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Language Centre

French Accredited Examinations in Exeter

The French section of the Language Centre is an Accredited Examination Centre for DELF/DALF exams since 2014 where you can sit exams to receive life-long language diplomas certifying your level of proficiency in French as a foreign language. They are administered by France Education International (French Ministry of National Education) near Paris and based on the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR-L). The DELF/DALF diplomas are recognised worldwide by businesses, universities, and governments, and exist in adult and junior formats.

The Diploma in French language studies (DELF) and Diploma in advanced French language studies (DALF) are amongst the officially recognised French diplomas now required by law to apply for French citizenship. If you are planning a life and/or a career in France or a Francophone country using your language skills, this certification will provide you with an official assessment of your language knowledge. It will also enhance your employability on your CV with an internationally recognized diploma.

Choosing the correct level

You can sit the DELF/DALF exams according to your level. There are 6 levels named after the Common European Framework for Languages (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2). Examples of level requirements are:

  • B1 level for French citizenship
  • B2 level for undergraduate admission in Francophone universities (not required for 'with Study Abroad' courses, which fall under the Student Exchange Programme with Partner Universities)
  • C1 level for postgraduate admission in Francophone universities

Examination calendar and fees 2025/26

Registration deadline 15th April 2026

DELF/DALF Pro/Tout Public

Exams Fees Exam Date
DELF A1 £100 Monday 1st June 2026
DELF A2 £105 Tuesday 2nd June 2026
DELF B1 £145  Thursday 4th June 2026
DELF B2 £160 Monday 8th June 2026
DALF C1 £205 Thursday 11th June 2026
DALF C2 £235  Monday 15th June 2026

DELF Junior (up to school year 13)

Exams Fees Exam Date
DELF A1 £100 Monday 22nd June 2026 
DELF A2 £105 Tuesday 23rd June 2026
DELF B1 £145 Thursday 18th June 2026
DELF B2 £160 Thursday, 25th June 2026

Registration deadline 2nd March 2026

DELF Prim - for young learners (candidates under 12 years old)

Exams Fees Exam Date
DELF A1.1 £65 Tuesday 5th May 2026
DELF A1 £70  Wednesday 6th May 2026
DELF A2 £75  Thursday, 7th May 2026

Register online

Registration for the exams is an online two-step process:

1) Fill in the online administrative form (please choose below the one corresponding to your exam)

2) Pay the exam fees online through our product catalogue.

If you are interested in sitting an exam, or for more information, please contact Florence Gomez at: F.Gomez@exeter.ac.uk.

Details of exam components

Written Examination

Time
  • General exam instruction: 15 mins
  • Listening Comprehension: 20 mins approx
  • Reading Comprehension: 30 min.
  • Writing: 30 min.
Start/Finish 13.45 - 15.20

Oral Examination

Time
  • Preparation: 10 min.
  • Examination: 5-7 min approx.
Start/Finish Individual times TBC by exam centre in due course

Written Examination

Time
  • General exam instruction: 15 min
  • Listening Comprehension: 25 min approx
  • Reading Comprehension: 30 min.
  • Writing: 45 min.
Start/Finish 13.45 - 15.40

Oral Examination

Time
  • Preparation: 10 min.
  • Examination: 6-8 min approx.
Start/Finish Individual times TBC by exam centre in due course

Written Examination

Time
  • General exam instructions: 15 min
  • Listening Comprehension: 25 min approx
  • Reading Comprehension: 45 min.
  • Writing: 45 min.
Start/Finish 13.45 - 15.55

Oral Examination

Time
  • Preparation: 10 min.
  • Examination: 12-15 min approx.
Start/Finish Individual times TBC by exam centre in due course

Written Examination

Time
  • General exam instructions: 15 min
  • Listening Comprehension: 30 min approx
  • Reading Comprehension: 60 min.
  • Writing: 60 min.
Start/Finish 13.45 - 16.30

Oral Examination

Time
  • Preparation: 30 min.
  • Examination: 20 min approx

Written Examination

Time
  • General exam instructions: 15 min
  • Listening Comprehension: 40 min approx.
  • Reading Comprehension: 50 min.
  • Writing: 2 hours 30 min
Start/Finish 13.45 - 18.10

Oral Examination

Time
  • Preparation: 1 hour
  • Examination: 30 min.

Written Examination

Time
  • General exam instructions: 15 min
  • Reading Comprehension and writing: 3 hours 30 minutes.
Start/Finish 13.45 - 17.30

Oral Examination

Time
  • Listening: 30 min approx
  • Preparation: 1 hour
  • Examination:30 min approx
Start/Finish Individual times TBC by exam centre in due course

Exam preparation

  • If you want to look at practice materials, refer to Past Examination Papers. You will find typical exams in the section called "Je me prepare", Exemples de sujets - niveau A1-C2.
  • To prepare for these exams, the Evening Language Programme offers 10-week exam preparation courses (A2-C1) for you to familiarise yourself with the exam format and to practice the four skills with an accredited examiner. Please register through our website by the 9th January 2024 for courses starting week commencing 16th January and running to the end of March 2024.