February 27th, 2020
Are you currently enrolled in or completed a Grade 12 Core, Extended French, French Immersion or Advanced Placement course? Then you are invited to participate in the DELF: Diplôme d’études en langue Française.
The DELF is a certified diploma from France that recognizes your level of language proficiency in French. After you successfully complete the exam, you will receive a certificate awarded by the French Ministry of National Education. Waterloo Region District School Board is approved to work with an authorized DELF examination centre.
Why should I take this test?
- French is an official language in almost 50 countries, including Canada and spoken worldwide.
- The DELF is recognized in more than 165 countries
- Provides you with life-long certification
- Recognizes your proficiency in French
- Provides you with an official document to add to your resume or portfolio
- Describes what you can do in oral communication, reading and writing in French
- Can open doors for travel, jobs and educational opportunities
- Is recognized as a certified language assessment for acceptance into a French university (B2 level or higher)
Do all students write the same test?
No. The DELF divides its tests according to the six levels of second language proficiency, outlined by the Common European Framework of Reference. Students can challenge the DELF test that best reflects their level of exposure to French. The six levels are:
- Basic user – levels A1 and A2
- Intermediate user – levels B1 and B2
- Proficient user – levels C1 and C2
French teachers can help students identify which test would best suit their needs and skills. Have questions on the differences in language proficiency for the test? Refer to the CEFR Global scale.
What DELF tests can I take?
We are offering four tests: A1, A2, B1 and B2. Please note that students must have completed a Grade 12 French course in the 2019-2020 school year to participate.
How do I take the test?
Students take the DELF exam in two steps.
Step one: students select either the April or May session. Please see the registration and exam schedule below.
| Levels |
Group Exam |
Registration deadline for the April session | Group Exam May Session Dates |
Registration deadline for submitting names to the Ontario DELF centre | Time |
| B2 | April 6 | No later than Wednesday, March 4, 2020 | May 4 | No later than Wednesday, April 1, 2020 | 12 – 2:30 pm |
| B1 | April 7 | May 5 | 12 – 1:55 pm | ||
| A2 | April 8 | May 6 | 12 – 1:40 pm | ||
| A1 | April 9 | May 7 | 12 – 1:20 pm |
Step two: students individually complete oral production and interaction exams as scheduled, starting on either April 6 or May 4. All participating students will be provided details, including the exact date, time and location of their written and oral exams. Please note that oral and written exams may not occur on the same date.
DELF certificates will be available in September/October 2020.
Who marks the DELF?
Certified DELF administrators oversee the marking and correction of the DELF.
Are you interested in participating in the DELF?
Students should complete this form no later than Wednesday, March 4, for the April session OR Wednesday, April 1, for the May session.
Looking for more information?
More information and examples of the DELF examination are available on the website.