALF Level
The DELF and DALF are divided into six levels, aligned with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages):
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DELF A1 – beginner
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DELF A2 – elementary
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DELF B1 – intermediate
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DELF B2 – upper-intermediate
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DALF C1 – advanced
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DALF C2 – proficient / near-native
The DELF covers levels A1 to B2, while the DALF corresponds to the advanced levels C1 and C2.
Each level is an independent diploma, meaning you can register directly for the level that matches your current French proficiency, without passing the previous levels.
Find an Official DELF and DALF Exam Center in France
DELF and DALF exams are organized by authorized examination centers, usually language schools, universities, or cultural institutions.
When choosing a center, consider:
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exam dates (they vary by center)
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location (Paris, Île-de-France, or other regions)
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available sessions (some centers fill up quickly)
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flexibility for oral exam scheduling
👉 You can register for DELF and DALF exams in Paris via platforms such as GoDELF.com, which simplifies the registration process.
Check Available Exam Dates
DELF and DALF exams are held 10 times a year, with written (collective) test dates fixed nationally.
Important to know:
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The written exam takes place on a single national date.
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The oral exam is scheduled separately, usually within a few days after the written test.
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Registration deadlines depend on seat availability, not just on the official dates.
Because places are limited, it is strongly recommended to register as early as possible.
Prepare the Required Documents
To register for the DELF and DALF exams in France, you usually need:
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A valid identity document (passport or national ID)
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Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality)
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An email address (used for confirmations and results)
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Payment of exam fees
A residence permit is not always required. Many centers accept a valid passport or récépissé.
Register Online and Pay the Exam Fees
On platforms like GoDELF.com, you can:
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Select your DELF or DALF level
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Choose your exam session and center
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Complete the registration form
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Pay the exam fees online
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Receive a confirmation email
Exam fees depend on the level (A1 to C2) and the center, but they are generally not included in language course fees unless specified.
Receive Your Exam Convocation
After registration, you will receive an official convocation, generally a few days to a few weeks before the exam date:
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by email
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and/or via your online candidate account
This document includes:
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exam date and time
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exam location
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oral exam schedule (or notification that it will follow)
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instructions for exam day
Always check your spam folder and keep your convocation until the exam day.
After the Exam: Results and Certificate
Results are usually published 4 to 6 weeks after the written exam.
You can typically:
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download an attestation of results online
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receive the official DELF or DALF diploma later (paper version)
The DELF and DALF diplomas are valid for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register urgently for the DELF or DALF?
Sometimes yes, if places are still available. Check at GoDELF.com if you are in the Paris region. However, results deadlines cannot be shortened.
Can I choose my oral exam date?
The oral exam date is set by the center, but some centers can adapt the schedule, especially for candidates coming from outside the Paris region.
Are the DELF and DALF recognized in France?
Yes. DELF and DALF are official national diplomas issued by the French Ministry of Education.
Registering for the DELF and DALF with Confidence
Registering for the DELF or DALF exams in France is straightforward when you choose the right level, the right center, and register early.
Platforms like GoDELF.com make it easier to:
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find upcoming DELF and DALF sessions
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register online
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access your candidate documents
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follow your exam process in one place
If you have a specific deadline (university, naturalization, residence permit), plan ahead and check result timelines before registering.