Living in France is no longer enough to prove you speak French. Since the 2020 naturalization decree, and more broadly to enroll in a master's program, enter an engineering school, access certain public-sector jobs, or simply validate your language skills for an employer, the administration and universities ask for an official diploma: DELF, DALF, TCF, TEF.

For a foreigner who already speaks the language well, it's often a formality. For those who learned on the fly, or who need to climb a level to land the B1 required for naturalization or the B2 for a master's, the certification step deserves to be prepared seriously. This 2026 guide walks through the different diplomas, their prices, where to register in France, and the most effective free resources, with examples from Chinese, Moroccan, Algerian, Vietnamese, Senegalese and Brazilian candidates who recently took the exam.

DELF, DALF, TCF, TEF: who does what?

The ecosystem can feel confusing. Four certifications coexist, all delivered under the authority of France Éducation International (formerly CIEP, the public reference body based in Sèvres):

• DELF (Diplôme d'études en langue française): A1, A2, B1, B2. Single-level exam, valid for life. Four parts: listening, reading, writing, speaking.
• DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française): C1, C2. Same format as DELF but at a higher level. Valid for life.
• TCF (Test de connaissance du français): a global test that positions you on the A1-C2 scale based on your score. Valid for 2 years only. Several versions: TCF tout public, TCF Canada, TCF ANF (access to French nationality), TCF Québec.
• TEF (Test d'évaluation du français): equivalent to the TCF but issued by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Several versions: TEF Canada, TEFAQ, TEF Naturalisation.

In one sentence: DELF/DALF = lifetime diploma for a precise level. TCF/TEF = quick test that positions you, valid 2 years, ideal when one piece of evidence is enough.

Which diploma for which goal?

The question everyone asks. Practical answer:

• French naturalization (decree or marriage) → B1 minimum. DELF B1, TCF ANF, TEF Naturalisation, TEF B1+ all accepted. The TCF ANF is the most practical: one exam day, results in 4 to 6 weeks, ~ 100 € (accredited Alliance Française centers).
• Master's enrollment in a French university → B2. DELF B2, or TCF score 400+ (out of 699). Some faculties accept B1 for English-taught programs.
• Engineering school, business school, doctorate → B2 or C1. DELF B2 minimum, DALF C1 strongly recommended for selective competitions.
• French public service (category A competitions) → C1. DALF C1 mandatory for most external competitions.
• Professional validation / proof to an employer → B1 or B2. Either: DELF (lifetime diploma, reassuring) or TCF (faster).
• Long-stay visa for Canada / Quebec → TEF or TCF Canada, not DELF (Quebec only recognizes TEF/TCF).

Wei, a Chinese engineer, took the DELF B2 (175 €) in Paris in two months to enroll in a master's. Karim, Moroccan, chose the TCF ANF (100 €) in Bordeaux because he was only aiming for naturalization. Hoang, a Vietnamese doctoral student, took the DALF C1 (240 €) to land a lecturer position.

Levels: what do B1, B2, C1 actually mean?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) defines six levels from A1 to C2. To position yourself:

• A1 (discovery): introduce yourself, say your name, age, read simple signs. Enough for a long tourist visa.
• A2 (elementary): hold a simple conversation, recount your day, understand a recipe. Required for the resident card since 2018.
• B1 (independent user): grasp the gist of a TV news, write a cover letter, express opinions. Required for naturalization.
• B2 (advanced): follow a university course, debate, write an argued text. Required for master's enrollment.
• C1 (autonomous): nuanced written style, comprehend long and complex texts, plead. Required for public service.
• C2 (mastery): near-native. Useful for interpreters, translators, French teachers.

Real 2026 prices

Fees vary slightly by exam center, but the typical bracket in mainland France:

• DELF A1: 95 to 110 €
• DELF A2: 110 to 130 €
• DELF B1: 140 to 150 € (the most-taken for naturalization)
• DELF B2: 170 to 180 €
• DALF C1: 220 to 240 €
• DALF C2: 240 to 260 €
• TCF tout public: 95 to 110 €
• TCF ANF (naturalization): 95 to 110 €
• TEF Naturalisation: 95 to 110 €

Alliance Française centers and certain partner high schools are the cheapest; private centers like IFALPES or ILCF may charge 30 to 50 € more but offer more frequent sessions.

Where to register: accredited exam centers

Plenty of accredited centers exist in France. Major hubs:

• Paris: Alliance Française Paris Île-de-France (boulevard Raspail), Sorbonne University, Sciences Po, Institut Catholique, several partner high schools. DELF sessions at all levels almost monthly.
• Lyon: Alliance Française de Lyon, Lyon 2, IFALPES Annecy nearby.
• Marseille: Alliance Française de Marseille-Provence, Aix-Marseille University.
• Bordeaux: Alliance Française de Bordeaux Aquitaine, Université Bordeaux Montaigne.
• Lille: Alliance Française de Lille, University of Lille.
• Toulouse: Alliance Française Midi-Pyrénées, Catholic Institute of Toulouse.
• Strasbourg: University of Strasbourg, International Center for Pedagogical Studies.

Registration via the center's website, usually 6 to 8 weeks before the session, payment online. On the day, bring your passport and convocation.

Wei took the DELF B2 at Alliance Française Paris five months between registration and result. Karim took the TCF ANF on a Tuesday and got his result 31 days later. Maria, Brazilian, took the DELF B1 in Lyon in three months.

Preparation: effective free resources

Good news: most useful tools are free.

• RFI Apprendre (savoirs.rfi.fr): "Journal en français facile", A2 to B2 exercises, full transcripts. The reference for B1/B2 listening.
• Bonjour de France (bonjourdefrance.com): interactive exercises, grammar sheets, exam simulations.
• TV5MONDE Apprendre (apprendre.tv5monde.com): subtitled videos with exercises, A1 to C1.
• France Éducation International: official sample papers (delfdalf.fr) with answer keys, essential for getting used to the real format.
• Cultural centers: most large cities have associations offering free or low-cost DELF workshops (Secours Catholique, Emmaüs, La Cimade, Red Cross).
• Municipal libraries: free subscription to Le Monde, Libération, Le Figaro archives to get used to written press.
• YouTube: "Français Authentique", "Innerfrench" (B2/C1), "Piece of French" (B1/B2), all free and professional quality.

For paid options, italki and Preply offer one-on-one lessons at 15-25 €/h with native French teachers (useful for speaking).

Exam day: typical schedule

The DELF/DALF runs a full day:

• Listening: 30 to 40 minutes, 2 to 3 audio documents then multiple choice.
• Reading: 30 to 50 minutes, 2 to 3 texts then questions.
• Writing: 45 to 60 minutes, write a text (letter, article, essay depending on level).
• Speaking: individual session of 10 to 25 minutes after preparation, before a panel of 2 examiners. Often the afternoon or another day.

For the TCF, everything is grouped in a half-day, often computerized multiple choice for listening and reading, plus a short writing and speaking section.

Pass mark: 50/100 minimum overall + at least 5/25 per part for the DELF. The TCF has no pass/fail: it positions you on the scale.

Summary

• DELF A1-B2 and DALF C1-C2: lifetime diplomas, level-targeted exam
• TCF/TEF: fast tests, valid 2 years, ideal for naturalization
• B1 = naturalization, B2 = master's, C1 = public service
• 2026 fees: DELF B1 ~ 145 €, DELF B2 ~ 175 €, DALF C1 ~ 240 €, TCF ANF ~ 100 €
• Centers: Alliance Française in every major city, monthly sessions
• Free prep: RFI Apprendre, TV5MONDE, Bonjour de France, official samples on delfdalf.fr

On Pionra

On Pionra, the Chinese, Moroccan, Algerian, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Senegalese and Brazilian communities share preparation tips, exam topics that came up, and friendly examiners by center. Ask your questions on /fr/communautes.

FAQ

TCF or DELF B1 for naturalization: which to pick?

The TCF ANF is faster (one day, results in 4 to 6 weeks, ~ 100 €) but the score is valid 2 years only. The DELF B1 takes longer (prep, fewer sessions, results in 8 weeks, ~ 145 €) but is valid for life. If you plan to naturalize within 2 years, take the TCF ANF. If you'll do it later, or want to reuse it for a master's, take the DELF B1.

Does my child schooled in France need the DELF for a master's?

No. A French baccalauréat or any French diploma at bac level or above exempts you from DELF/DALF for university enrollment. French schooling is the proof. Same for naturalization: a brevet, CAP or bac is enough for the B1 criterion.

What happens if I fail the exam?

For DELF/DALF: you can retake at the next session (usually 2 to 3 months later) by paying again. No limit on attempts. For TCF: you get a score that positions you; if the score is too low for your goal, you can retake after 30 days minimum.

Can I take DELF and DALF at the same time?

Yes, but it's usually pointless. If you're at C1, take the DALF C1 directly. The DELF B2 adds nothing. Exception: some scholarships or schools explicitly require a DELF B2; read the rules first.

How long does preparation usually take?

To go up one level above your current one: 3 to 6 months of regular work (5-10 h/week). To take the level you already master: 4 to 8 weeks to get used to the exam format and typical traps (timing, formal letter structure, etc.).