DELF B1 Exam
Feburary, 12 2025
Registration period:
December 21 – January 17, 2025
March, 12 2025
Registration period:
January 17 -Feb 13, 2025
May, 21 2025
Registration period:
March 27 – April. 23, 2025
June, 18 2025
Registration period:
Apr. 17 – May. 14, 2025
https://www.ccfs-sorbonne.fr/en/exam-centers/delf-dalf-exams/#The Cours de civilization française de la Sorbonne (CCFS) is an approved exam center for the DELF and DALF. The DELF ( Diplôme d’études en langue française, French language study diploma) and the DALF (Diplome avancé en langue française, Advanced French language diploma) are official diplomas issued by the Ministry of National Education that certify the level of international students. They are placed under the authority of France Education International (formerly CIEP).
General presentation of DELF
The DELF, Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française, is a wordly recognized diploma which assesses candidates’ French language skills. Valid for life, it is an official diploma issued by the Ministry of National Education, harmonized on the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The DELF allows its holders to attest to a mastery of French ranging from A1 (beginner) to B2 (advanced independent user). It is widely used by non-French speakers who wish to enhance their CV to join a French company, or pursue higher education in France
The DELF B1 – independent user “threshold” level – is necessary to obtain French nationality.
Audiences concerned
The DELF “Tout public” (all audiences) addresses adults and older adolescents who intend to highlight their linguistic skills in french, whether for personal or professional reasons. This version of the DELF, described as “tout public”, involves the possibility of exploring a variety of subjects in the assessment exercises, whether they relate to the public, personal, professional or educational domain.
Regarding universities, the DELF is often required by French and foreign higher education establishments as proof of language proficiency for admission. Additionally, many candidates take the DELF with the aim of strengthening their CV and professional opportunities, as it is recognized by many international companies and organizations.
Younger audiences, children and adolescents, attending secondary school can be directed towards so-called “Prim” or “junior/school” versions. In these versions, only themes that might interest the youngest are included in the exercises. The DELF tests measure the communication skills of candidates. In the “Prim” or “junior/school” versions, a young learner will be immersed in a context which will further encourage their reactivity, thus allowing candidates to demonstrate all of their linguistic skills
A decree from the Rectorate indicates each year the dates of the DELF-DALF sessions at the CCFS as well as the jury composition.
The 4 tests of the DELF B1 exam
Oral comprehension
The listening comprehension phase of the exam is used to assess the candidate’s abilities as a language user to receive and interpret oral speech. During this test, the candidate is required to listen to different types of content such as public announcements, radio broadcasts, conversations, etc. The format of the audio resources differs depending on the level assessed.
CEFR scale for general listening comprehension
The candidate can capture immediate factual information regarding everyday or work-related topics by identifying overall messages and details, provided the pronunciation is distinct and the accent fluent. Can also understand the essential elements of communication on familiar subjects encountered daily at work, at school or in leisure time, including succinct stories.
writing comprehension
Writing comprehension is a test that will check the candidate’s skills as a reader. He must be able to read documents to orient himself, obtain information, follow instructions, etc. The texts are short or very long, depending on the assessed CEFR level .
CEFR scale for general reading comprehension
Can read straightforward factual texts on topics relating to his or her field of interests with a satisfactory level of comprehension.
Written production
The evaluation of written production in the DELF will test the candidate’s ability to write in French. The exams vary depending on the level, and can consist of writing an article, a letter or a summary. In addition, this test also assesses written interaction skills, such as completing a form, writing an email in response to someone or creating a text intended to be published on a forum.
CEFR scale for general written production
For written production, the CEFR scale assesses the candidate’s ability to write simple, coherent texts on various topics, connecting distinct elements in a linear sequence
CEFR scale for general written interaction
Regarding written interaction, the candidate can provide information on abstract or concrete topics, ask questions or present information in a precise manner, as well as write personal notes and letters to request or provide information of immediate interest, and make important points.
Oral production
Regarding oral production, the test consists of monologue or presentation activities, while also evaluating oral interaction with the jury. Oral interaction activities vary by level and include routine exchanges, role plays, debates, etc.
CEFR scale for general oral production
The CEFR scale for oral production assesses the candidate’s ability to describe a variety of subjects in a direct and non-complex way, by presenting them in a linear manner.
CEFR scale for general oral interaction
The candidate must be able to interact with a confidence on familiar subjects, whether related to their interests or their professional field. He must also be able to exchange, verify and confirm information, and to deal with more or less unexpected situations while explaining any difficulties he may encounter. He can also express his opinions on abstract or cultural topics such as films, books or music. The candidate must have enough flexibility to use simple and appropriate vocabulary when dealing with most situations encountered while traveling. He is able to spontaneously start a conversation on familiar topics without prior preparation, expressing personal opinions and exchanging information on daily life topics or personal interest, such as family, hobbies, work , travel and news.
Each year, a decree from the Rectorat indicates the dates of the DELF-DALF sessions of the Cours de civilisation française de la Sorbonne and the composition of the jury.
