DELF, DALF or TCF: which official French exam to choose
By Thierry Gustin
Published
Updated
4 min read
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If you need an official French exam, the choice almost always comes down to three acronyms: DELF, DALF and TCF. The first two are permanent diplomas; the third is a test with an expiry date. Choosing well depends on what you need it for and when.
What is the difference between the DELF, the DALF and the TCF?
All three are produced by France Éducation international, the French public body that manages the certifications of French as a foreign language. The main difference lies in the type of certificate: the DELF and the DALF are diplomas that you pass or fail, whereas the TCF is a placement test: you cannot fail it, it gives you a level based on your score.
| Exam | Levels | Type | Validity | 2026 fee* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DELF | A1, A2, B1 and B2 | Diploma (pass / fail) | For life | From €87 (A1) to €188 (B2) |
| DALF | C1 and C2 | Diploma (pass / fail) | For life | €244 (C1) and €256 (C2) |
| TCF tout public | A1 to C2 depending on the score | Placement test | 2 years | €125 (compulsory tests) |
The fees above are those published by the Institut français de Madrid for 2026, given here as an example; fees vary from one centre and country to another. In Madrid, the optional TCF speaking and writing tests cost €75 each.
When is the DELF or the DALF the right choice?
The DELF and the DALF are the safest option in most cases, because they never expire and are recognised worldwide. They are the ones usually required for:
- Proving your level on your CV permanently.
- Job applications and public-sector recruitment that ask for a certified level of French (always check the official requirements).
- French universities: the DELF B2 or the DALF C1 are common requirements for studying in French.
- Mobility programmes such as Erasmus, or scholarships that require a minimum level.
Each level is a separate diploma: you do not need to pass B1 before sitting B2. That is why you should choose the level you already have, or can reach before the exam date, not the one you would like to have.
When is the TCF the right choice?
The TCF is useful when you need a quick result or when a procedure explicitly asks for it. There are several versions:
- TCF tout public: certifies your level for study or work. According to France Éducation international, the certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of the results, and it is the recognised test for the preliminary admission application (DAP) to French universities.
- TCF IRN (integration, residence and nationality), for some residence and citizenship procedures in France.
- TCF Canada and TCF Québec, for immigration to Canada.
The compulsory TCF tests are multiple-choice questions (listening, language structures and reading). The speaking and writing tests are added when the organisation requesting the test requires them.
How do you pass the DELF or the DALF?
From A1 to C1, the exam has four papers, each marked out of 25: listening, reading, writing and speaking. To obtain the diploma you need:
- At least 50 points out of 100 overall.
- At least 5 points out of 25 in each paper: below that, the paper is eliminatory, even if your total is above 50.
The DALF C2 works differently: it has two papers marked out of 50 and requires a minimum of 10 out of 50 in each. The details of each level are in my guides to the DELF A1 and A2, the DELF B1, the DELF B2 and the DALF C1 and C2.
Where and when can you sit the exam?
In Spain, for example, there are four DELF and DALF sessions a year for adults, according to the Centro Nacional de Exámenes, although not every centre runs all of them. The exams take place at the Institut français, at Alliances françaises and at some universities. Registration closes several weeks before the exam date, so check your centre's calendar well in advance.
The TCF is held on dates set by each centre, and the results arrive quickly: the Institut français de Madrid sends them 2 to 3 weeks after the test. That is why it is often chosen when time is short.
How should you prepare?
The key is to combine two things: raising your real level and mastering the format of each paper. Many candidates with good French lose points because they do not manage their time or do not respect the type of text required. In my DELF and DALF preparation lessons we work on both, with timed mock exams and corrections based on the official criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Does the DELF expire?
No. The DELF and the DALF are valid for life. Some organisations may ask for a recent diploma, but the diploma itself does not expire.
Which exam do French universities require?
It depends on the university and the programme. The most common are the DELF B2 or the DALF C1; for the preliminary admission application (DAP), the TCF tout public is also recognised.
Can I sit the DALF C1 directly?
Yes. You do not need the DELF B2 first: each diploma is independent. That said, C1 requires a solid command of the language, so take a mock exam first.
How much does the DELF B2 cost?
It depends on the centre. In Madrid, for instance, the DELF B2 fee at the Institut français is €188 in 2026. Fees are updated every year, so check the amount with your centre.
Can you fail the TCF?
No. You neither pass nor fail the TCF: it gives you a level from A1 to C2 based on your score. What matters is reaching the level you have been asked for.
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