Alliance Française de San Francisco French classes and Francophone cultures

DELF (Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) are official qualifications awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify the competency of candidates from outside France in the French language according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (proficiency levels A1 through C2), taking into account all four linguistic competences: writing, reading, speaking and listening.

Created by a team of psychometricians and experts in language testing, these tests are recognized on an international level and often used by foreign education ministries as a scale to evaluate their students’ level in French.

The 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. All examinations include the four skills at every level, with varying degrees of interaction and mediation required depending on the level. A score of at least 50/100 is required in order to be awarded the diploma; awarded diplomas are valid for life.

All of the examinations have been designed to reflect the principle of action used by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which defines users of a language as social actors who have tasks to perform (that are not only linguistic) in given circumstances, in a given environment and within a specific area of action, which may be personal, public, academic or professional.

Each examination evaluates the four communication skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking.

Please note that the day of the oral exams may differ from the day of the written exam indicated below, depending on the number of candidates and availability of the examinators.

DELF Prim and DELF SCOLAIRE (Age: 7-12, Levels A1 to B2)

The DELF Prim is oriented toward young students learning French (7-12 years old). DELF Prim examination can be taken at A1.1, A1 or A2 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
The DELF Scolaire covers levels B1 and B2.

Available for schools only. Contact us.

DELF Junior (age: 12 to 16)

The junior version of DELF has the same basic structure as the standard DELF.
Only the topics are different, as the materials take into account the interests of young people. It can only be taken by children of secondary-level age.
The diploma awarded is identical to the standard DELF diploma. The examinations are independent, and candidates can register for the examination of their choice.
Visit the page of the level for registration, price and details about the exam.

DELF Junior A1
DELF Junior A2
DELF Junior B1
DELF Junior B2

DELF/DALF Tout Public (age: 16+, DELF Levels A1 to B2, DALF Levels C1 or C2)

The DELF Exam (Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) designed by the CIEP (Centre International d'Etudes Pédagogiques), are official qualifications awarded by the French Ministry of Education certifying a level of fluency in French. Such certifications are useful for school records, as well as college and job applications in French-speaking countries. Scores are valid for life.
Visit the page of the level for registration, price and details about the exam.
DELF A1
DELF A2
DELF B1
DELF B2
DALF - not offered in 2022

DELF Pro (professionals, Levels A1 to B2)

The DELF Pro is the professional version of the DELF diploma. The subjects of the examinations are adapted to the working world. DELF Pro examinations can be taken from the A1 to B2 level.
Only available for clients taking corporate classes with us.

Policies

What if I am sick or required to quarantine on the exam date?

We may (but this is only on a case by case basis) offer you to transfer to a later exam if you provide us with a doctor's note requesting you to quarantine or a positive covid test result in the last 7 days . Any document must be submitted by email to afsf@afsf.com by noon on the exam day, any document transmitted afterward will not be acknowledged.

please note that some exams are only offered once a year.

No refunds.

Can I change my DELF exam date ?

For levels B1, B2 we offer 2 flexibility options, if there is space available or if a spot becomes available :

- postpone your exam for a later date, the request must be sent by email to afsf@afsf.com up to 6 weeks before the initial exam date. (1 change maximum allowed for each candidate). You must give the new date in your email and choose one with availability. The date must be within 1 year of your initial registration date.

- switch for an earlier date, if available, the request must be sent by email to afsf@afsf.com up to 4 weeks before the initial exam date.

❗ For levels A1, A2, this exam will only be offered only once per year. It will not be possible to change your exam date .

Can I cancel my exam registration?

No cancellation, no refund or credit under any circumstances.

AFSF reserves the right to cancel any exam

We need a minimum of 3 candidates to organize an exam session. If the minimum required number of candidates is not reached by the registration deadline, we will offer you to register for one of the following session(s).

Be advised that we may need to cancel any or all exams depending on COVID-19 situation and Health Department orders.

Mandatory valid AFSF membership

Given that the price of the exam, fixed by the cultural services in Washington, is not sufficient to cover our costs to organize the exam, we have decided to open the exam only to members of our community. Thus we require a valid AFSF membership at the time of registration. You can become a member here.
The membership is valid one calendar year form the date of purchase. It is not refundable nor transferable.

FAQ DELF/DALF

How long does it take to receive my results?

Results will be sent to you by post or email about 2 months after sitting the exam.
Diplomas will be issued to candidates with “passed” (“admis”) results by the French Ministry of Education. Usually, it takes about 3 months after the results are sent to candidates. this diploma is valid for life!

Once received in our premises, we will send you a notification to come pick up your official test results, upon presentation of an official ID. Documents are only kept one calendar month.

How to get my Diploma mailed to me ?

If you will not be able to come pick it up, we offer a shipping service at $25. We can only send the official documents via certified mail. Please pay for shipping at the time of exam registration if you would like this service.

Do I need to be an AFSF student or member to register ?

You don't need to be a student with us. However, we require a valid AFSF membership at the time of registration. You can become a member here.
The membership is valid one calendar year form the date of purchase. It is not refundable nor transferable.

When will I receive my exam notification ?

All notifications are sent via email 1 week prior to the exam to the email you used to register. Please note the the speaking part may be schedules on a different day depending on the number of candidates and availability of the examinators.
It is not possible to change the day or time of your examination.
If you arrive after the arrival time on your notification, you will not be granted access to the exam and your registration will be forfeited.

How long are my results valid for ?

Your diploma is valid for life!

Do you offer classes to prepare for the DELF/DALF exam?

We have group classes that can help you build you French skills before taking the exam.

The first step would be to take our free placement text to get a better idea of your current level.

Then, depending on your level, and your calendar you can also take private classes if you need to learn faster.

If you want to specifically train for the exam format. You can check the ressources below and /or take a few private classes. We will soon offer DELF preparation workshops and classes.

Who composes the jury ?

DELF and DALF examiners and markers are teachers of French as Foreign Language. They receive a specific training and are authorized by France Education International. They follow strict assessment guidelines and are regularly monitored.

DELF

For who ?