If you live in France, you are probably aware that the government wants to introduce a minimum language level in order to apply for Carte de Séjour (CDS) or Citizenship.

Whilst the exact requirements and levels vary depending on your situation, it has given rise to a huge interest in how to certify your level of French in France.

How do I certify my French level?

You can certify your level with many one-off exams, but only 3 are accepted by the authorities:

• The DELF: valid for life which makes it the preferred option for anyone who doesn’t fancy taking too many exams! You take the test for the level you hope to achieve and receive a pass or fail.
• The TCF: valid for only 2 years, which means you may need to take the exam again if your application is not processed on time. You take a full exam which will then place you at the appropriate level on the CECR grid
• The TEF: also valid for only 2 years only, the test results will place you at the on the CECR grid.

The 3 exams assess your French level in exactly the same way, assessing 4 skills: listening, writing, speaking, and reading. According to the CECR grid, the levels are as follows:

A1: Beginner

A2: Elementary

B1: Low intermediate

B2: Intermediate

C1: Advanced

C2: Fluent

Why prepare for the DELF/TCF exam?

Anyone can book a DELF or a TCF exam directly at one of the accredited centres (Alliance Francaise in Annecy for Haute-Savoie) and there is no need to prove your current level to enrol on a session, no matter the level of the test.

However, the exam comes at a considerable cost (around 130€) and let’s face it, we’d rather it’s a one-off expense! That’s why it’s best to:

• understand your current level, know the level you want to achieve and be aware of the work needed to reach it.
• be familiar with the format of the test and what’s expected of you, in order to maximise your chances of success on the day.

Our tip:

• Aim for a realistic level OR if you need to improve your French by several levels, give yourself plenty of time. Studies suggest that it takes at least 100 hours (learning + practice) to improve your French by one level.
• Preparation is key. By doing mock DELF/ TCF exams, you will be familiar with the format of the test, meaning you can concentrate on the content rather than the format.

How to prepare for the DELF/ TCF exam

The key thing is to give yourself time!

• Take the time to get your level assessed professionally and receive feedback of where you’re at, and how to progress to the level you want to reach.
• Take the time to understand the exam and its format so you can adapt to it, avoid the pitfalls and put all your energy into the language.
• Take the time to integrate French in your everyday life (watch TV, listen to the radio, read articles…) in order to help your brain immerse itself in the language (even if you don’t understand everything!)

Our tip:

If your level is close to your target test level, we usually recommend booking your exam date a few months in advance so it gives you a deadline to work to. Use that time to be guided by professionals who will focus on your weaknesses, guide you through the different parts of the exam, and help you improve your confidence and avoid the pitfalls.

If your level is far from the one you’re aiming for, get a study plan in place with professionals.

They’ll explain what you’ll need to work on and give you realistic targets to get there.

Where can I get help to prepare for my exam?

Simply contact us! We can assess you and give you guidance on the best options for your DELF/ TCF preparation adventure. We’re happy to evaluate you and suggest a plan of action.

Please bear in mind that PDS Formation is not a DELF test centre (we need a higher volume of students to have this accreditation) but it is an exam-preparation centre. Our teachers are all trained to prepare students for the DELF exam and what’s more, they understand the learning specifics of our anglophone students.

Choose between:

• DELF group course ONLINE (evening available)
• DELF/ TCF private course online or face-to-face

Don’t forget, if you are working in France, you may be entitled to funding through your work in order to fund your French course!