Compare DELF, DALF, TCF, and TEF for immigration use
Achieve French Fluency: Your Comprehensive Proficiency Test Guide: Compare DELF, DALF, TCF, and TEF for immigration use
Here is a detailed comparison of DELF, DALF, TCF, and TEF for immigration use:
| Feature | DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) | DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) | TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) | TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levels Tested | A1 to B2 | C1 and C2 (advanced) | A1 to C2 | A1 to C2 |
| Purpose | General French language proficiency, used for immigration, university admission, and professional credentials | Advanced proficiency, academic and professional use | General French proficiency, widely used for immigration and citizenship in France and Canada | General proficiency test used for immigration, citizenship, university admission mainly in Canada |
| Certification Validity | Lifetime | Lifetime | 2 years | 2 years |
| Immigration Use | Accepted for immigration proofs in Canada and France; DELF B1 often used for French nationality | Used for higher-level proficiency proofs for immigration and professional purposes | Widely accepted for French nationality, long-term residency, and immigration in France and Canada | Recognized by Canadian immigration authorities including IRCC and Quebec; crucial for Express Entry and Quebec immigration |
| Exam Format | Four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Same as DELF, but at more advanced levels | Multiple choice and oral/written tests assessing all language skills | Tests four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
| Exam Frequency | Offered a few times a year worldwide | Fewer dates, advanced exam | More frequent availability | Available frequently |
| Specific Use Cases | Required for French university admission (B2 or above) and French nationality (B1) | Required for university at C1/C2 level and advanced job roles | Required for French nationality, permanent residency, citizenship in France | Required for Canadian immigration programs (Federal and Quebec), citizenship, and study in Canada and France |
Additional notes:
- DELF/DALF certificates do not expire and signify a fixed language level.
- TCF and TEF certificates are valid for 2 years because they reflect the current proficiency of the candidate.
- For Canadian immigration, TCF Canada and TEF Canada are both recognized by IRCC for immigration, but TEF is also used specifically for Quebec immigration with TEFAQ variant.
- TCF is more focused on short-term proof of language while DELF/DALF is more academic and long-term certification.
- TEF includes assessments relevant to federal programs, Quebec immigration, and is integral for scoring points in Express Entry.
In summary, for immigration purposes, DELF/DALF are traditionally recognized especially for France and permanent immigration, with lifetime validity, while TCF and TEF are more flexible, short-term tests widely accepted in both France and Canada, particularly for Canadian immigration and citizenship applications.
This makes TCF and TEF preferred choices for Canadian immigration, while DELF and DALF are often required for French immigration or long-term residency and academic integration. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11