DELF

delf logoWe are pleased to offer Core French students registered in a Grade 12 French as a Second Language course the opportunity to participate in the Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) Proficiency Exam. If you are entering Grade 12, take time to review the DELF levels at www.france-education-international.fr/diplome/delf-junior-scolaire and/or www.destinationdelf.ca.

Benefits of DELF

The benefits of completing the DELF proficiency exam are:

  • Official proof of a student's French language skills
  • Recognized in 160 countries
  • Recognized by universities, employers and the Canadian Federal Government
  • The diploma is valid for life
  • Helps students set future language learning goals

What is the DELF Proficiency Exam?

The Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) is an internationally recognized assessment of French proficiency. The exam measures a student's ability to use French in everyday life. Students' French skills are measured across four areas:

  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Writing

Our students choose one of three testing levels to complete - A2, B1, and B2. The student's French teacher will discuss the best testing level for a student to complete. The DELF Proficiency Exam has two components - a written exam and an oral interview. Upon completion, successful candidates will receive a DELF diploma from France’s Ministry of National Education.

Diplôme d’études langue française (DELF) Exam

Dates and times for the exam are mandated by FEI and communicated to the Ministry of Education DELF Centre, who in turn provides this information to school boards across Ontario. The dates and times for the written component of the exams are:
 
Fall Session
Exam Level  Date
 B2 Monday, November 16, 2026
 B1 Tuesday, November 17, 2026
 A2 Wednesday, November 18, 2026

Oral interviews will be on Saturday, November 21, 2026 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Professional Activity Centre located at St. Joseph's Catholic HIgh School in Barrie.

DELF Exam Update and Registration

Registration for the fall session is now open! Online registration is available from October 1 - 12, 2026.
Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Please register using the DELF November Session Registration Form before the October 12th deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DELF Proficiency Exam?

The Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) is an internationally recognized test of French proficiency. It is based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which defines language proficiency along six global levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Students participating in the DELF exam as part of this opportunity will have the choice of completing an A2, B1 or B2 level exam. At each level, proficiency is measured across four competencies: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The French Ministry of National Education based in Paris, France awards successful candidates a diploma that is valid for life.

The exam is:

  • official acknowledgement of your child’s French language skills;
  • recognized in 160 countries;
  • recognized by universities, employers and the Canadian Federal Government;
  • valid for life;
  • and an assessment that will help students set future language learning goals.

Who can participate in the exam process?

Students registered in a Grade 12 French course and who have not previously taken the DELF are eligible. Students across the region have an opportunity to participate in the DELF exam. A limited number of spaces are available.

Additional information regarding eligibility to participate in the DELF proficiency exam can be obtained from your school.

When and where does the exam take place?

The exam dates are selected by France Education International, which is the Ministry of Education in France. Dates and times of the exam cannot be modified in any way.

Students will be informed of their location site in advance of the exam dates. Transportation to and from the exam site is not provided.

How do I register for the DELF exam?

Opportunities to register for the DELF will be communicated on this webpage. Families are encouraged to speak with their current French teacher or Guidance department for additional information on the registration process.

 

How will students be selected to participate in the exam process?

Limited spaces are available and are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis.

What is the passing grade for each level of the DELF exam?

The minimum passing grade for each exam (A2, B1 and B2) is 50/100. It is important to note that a score of less than 50% does not entitle the student to receive a DELF certification in the next lower DELF level. For this reason, choosing the appropriate levelled exam is an important factor to consider. Students are encouraged to speak to their French teacher for guidance in making this decision.

Do the oral and written exams happen on the same day?

The written exam must take place on the dates provided by France Education International (Ministry of Education in France). All efforts are made to have students complete the oral component of the exam on the same day however; some oral exams may need to be scheduled on days outside of this date.

When will I be informed if I have passed my exam and when will I receive my certificate?

Students will be informed before the end of the school year if they have been successful in passing their exam. Certificates are sent directly from France and will be mailed to students’ home addresses in the fall. It is important that a clear mailing address is included on your registration form and that it is an address that will be valid for a minimum of eight months from the time of registering.

Where can I find online resources to support the DELF exam?

Online resources to support preparation for the oral and written parts of the exam can be found at the following websites:
Destination DELF
France Education International
Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF)
DELF junior DELF Scolaire brochure
http://www.ciep.fr/delf-scolaire
A Guide for A2 Candidates
A Guide for B1 Candidates
A Guide for B2 Candidates

Contact Us

For more information about DELF, please contact our SMCDSB Academic Services Consultant for French as a Second Language (FSL) at 705-722-3555 ext.278.