DALF C1 Exam
Februray, 13 2025
Registration period:
December 21 – January 17, 2025
March, 13 2025
Registration period:
April 5 – May 6, 2024
May, 22 2025
Registration period:
March 27 – April 23, 2025
June, 19 2025
Registration period:
April 17 – May 14, 2025
The Cours de civilisation française de la Sorbonne (CCFS) is an approved exam center for the DELF and DALF. The DELF (French language study diploma) and the DALF (Advanced French language diploma) are official diplomas issued by the Ministry of National Education which certify the level of international students. They are placed under the authority of France Education International (formerly CIEP).
General presentation
The DALF – diplôme avancé en langue française, advanced diploma in French language – is an official diploma issued by the French Ministry of National Education in accordance with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CECRL). It certifies advanced skills in French as a foreign language and enjoys permanent international recognition. Depending on the level obtained, the DALF can strengthen a curriculum vitae (CV) and facilitate access to positions in companies requiring mastery of complex vocabulary. It also opens the doors to French, European and French-speaking universities, as well as certain “Grandes École”s. Indeed, the DALF C1 demonstrates an “autonomous” level of mastery in French and facilitates integration into companies or universities with high linguistic requirements.
Audiences concerned
This advanced French language diploma is designed for adults and older adolescents, French or foreign, wishing to enhance their skills in French for personal or professional purposes. The DALF is equivalent to an experienced user level, which means that the tests cover a wide range of topics in society, whether public, personal, professional or educational, candidates being able to understand and express themselves on all these subjects without difficulty. Each year, a decree from the Rectorate specifies the dates of the DELF-DALF sessions organized by the CCFS, as well as the composition of the jury.
The 4 tests of the exam
Oral comprehension
This test assesses the candidate’s ability to receive and understand oral speech in French. Recordings may include public announcements, radio broadcasts, conversations, etc. The audio format varies depending on the level of the candidate.
CEFR scale for general listening comprehension
According to the CEFR scale, the candidate can follow a speech on abstract or complex topics, even if they are unfamiliar, although sometimes they may need clarification.
written comprehension
The DALF tests the candidate’s reading skills. The texts, short or long depending on the level targeted, require detailed understanding. The DALF C1 candidate must be able to read documents for orientation, information, following instructions, etc.
CEFR scale for general reading comprehension
The candidate can analyze long and complex texts, whether they relate to one of their fields of interest or not ; in case of difficulties, he can reread the problematic parts. The DALF C1 candidate manages to understand various types of texts including literature, press articles, or academic or professional writings, provided they can consult them again and have reference sources.
Written production
The test assesses the candidate’s skills in writing in French. Tasks vary depending on the level, which may include writing articles, letters, or summaries. Written interaction skills are also assessed, such as writing emails or texts intended for online publication.
CEFR scale for general written production
The CEFR scale measures the ability to write clear, well-structured texts on complex subjects, highlighting relevant points and developing an argued point of view, justifications and appropriate examples to reach a coherent conclusion.
CEFR scale for general written interaction
The DALF level C1 candidate can communicate with clarity and precision, adapting effectively to his reader
Oral production
The oral production test requires the presentation of a speech in the form of a monologue or presentation. It also assesses oral interaction with the jury using various methods, such as informal exchanges, role plays or debates.
CEFR scale for general oral production
The CEFR scale measures the ability to provide a clear and detailed description of complex topics, to develop narratives by integrating secondary elements, to develop precise points and to conclude in a proper way
CEFR scale for general oral interaction
The DALF C1 candidates can express themselves fluently and spontaneously, with extensive mastery of vocabulary, making it easy to compensate for gaps through indirect expressions, without requiring an intensive search for vocabulary or strategies to get around difficulties. Only conceptually complex topics can possibly disrupt the natural and smooth flow of discourse.
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.
